After a serious accident, victims may be left with very high medical bills and may be unable to work for an extended period of time. This can seem like a hopeless situation, but thanks to the Social Security system and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it does not have to be. In cases where people cannot work because of a disability, Social Security can step in and provide benefits until they can get back on their feet.
Unfortunately, receiving these benefits can be notoriously difficult, and many people who apply for them are denied. If you find yourself in this situation, a Chicago Social Security Disability lawyer could help you pursue these benefits. Even if you just want to make sure your application for SSDI is as airtight as possible the first time around, a personal injury attorney could help you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes.
Eligibility for SSDI
There are several criteria injured individuals must meet before receiving benefits. Specifically, individuals must have experienced a severe physical or mental disability or impairment expected to last for at least 12 months. Furthermore, the individual must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for at least five of the ten years prior to their becoming injured.
These requirements may seem clear at a glance, but it is up to the discretion of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine what injuries are severe enough to warrant receiving benefits. This is one of the main reasons why SSDI benefits may be denied to people who truly need them. A Social Security Disability lawyer in Chicago could help those who have had their benefits denied.
What to Do When an Application is Denied
When an application for SSDI is denied, there are steps injured individuals can take to appeal this outcome. The first step is typically to put in a request for reconsideration, but unfortunately these are also denied too often. If this occurs, the individual can then request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
In addition to the judge, a government medical expert and a government vocational expert should also be in attendance in the administrative court. A Chicago Social Security disability attorney could cross-examine these experts and argue their client’s case, which could ultimately help them receive full benefits to help with the costs of injury and living expenses while they are unable to work.
Why Hire a Chicago Social Security Disability Attorney?
Many people do not hire an attorney to represent them in their case for Social Security Disability benefits until they are denied, which can be a big mistake. An experienced SSDI attorney should also know how the legal process of applying for benefits works, including how to initially fill out the application to give you the best chance possible of getting your application approved.
A knowledgeable Chicago Social Security Disability lawyer could build a case for you from the very beginning, making you more familiar with all the relevant details of your case. If benefits are still denied, they could also help gather evidence to take to the administrative court on your behalf.
If you are about to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, or if you were already denied, speak to a dedicated local attorney today. These benefits can be very difficult to receive, but a good lawyer could make the entire process much easier.
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