Most people rely on the income from their jobs to support themselves and their families. If something happens to you that means you can no longer work, you and your family could experience financial struggles. Our local SSDI attorneys at Schaffer & Associates understand those challenges, and we know how to help.
If you are suffering from a serious medical condition that prevents you from working, you might qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no guarantee of obtaining benefits because the application process can be complex, and there is a statute of limitations for Findlay Social Security disability claims. Our knowledgeable attorneys could guide you through the application or appeal process to help you obtain your benefits.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must either be blind or have a disabling medical condition that will last for at least a year. Your medical condition must be sufficiently severe to prevent you from working and earning more than the monthly earnings limit set by Social Security, which changes each year.
There is no time limit to file your initial application for SSDI benefits. However, to qualify, you must prove that you suffered your injury or developed your medical condition while covered by disability insurance or while you had sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. Although you can still apply for benefits after you are no longer insured, you must prove that your injury or illness began while you had insured status or while you had enough work credits.
Every person who works and pays taxes can earn up to four work credits per year. The amount of work credits required to obtain SSDI benefits depends on your age. Generally, you must have paid into the Social Security system within the last five years, or your coverage could expire. Even though there is no strict deadline for an SSDI application, you could lose your right to apply if you do not apply before your work credits coverage expires.
After examining your work history, our skilled attorneys serving Findlay and the surrounding areas can explain how the deadline to apply for SSDI benefits affects you and your legal rights.
The SSA denies many initial applications for disability benefits. Although there are no strict time limitations for filing your initial application, you must comply with strict time limits when filing an appeal. At each stage of the appeal, you must comply with the 60-day deadline. If the SSA denies your initial application, you only have 60 days to appeal and request reconsideration. If the SSA denies your application again, you can file for an appeal hearing in front of an administrative law judge within 60 days. If the judge denies your claim, you have another 60 days to request a review with the appeals council. If you receive an unfavorable result from the appeals council, you have an additional 60 days to file a lawsuit in federal court.
Our attorneys have extensive experience guiding people in Findlay and the surrounding area through the SSDI appeals process, and we can ensure that your application meets federal time limits.
Applying for SSDI benefits can feel complicated. To give yourself the best chance of success, call Schaffer & Associates today and speak with one of our attorneys. We are familiar with the procedural rules governing work credits and the statute of limitations for Findlay Social Security disability claims.