Mena, AR Social Security Disability (SSDI) Lawyer

There are resources disabled workers can use to get the financial support they need after getting devastating diagnoses, including disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are for people who have suffered disabling injuries or medical conditions that prevent them from working but have previously been part of the workforce and paid into the system via Social Security taxes. Some recipients only need SSDI for several years, while others need it for the rest of their lives and can continue to receive it as long as they meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Your SSDI benefit amount will depend on your average indexed monthly earnings, and we can review your lifetime average income to estimate the financial support you may receive. Many SSDI application approvals hinge on whether or not applicants provide sufficient medical evidence to support their claims, and our lawyers can ensure this, even enlisting treating physicians to offer statements confirming applicants’ eligibility.

Call our SSDI lawyers today at (479) 316-0438 for a free and confidential case assessment.

Who SSDI Benefits Are for in Mena, AR

Social Security Disability Insurance is for people who have been in the workforce, contributing to Social Security taxes, who have sustained an injury or been diagnosed with an illness or other medical condition that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months or the rest of their lives.

These benefits are available to many because of the work credits they earn throughout their professional careers. All workers in the United States, no matter their level of employment, can earn up to four Social Security work credits per year. You get one credit per $1,730 in earnings, so you get your four credits for the year after earning just $6,920, somewhat evening the playing field. Your age will dictate how many work credits you need for SSDI, and our attorneys can review your earning record to determine if you qualify.

SSDI is a safety net for those who cannot work anymore or earn enough income to support themselves and their families. Whether or not you can earn a livable wage must be because of your medical condition and whether it aligns closely enough with any of the SSA’s listing of impairments. While serious injuries can qualify you for SSDI, so can illnesses and some mental health disorders, so many more individuals are eligible for benefits than they might expect, and we can confirm this soon after you get diagnosed so that we can quickly start the application process in Mena.

How Long SSDI Benefits Typically Last in Mena, AR

SSDI benefits are designed to last as long as recipients need them, which could be the rest of their lives. While on Social Security Disability Insurance, you must follow the SSA’s rules for reporting outside income and be prepared for impending continuing disability reviews (CDRs), which might happen periodically.

You can keep getting SSDI for as long as your condition prevents you from earning beneath SGA limits in Mena. You must report earnings to the SSA if you work a part-time job or have any additional income sources outside of SSDI. Earning too much in additional income could threaten your continued access to SSDI, and our lawyers can explain SGA limits so that you do not risk your benefits.

If the SSA believes your condition could improve, agents might review your continued eligibility once every three years. If medical improvement is highly unlikely, you might go through a CDR once every five to seven years. During CDRs, SSDI recipients should be prepared to submit current medical evidence from physicians confirming their conditions persist and continue to prevent them from earning over SGA amounts.

If you stay on SSDI until retirement age, your benefits will automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits. If you experience any delays or issues during this transition, our lawyers can contact the SSA and help you iron out the situation.

How Much SSDI Benefits Amount to in Mena, AR

SSDI benefit amounts vary, depending on a recipient’s average indexed monthly earnings. Our lawyers are familiar with the calculation methods the SSA uses to determine monthly benefit amounts, and we can estimate your lifetime average earnings before you submit your claim so you know what to expect from monthly checks.

The highest monthly SSDI payment in 2024 is $3,822, which is not the average benefit for most recipients. How long you have been working and how much you have earned over that period will affect your monthly benefit amount, not the severity of your medical condition. All conditions that qualify for SSDI are similarly disabling, and one is not considered more serious than another in the eyes of the SSA.

How to Prepare an Application for SSDI Benefits in Mena, AR

Applications for SSDI benefits must contain the appropriate information, or SSA agents might reject claims, forcing applicants to restart the process entirely.

Our SSDI lawyers can offer various pieces of evidence to confirm your employment and income history, including tax returns and employer information. The SSA can typically easily confirm eligibility based on work credits, and the most challenging aspect of SSDI applications is proving applicants qualify based on their medical condition. This requires ample hospital records and statements from treating physicians confirming you cannot engage in substantial gainful activity because of your injury, illness, or condition.

The Social Security Administration might take several months to process your claim, so it is important to be proactive and explore your eligibility immediately after receiving a diagnosis or sustaining a disabling injury. This can help you get the financial support you require sooner rather than later.

Call Our Lawyers for Help with Your SSDI Application in Mena, AR

Call (479) 316-0438 to discuss your case for free with our SSDI lawyers.