Van Buren, AR Social Security Disability Lawyer

Disabled individuals who are unable to work naturally worry about how they will cover their finances. Fortunately, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are available in Van Buren to those who qualify.

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, applicants must meet specific criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration. However, the application process for benefits can be complex and time-consuming, often resulting in initial denials. It requires gathering extensive documentation, including medical records, employment history, and supporting evidence of the disability. This is where the knowledge of our firm becomes invaluable in your case.

Reach out to our Social Security Disability lawyers by calling (479) 316-0438 and receive your case review today free of charge.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance in Van Buren, AR

Dealing with a disability can be a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally. In Van Buren, individuals who are unable to work because of a disability might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Fortunately, our Social Security disability attorneys are here to help you understand the eligibility criteria and navigate the complex application process. The following are the requirements used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine an individual’s eligibility in Van Buren.

Determining Substantial Gainful Activity

When a person applies for SSDI benefits, the SSA first evaluates if the applicant is currently engaged in substantial gainful activity. This means that the SSA looks at whether the applicant is working and earning a certain amount of money. The SGA threshold is adjusted annually and is currently $1,310 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,190 per month for blind individuals.

If the applicant is earning above the SGA threshold, they will generally not be considered disabled and will not qualify for SSDI benefits. However, if the applicant’s earnings are below the SGA threshold, the evaluation process proceeds to the next step of determining if they have a medically determinable impairment and if that impairment significantly limits their ability to perform basic work-related activities.

Determining the Severity of Impairment

During the evaluation process, one of the main stages involves the SSA assessing the severity of the applicant’s impairment. This is an essential step in determining the applicant’s eligibility for disability benefits.

To be considered eligible for disability benefits, the applicant’s impairment must significantly limit their ability to perform basic work-related activities. The SSA has a list of criteria that the impairment must meet to qualify as severe enough for disability benefits. If the impairment does not meet the criteria, the application might be denied.

However, if the impairment is severe enough to meet the SSA’s criteria, the evaluation process moves to the next step. The SSA will assess the applicant’s ability to perform past relevant work and any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy based on their age, education, and work experience. The SSA will also consider the applicant’s functional limitations caused by the impairment to determine if they can work in any capacity.

Assess the Ability to Perform Past and Other Work

The SSA assesses whether you are able to perform any of your past relevant work. Past relevant work refers to work performed in the last 15 years that was substantial and gainful. If the applicant can still perform their past work, they will generally be considered not disabled, and their application might be denied. However, if the applicant cannot perform their past work, the evaluation process proceeds to the final step.

The SSA also evaluates whether you are capable of performing any other type of work considering your age, education, past work experience, and residual functional capacity (RFC). RFC refers to the applicant’s ability to perform work-related activities despite their impairment. If the SSA determines that you can adjust to other work, you will not be considered disabled. However, if you cannot adjust to other work, you will be deemed disabled and eligible for SSDI benefits.

Assess Work Credits Earned

To qualify, applicants need to have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, which are earned based on their employment history. Work credits are determined by the amount of income earned and the number of years worked.

The number of work credits required for eligibility depends on the age at which the disability began. The SSA uses a complex formula that takes into account both the number of work credits and the age at which the disability occurred to determine eligibility for disability benefits.

How Our Van Buren, AR Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Support Your Claim

Navigating the SSDI application process can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with a disability. However, working with our firm can greatly increase your chances of success. The following are just a few ways our team can support your claim in Van Burn:

Gather Medical Evidence

A successful SSDI claim largely depends on the strength of your medical evidence. In order to build a strong case, we can help gather all relevant medical records, obtain expert opinions, and present your case in the most favorable light possible.

Our team will be able to identify any missing medical records or testing that might be required to support your claim. Additionally, they can help prepare you for any hearings or appeals that might be necessary. With their expertise and support, you can increase your chances of a successful SSDI claim.

Help You Avoid Common Mistakes

When applying for benefits, it is crucial to approach the process with great care and attention to detail. Our firm understands that the SSDI application process can be complex and overwhelming, which is why we offer comprehensive guidance and assistance every step of the way.

By working with us, you can avoid common pitfalls that frequently result in claim denials. We can help ensure that all necessary forms are completed accurately and in a timely manner, that important deadlines are not missed, and that all relevant medical documentation is included to support your claim. Our goal is to help you navigate the SSDI application process with confidence and ease so that you can focus on your health and well-being.

Appeal if Your Benefits Are Denied

If your insurance claim is denied, our firm is committed to helping you navigate the appeals process. Our team will work tirelessly on your behalf to evaluate the denial and gather all necessary information to build a strong case for your appeal. We will represent you aggressively during the appeals process and administrative hearings, utilizing our knowledge of insurance law to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Our Van Buren, AR Social Security Disability Lawyers Are Here to Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve

To review your case for free with our Social Security Disability attorneys and determine your eligibility, give us a call at (479) 316-0438.