Farmington, AR Disability Lawyer
If you are unable to work because you have a disability or because you were seriously injured, you may qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration has programs that you can apply for if you meet the qualifications for these programs. If you or a family member needs assistance applying for disability benefits, contact an experienced Farmington disability lawyer today.
The Kieklak Law Firm is prepared to help you determine whether you are qualified to receive disability benefits. We understand the difficulty of living with a disability and how it can affect your ability to work, and we are here to stand with you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your options, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 262-9766, or contact us online.
Applying for Disability Benefits
There are two types of disability programs that a person could apply for through the Social Security Administration (SSA): Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each of these programs has different qualifications that must be met before a person can be approved to receive benefits. For example, the following medical conditions can make you eligible for disability benefits:
- Amputated limbs
- Asthma
- Cancer/Tumors
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- HIV/AIDS
- Lupus
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Traumatic brain injuries
This is not an exhaustive list. The SSA website has a full list of impairments that qualify for disability benefits. It is also important to note that some disabilities may not be listed but may be similar enough to listed disabilities to qualify for benefits.
Filing an Application for Benefits
The first step you should take when applying for benefits is to consult with an experienced attorney. SSA benefit claims are often complex, and a simple error or mistake can result in your benefits being delayed or other issues. An attorney can help you prepare to handle your claim.
You should share with your attorney all information about your disability or injury that can help you secure SSA benefits. For example, if your disability must be proved with the use of medical tests, it is important to have these tests completed to use in your claim for benefits.
An attorney will ready your claim to be examined by a claims determination specialist. However, this may just be the first step of many, as you may be required to submit even more information.
SSDI Benefits
SSDI is used to benefit insured workers or workers that have paid a sufficient amount of Social Security taxes. The payment of Social Security taxes will earn insured worker credits towards the SSDI program. Once a person has secured SSDI benefits, they will receive cash payments to compensate for their inability to work.
To receive SSDI benefits, a person must have an injury or a qualifying medical condition that will at least last a year or that can cause a person to die. In addition to having a qualifying medical condition, an applicant for benefits must have a recent work history. What satisfies the recent work requirement will depend on the circumstances of your case.
It is also important to note that the SSA must perform a 5-step examination of your claim before you can be approved for SSDI:
- Whether you are able to find employment or engage in rigorous activities
- The extent of your injury or disability
- Whether your condition is on the impairment list or is similar to a qualifying condition on the impairment list
- Whether you can continue in the line of work you were accustomed to
- Can you perform other types of meaningful work
SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income benefits are given to individuals with low income that live with a disability or that meet other requirements. Unlike SSDI benefits, you do not need to pay a certain amount of Social Security taxes to qualify for SSI.
To determine whether to approve an applicant for SSI benefits, the SSA will analyze the applicant’s income and any assets owned by the applicant. If an applicant is approved to receive SSI benefits, they will likely receive a monthly stipend of cash payments. It is also possible that a person will be eligible for medical benefits if they qualify for SSI.
Work with Our Arkansas SSDI Benefits Attorney Today
If you or a family member is interested in applying for SSDI or SSI, consult with an experienced Arkansas SSDI attorney today. Disability attorney Ken Kieklak has a wealth of experience dealing with a plethora of disability claims, and he is prepared to use that knowledge to represent you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your disability claim, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 262-9766.