Hot Springs, AR Social Security Disability (SSDI) Lawyer

When you are injured and cannot work in Hot Springs, you need help through this difficult period. Fortunately, if you are deemed unable to work, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

The SSDI application process can be notoriously complex and time-consuming. However, with our team’s assistance, you stand the best chance of receiving the benefits you are entitled to. The amount of your SSDI payment is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. The SSA uses a complex formula to calculate your benefit amount, taking into account your earnings history, your age, and the date you became disabled. We can help you determine not only if you qualify but also how much you could recover based on the specific facts of your case.

Call us at (479) 316-0438 to receive your free case assessment with our Social Security Disability (SSDI) attorneys.

How Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Works in Hot Springs, AR

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to people who are unable to work because of a disability. While SSDI operates under federal guidelines established by the Social Security Administration (SSA), applicants in Hot Springs, AR, like elsewhere in the United States, can apply under the same rules. However, working with our Social Security Disability (SSDI) lawyers is the best way to determine if you qualify and how to get your benefits. The following will help you understand what to expect when applying for SSDI benefits in Hot Springs:

Determining Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for SSDI benefits, an individual must have a qualifying disability that meets the SSA’s definition. This definition includes a medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death and prevents the individual from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

The SSA defines SGA as the ability to earn a certain amount of money through work. In 2024, the monthly SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,350, while for blind individuals, it is $2,260. If an individual is currently earning more than the SGA limit, they will not be eligible for SSDI benefits.

In addition to meeting the SSA’s definition of disability, the applicant must have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, typically earned through previous employment. The number of work credits required to be eligible for SSDI benefits varies depending on the applicant’s age at the time they become disabled. Generally, an individual must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least five of the past ten years to be able to accumulate enough work credits for eligibility.

Initiating the Application Process

Individuals in Hot Springs who wish to apply for SSDI benefits have different options for initiating the application process. They can do so online by visiting the official SSA website, by phone by contacting the SSA’s toll-free number, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.

The SSDI application process is complex and detailed, requiring applicants to provide extensive documentation. In addition to personal identification, applicants must submit comprehensive medical records and work history documentation, which should demonstrate how the disability impacts their ability to work.

The SSA might request additional information or examinations from SSA-approved physicians as part of the disability determination process. It is crucial that applicants provide a complete and accurate representation of their disability and how it affects their daily life and capacity to work.

Distributing the Benefits

SSDI typically provides monthly cash payments to individuals who are unable to work because of a disability. The amount of the payments is determined based on the applicant’s average lifetime earnings that were covered by Social Security. This means that if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a significant period of time, you might be eligible for SSDI benefits if you become disabled.

In addition to the cash payments, SSDI beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare after receiving benefits for two years. Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. This coverage is crucial for managing medical conditions and ensuring access to necessary healthcare services, especially for those who are unable to work and have limited financial resources.

Appealing a Claim Denial

Of course, you might encounter denials of your application because of several reasons, including insufficient evidence or failure to meet eligibility criteria. However, you should know that you have the right to appeal the SSA’s decision. The appeals process involves several stages, each with its own procedures and requirements.

The first level of appeal is the Reconsideration stage. At this stage, another SSA representative will review your application and any new evidence you might have submitted. It is important to note that the Reconsideration stage has a time limit of 60 days after you receive your initial denial letter.

If the Reconsideration stage is unsuccessful, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At this stage, the ALJ will review your application and any new evidence, as well as hear testimony from you and any witnesses you might have. Hearings in Hot Springs are typically held at the nearest Office of Hearings Operations (OHO).

If you are dissatisfied with the ALJ’s decision, you can request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review your case and might either deny your request for review or grant your request. It might also issue a new decision or return your case to the ALJ for further review.

The final stage of appeal involves filing a lawsuit in a federal district court. This stage is time-consuming and expensive, and it is recommended that you seek counsel from our team if you decide to pursue this option.

How a Hot Springs, AR SSDI Lawyer Can Support Your Claim

When applying for SSDI, having strong evidence to support your claim is crucial. It is not uncommon for individuals to have their initial application denied because of insufficient evidence. This is where having a lawyer can make a significant difference. We can help in various ways, such as obtaining comprehensive medical evidence that clearly demonstrates the extent and impact of your disability.

In addition, our team can ensure that your medical information is up-to-date, including new medical evidence, treatments, and evaluations that occur after your initial application. This is important because medical evidence is the primary factor that the SSA considers when evaluating a claim.

Moreover, a lawyer can also help prepare a compelling case by presenting your evidence in a way that clearly articulates why you qualify for SSDI benefits. This involves analyzing your medical records to determine which pieces of evidence are most relevant to your case and then crafting a persuasive argument that links that evidence to the SSA’s criteria for SSDI eligibility.

Our Hot Springs, AR Social Security Disability (SSDI) Lawyers Can Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve

For a free case evaluation with our Social Security Disability (SSDI) lawyers, contact us by calling (479) 316-0438.