Assumption Parish SSDI Lawyer
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees various programs that may provide support for you if you become disabled and unable to work. One of the most essential of these programs is Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, which provides benefits for those workers who have earned an adequate income and paid Social Security taxes.
If illness or injury has left you unable to work, an Assumption Parish SSDI lawyer may be able to offer help to anyone who has become disabled and needs to access SSDI benefits for financial support. The SSDI program can provide you with monthly financial support while you are coping with your medical conditions on an indefinite basis but qualifying for these benefits is not automatic. Speak to a skilled personal injury attorney to learn more about the social security disability insurance benefits and what you may be eligible to recover.
Applying for SSDI in Assumption Parish
Individuals can apply for SSDI benefits in person at their local SSA offices, by phone, or by filling out an application online in some cases. To be eligible to file for SSDI benefits online, individuals must over the age of 18, not currently receiving benefits on their records, and not have received a denial of benefits within the last 60 days. Additionally, individuals must be unable to work due to a medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death to be eligible for SSDI benefits.
No matter how individuals apply for SSDI benefits, the SSA may require the submission of personal documentation, such as birth certificates or other proof of birth, proof of United States citizenship if born outside the U.S., all income tax returns and attachments for the prior year, and medical records already in the possession of individuals, among other records. Applicants must submit these records by mail or in-person to their local SSA offices. An attorney in Assumption Parish can ensure a person prepares and submits the correct SSDI documents.
Benefit Denials and The Appeals Process
If an individual is rejected benefits, they will receive a notice of why they were denied and instructions about how to appeal the decision. Unfortunately, first-time applicants for SSDI benefits are more likely than not to receive a denial of benefits. Since there are strict deadlines by which individuals must appeal the denial of social security benefits, it is best to contact a SSDI lawyer in Assumption Parish for help.
There are various levels to the appeals process for denials of SSDI benefits, including a request for reconsideration, an administrative law judge hearing, and a request for review by the Appeals Council. Once individuals have exhausted these administrative appeals, they can appeal their denials of benefits to the relevant federal district court. Time limits apply to the submission of each of these levels of appeal and individuals also can continue to submit new or additional medical evidence as health care providers generate it.
Hearing By An Administrative Law Judge
The level of appeal at which an SSDI attorney may be essential is the hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The hearing can take place in person or via videoconference in front of an ALJ employed by SSA to hearing disability appeals. The ALJ is a neutral third party who does not have previous information about the case and did not take part in the prior denials of the claim for benefits.
At an ALJ hearing, a SSDI attorney in Assumption Parish can provide additional medical information, including medical care provider reports and test results, as well as have claimants testify about their medical conditions. By compiling all necessary and relevant medical evidence, legal counsel may be successful in helping individuals build a stronger claim for SSDI benefits.
Speak to an Assumption Parish SSDI Attorney for Advice
Each social security disability insurance claim is unique. As a result, you may wish to speak with an Assumption Parish SSDI lawyer for advice tailored to your specific situation. You may be able to learn what steps you can take to improve your chances of receiving an approval of your SSDI claim.
Getting legal representation when you need it most can increase the likelihood of a positive response to claim. Call today to get started on your claim.