Abingdon SSD Lawyer
If you cannot to work due to a chronic physical injury, health issue, illness, or mental condition, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Income (SSD) benefits. However, the process of applying for disability benefits can be challenging, as less than 30% of initial applications are approved, often because of minor clerical or documentation errors. By working with an experienced disability attorney, you can rest assured that our dedicated team will thoroughly prepare your application and take action to avoid issues that commonly result in denials.
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, experienced Abingdon SSD lawyer Mark Hurt handles disability claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients do not pay a fee unless we recover benefits on their behalf. Further, this amount is typically capped by law at 25% of the backpay amount OR $6,000, whichever is less.
For years, The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt has served people in need of assistance with SSD claims. We work with our clients at all stages of the application process (including administrative reviews and appeal hearings). Call today to schedule a free case evaluation with Abingdon SSD lawyer Mark Hurt to learn about your legal rights and how our team is committed to helping you secure the benefits you need and deserve.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD)?
Individuals who have worked, earned wages, and contributed taxes to the Social Security program may qualify for SSD. Social Security Disability is a government program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are “insured” under Social Security and unable to work for at least one year due to an injury or illness or who have suffered a condition likely to lead to death.
SSD provides benefits based on the work an individual performed in the past, using a system of work credits. Generally, individuals must earn forty credits (twenty of which must be accrued within ten years before a disability) to qualify for benefits. As an experienced Abingdon disability lawyer, Mark Hurt can help you understand whether you qualify for SSD and make sure that you complete all requirements when applying for these benefits.
Do I Qualify to Receive SSD Benefits?
SSD eligibility requirements generally include the following:
- Meeting the Minimum Work Credit Requirement;
- Paying enough taxes into the SSD Program (or having enough Credits);
- Having limited ongoing income (income that does not exceed a specified threshold); and
- Having a disabling condition that prevents working for a minimum of one year, or which is expected to result in death.
What Does the SSA Consider A Disability?
The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) asks the following questions when determining whether an individual has a qualifying disability:
- Is the applicant working?
- Is the condition severe?
- Is the condition on the List of Disabling Impairments (known as the Blue Book)?
- Can the individual perform work they previously did?
- Can the individual perform other types of work?
If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility requirements, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free case evaluation. Abingdon SSD attorney Mark Hurt can review the facts of your claim and assist in determining whether you may potentially qualify for benefits.
Why Do I Need An Experienced Abingdon SSD Lawyer?
Without knowledge of the application process, many individuals run into challenges and pitfalls that result in claim denials. Historically, over 70% of initial applications are rejected. The reasons for rejection are numerous, ranging from minor technical matters to issues concerning proving disability.
It is important to understand that the SSA does not have the flexibility under the law to break the very rigid requirements for obtaining disability benefits. In other words, even minor matters must result in claim rejection – an individual cannot simply submit additional information to their claim.
When a claim is rejected (which happens in most cases when an experienced SSD attorney is not used), an individual then must go through the appeals process. This process typically takes around an additional four months after a claim has been rejected; however, it can easily take much longer. And, during this time, the individual will not have the benefit of receiving the disability benefits, which are often vital to pay bills.
How an Experienced Abingdon SSD Lawyer Can Help
We strongly urge those seeking SSD disability payments not to gamble with their future by trying to represent themselves – either in preparing their claim or in the appeals process.
As an Abingdon SSD Lawyer with decades of legal practice, Mark Hurt can help to ensure that common mistakes are not made during the application process that could jeopardize an award or unnecessarily extend the amount of time it takes to begin receiving SSD. Further, if a claim is denied, our team can help prepare for the appeals process and provide representation during the proceedings (including reconsiderations, administrative hearings, and federal appeal hearings).
Schedule A Free Case Evaluation with Experienced Abingdon SSD Attorney Mark Hurt.
To learn more about how The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt can assist you with your claim, please contact Abingdon SSD lawyer Mark Hurt today. Mark has years of experience helping clients in seeking disability benefits, and proudly serves individuals throughout Southwest Virginia and beyond. We offer a free case evaluation during which time you can confidentially discuss with us your unique situation and ask us any questions you may have.
Client Review
We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.
K F
