Carroll County, AR Disability Lawyers

If you are applying for disability benefits or are appealing a denied claim, an experienced legal representative is essential. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has not made the process of obtaining benefits easy. In fact, the rigorous process was designed to ensure only those fully deserving received benefits.

Whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the odds are your claim will be denied. The SSA denies over half of all disability claims.

One way to increase your chances of obtaining the monthly benefits you need is having our Carroll County, AR disability lawyers advocate on your behalf. Call (479) 316-0438 to discuss what you need to do to get the benefits you deserve.

Types of Social Security Disability Benefits Available in Carroll County, Arkansas

Whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI, you must suffer from a medical or mental impairment that prevents you from working for a living. The Social Security Administration defines this as engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Your condition must be anticipated to last at least twelve months or result in your death.

While the SSA administers both of these programs, each is very different in design and intent. SSDI provides benefits to individuals who have worked for a sufficient number of years, paying into the Social Security system. On the other hand, SSI is a safety net program intended for disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Nonetheless, for each program, you must meet the same medical requirements.

Social Security Disability Insurance in Carroll County, AR

SSDI benefits are intended for people under the age of 65 who have worked and contributed to Social Security throughout their working life. The SSA uses “work credits” to determine who is eligible. A worker was the ability to earn a maximum of four credits per year. The number of credits you need depends on your age, though on average, a disabled worker will need approximately 20 credits within the ten years before the onset of their disability. If you are younger, this number could be lower. However, if you have only been in the workforce for a short time or have worked sporadically, you probably will not pass this requirement.

If your benefits application is approved, you will receive monthly payments based on the average indexed monthly earnings calculation. This calculation is based on the income you earned over your working life. According to the SSA, the average monthly payment is between $1,200 and $1,300. Under some circumstances, you could be eligible for additional benefits for your spouse and children. Furthermore, if you receive SSDI benefits for at least two years, you will be eligible for Medicare as well.

Supplemental Security Income in Carroll County

SSI benefits differ from SSDI benefits. SSI payments are available for those individuals in need, even if they have not earned enough work credits through their employment history. However, as SSI is a needs-based program, an applicant must have limited financial resources and income. For 2021, the monthly income allowed for a single person is $794. For married couples, the amount increases to $1,191. If your monthly income exceeds these thresholds, you will not be eligible for SS1. If you receive other benefits, including SNAP benefits or welfare payments, they are not considered income in the SSA’s determination.

The SSA is not only looking at your income – your financial resources must be limited as well. Financial resources include any asset that could be used for food or shelter, including income, savings accounts, land, personal property, and investments. For a single individual, the amount of resources cannot exceed $2,000. For a married couple, that figure increases to $3,000. The SSA does allow people to exclude their residence and a primary vehicle.

The monthly payment under SSI is lower than SSDI, with a maximum set equal to the income eligibility.

How Our Experienced Carroll County Social Security Disability Attorneys Can Help You

The SSA does not make applying for benefits easy. In fact, in Arkansas, more than half of all initial applications are denied. Therefore, whether you are filing your first application or appealing a denial, having knowledgeable legal representation is essential. Our Carroll County disability lawyers will help you navigate the complicated process.

The Social Security Administration requires detailed medical evidence supporting your disability. It also sets a rigid schedule of when paperwork must be filed. Additionally, the paperwork itself must be completed accurately. If you are unfamiliar with the disability process, it will become overwhelming quickly. Any mistakes, omissions, or missed deadlines will result in a denial.

Furthermore, you want to ensure the medical evidence you provide is sufficient to support your claim. A note from your treating physician stating you are disabled is not enough. Our Carroll County disability attorneys understand the type and level of evidence the SSA requires.

If you are disabled and cannot work, disability benefit payments are a vital source of income. You not only want your application approved, but you also want the process to be as efficient as possible. While the Social Security Administration will set the actual timeline, our Carroll County disability lawyers could help move your case forward. Having skilled representation will help you gather medical evidence, complete paperwork, and prepare a case for an administrative law judge if you must appeal your claim.

Experienced Carroll County, AR Disability Lawyers Advocating for People’s Rights

Trying to handle a Social Security Disability claim by yourself is likely to end in frustration and a denial. If you are appealing a claim, you should have an experienced lawyer by your side. Our Carroll County, AR disability lawyers have been advocating for our clients for over twenty years. Call (479) 316-0438 to speak with someone from our law offices.