Our social security disability lawyer Roanoke, VA residents, recommend have seen firsthand the impact of medical conditions on a person. These medical diagnoses can severely impact a person’s ability to live the life they would have if their medical condition didn’t affect them. Conditions can vary and range in severity; at times, they may make it nearly impossible to live everyday life and even hold down a job. Qualifying for social security disability will require being diagnosed with a medical condition that qualifies with the Social Security Administration. Unfortunately, the application process can be complicated and require jumping through several hoops, making the services of professionals like The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt imperative.
What is Social Security Disability?
Social security disability insurance is a Federal program that provides financial support to those who are disabled and unable to retain employment due to a disability. The program is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and allows approved applicants to receive monthly payments towards living expenses. When a person cannot work because of a medical condition, social security disability may be appropriate. Pursuing the process can be complex, often requiring significant paperwork to prove the need for these benefits. Additionally, the approval process can be lengthy, and even the slightest mistake can result in a denial of benefits. Initiating the application process is best done online, but be aware that the application can be challenging to complete, meaning that the assistance of a lawyer may be imperative to ensuring approval from the SSA.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability
To obtain social security disability benefits, applicants must meet the criteria and complete a grueling application process. Applicants must carefully fill out the application in as accurate a way as possible, which is why many applicants should consider the services of a Roanoke, Virginia social security disability lawyer. Social security disability benefits are available to those severely disabled and unable to earn a living up to a certain threshold. The following are key ways to qualify for these benefits:
- Applicants must be able to meet the SSAs definition of disability: “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairments which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
- Applicants must have worked jobs that qualify under social security
- Applicants must have enough accumulated work credits within a specific timeframe to qualify.
- Applicants must have a medical condition that falls under the SSA’s definition; examples include:
- Immune System Disorders
- Mental Health Disorders
- Cardiovascular System
- Hematological Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
When a person suffers from a condition that may impair their ability to function or retain gainful employment, it’s best to consider whether social security disability is the most appropriate form of support. Consider initiating the process by first speaking with a medical professional and then with an experienced lawyer.
Denials of Social Security Disability
In 2017, more than 10 million people received social security disability benefits. Despite this, obtaining approval for social security disability may not appear as straightforward as it seems. The complexities of the process can account for a high number of denials, which can significantly impact applicants who are in dire need of these benefits. Common reasons applicants may experience denials for social security disability benefits are:
- Making too much money
- Not having enough work credits to qualify
- Inaccuracies or incorrectly completing the application
- Missed deadlines
- Medical conditions that did not qualify or aren’t severe enough
For someone whose life has been significantly impacted due to a medical condition, it’s best to start by speaking with The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt. Meeting with Roanoke, VA, social security disability lawyers is the best way to determine the course for moving forward and pursuing benefits.