In 1956, the U.S. government recognized the need to help disabled workers, and Congress added new provisions to the Social Security Act to establish a federal insurance program called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Beneficiaries of this program receive a modest monthly income to support themselves and their families.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI is an insurance policy that covers workers who have paid into the program through automatic payroll deductions. Workers in the U.S. are awarded quarterly work credits by the SSA when they earn a minimum amount of money in that period, making the maximum award four credits per year. The specific number of credits required to receive SSDI benefits is dependent upon your age at the time the disability began.
After you meet the work criteria, you will then have to prove that your disability is long-term and so severe that you are no longer able to work at your current or previous job and that you cannot adjust to different work.
If you meet all of the above requirements, you will qualify to receive SSDI benefits in the form of monthly payments. The amount of each payment is calculated as a percentage of your average monthly earnings over the course of your working life. As of January 1, 2016, the average SSDI payment for an individual was $1,166. This modest sum may not seem like much, but it is enough to keep most people on their feet.
Social Security Disability in Highland Village, TX
If you believe that you have paid a sufficient amount into the SSDI program through your payroll taxes, then you can complete an application at the nearest SSA office, which is in Denton, TX. You can also apply online, but you will be asked to submit medical records and other documentation as evidence of the truth of your statements.
The SSDI application process can be quite complex, and many people get frustrated early on because of the hassles, such as understanding all of the legal and medical terminology. However, the following suggestions can be beneficial if you decide to apply on your own without help from a disability attorney.
- Request medical records from all of your doctors, and ensure that the records include dates, your doctors’ names, healthcare facilities, reasons for visiting, diagnoses and treatments.
- List the physical impairments and psychological conditions that prevent you from working using official medical terminology.
- Consult an experienced disability professional.
Getting Help From an Attorney
Getting help from a reliable SSDI attorney can take the stress out of the application and appeals processes, and it will free your time so that you can take care of yourself and be with your family. At this time in your life, you are certainly not in top shape, and it is easy to make simple mistakes on your application. In addition, if you have to appeal and are asked to appear at a hearing before an administrative law judge, you may not know exactly what to say.
An attorney experienced in disability law knows how to navigate the system, and he or she will understand how to present your case and talk to the judge. For more information and a free consultation, contact a Texas disability attorney today.
