Disability benefits can be a lifeline for many residents in Lambertville who have become disabled and can no longer work, or are limited in their ability to work. Over 2.6 million people living in Michigan have a disability, but there are programs in place that can help. Our experienced Lambertville Social Security disability attorney can help you:
- Determine if you meet Social Security’s eligibility requirements
- Obtain the right supporting documentation for your claim
- Work through the arduous appeals process, if necessary
At Schaffer & Associates, LPA, we have 30+ years of experience helping clients – just like you – seek the disability benefits they desperately need.
If you need to apply for Social Security disability benefits, let us help you navigate this intimidating process.
Click here to schedule an appointment with us.
How Do I File for Social Security Disability Benefits?
It’s always wise to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney when thinking about filing for Social Security Disability. Anyone can file, but approval requires you to have a severe disability AND a sufficient recent work history. Applying for benefits can be done in a few ways:
- Start an application online, or
- Set up an appointment by calling +1 800-772-1213, or
- Set up an appointment by calling +1 800-325-0778 (deaf or hard of hearing)
Before you file for benefits, you’ll want to be sure that you meet the eligibility criteria.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Disability and How are They Determined?
The Social Security Administration has a strict definition of disability, which you must meet to have your claim accepted. The SSA uses a five-question process to help determine if a person is disabled, by their definition.
- Are you working? If you’re disabled and earning an income, your earnings may count as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Your claim for disability cannot be processed if you earn more than the following per month in 2024: $1,550 (non-blind) or $2,590 (blind).
- Is your condition “severe?” A qualifying disability must be such that you have not worked, or do not expect to be able to work, for a minimum of 12 months. For example, you must have significant and lasting limitations in your ability to walk, sit, stand, lift or remember.
- Do you have a qualifying condition found in the list of disabling conditions? As your Lambertville Social Security disability attorney, we’ll review your medical evidence to determine if it likely prevents you from reaching SGA. One condition or the combined effect of multiple conditions may prevent you from working. You can view the list of impairments on the official SSA website.
- Can you still perform the same type of work you did previously? Your claim will be denied if the reviewer finds that your condition(s) does not prevent you from completing the same work as you did in the past.
- Can you still perform another type of work? If the answer to this question is “yes”, then you do not qualify for disability benefits. You must be able to prove, through medical evidence, that you are not able to perform other work. The reviewer will determine this by analyzing your medical condition in combination with your education, age, past work experience, and skills that you possess.
You may also fall into a “special situation”. Eligibility for programs such as Supplemental Security Income, Compassionate Allowances, etc. should be considered on a case by case basis.
It’s best to consult with the Social Security Administration directly or a seasoned attorney if you are curious about your eligibility for alternative programs.
What Types of Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?
In order to qualify for Lambertville Social Security disability benefits, you must have an impairment severe enough that it prevents you from working. The SSA maintains its own Blue Book of qualifying conditions, which include:
- Respiratory disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic pulmonary hypertension
- Digestive disorders, such as liver disease, short bowel syndrome, or irritable bowel syndrome
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, hypertension, or coronary artery disease
- Endocrine disorders, including parathyroid gland conditions, diabetes, or adrenal gland disorders
- Skin disorders, such as burns and dermatitis
- Musculoskeletal conditions, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or back injuries
- Immune system disorders, including lupus, HIV/AIDS, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis
- Genitourinary disorders, such as nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease
- Hematological disorders, such as hemostasis, bone marrow failure, and thrombosis
- Special senses and speech conditions, including hearing and vision loss
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Various forms of cancer
How Can a Social Security Disability Attorney Help Me?
Applying for SSDI can be an intimidating process. When you’re in need of benefits, you want to do everything in your power to ensure your application has the best chance of being approved.
An experienced SSDI attorney can help you in many ways.
Although you can certainly apply for benefits on your own, a seasoned attorney will know the process inside and out. An attorney will also:
- Perform a thorough review of your case and help you find the best path forward.
- Communicate with the SSA on your behalf.
- File all forms and documents, ensuring they’re complete, properly formatted, and accurate.
- Collect relevant medical records to support your claim and build a narrative that tells your story.
- Stay in communication with the SSA.
If your application is initially denied, which is common, your attorney will help you through the appeal process and represent you at your disability hearing.
Above all else, an attorney will help make the process less stressful. They will take care of the fine details and nuances of filing a claim so that you can focus on the most important thing: taking care of your health and well-being.
Contact an Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney Near Lambertville
Applying for SSDI does not have to be a stressful process, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Our Lambertville Social Security disability attorneys are here for you to assist you throughout the entire application process – whatever it may entail.
Contact us today online, or call us at 419-350-8277 to schedule a free consultation.
