Attorney for Delayed Disability Claims in Fayetteville, AR

Physical and mental disabilities are challenging, making everyday activities difficult. Often, individuals are unable to work or earn a living due to a disability or an injury. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits for people suffering from disabilities or long-term injuries through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Applying for SSDI is a complicated and intense process. Furthermore, due to precautions taken to mitigate COVID-19 over the last few months, delays in processing applications and claims are possible. It is essential to retain the services of an experienced disability attorney who is familiar with the Social Security benefits system.

If an injury or disability will limit your ability to work for 12 consecutive months, you might be able to collect benefits through SSDI. While you can complete and submit your application online or at a local Social Security office, the process is complicated. Often, claims are denied due to small errors that occur in either providing information or documentation. Additionally, as the coronavirus has slowed down many government agencies, delays in processing your applications are also possible. The regulations and rules governing SSDI are complex and you need the assistance of an attorney for delayed disability claims in Fayetteville, AR. Contact the law office of Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438 to schedule a free consultation.

Qualifying for SSDI in Fayetteville, AR

To obtain SSDI benefits, you must meet specific qualifications. Your injury or disability must be a severe physical or mental impairment, restricting your ability to work gainfully. Additionally, the disability has to last for at least 12 consecutive months or be fatal. Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, knows what information and medical records are necessary for your application to be accepted – this knowledge is vital for your initial claim or if you are appealing a denied application. In many cases, you can help prevent a delayed application by making sure that your application has all of the information it needs and that your condition meets the standards the Social Security Administration will check for.

Issues and Delays for Social Security Disability Applications in Fayetteville, AR

Many people have been paying taxes into Social Security for years. SSDI is a benefit that those taxes funded and people who have paid taxes are entitled to payments if they suffer a severe injury or disability that limits their ability to work. However, a substantial percentage of initial applications for SSDI are denied or delayed.

A common reason for the denial or delay of a claim is either incomplete forms or a lack of supporting documentation. Applying for SSDI requires completing an overwhelming amount of detailed and complicated forms. Any mistaken omission or error could jeopardize your claim.

Another issue is the timing of your application. One of the requirements for SSDI is that the disabled or injury must last for at least 12 months. If you file your claim too quickly, it might be challenging to prove that your condition is that severe.

Often, an application will fail to provide adequate medical evidence of the disability or injury. Our experienced Social Security disability benefits attorney will gather medical records, physician’s testimony, and other evidence to prove your disability has restricted your ability to earn an income. During the application process, the SSA might send you to a doctor to confirm your disability. However, that doctor will not be looking to demonstrate how the disability has affected your ability to work. By working with your primary physician, Ken will attempt to establish the severity of your condition and how the disability has adversely impacted your ability to work.

If you had a previous denial, it could negatively affect a new claim. Denials should be appealed by our experienced Social Security disability attorney instead of starting a new application process.

It is crucial that you keep all scheduled medical appointments and follow through with any treatment your doctor prescribed to improve your condition. If you do not comply with your physician’s orders, the SSA could deny your claim because it is unable to determine if your health is preventing you from working.

SSDI Payments and Changes in the Application Process Caused By the Coronavirus Pandemic in Fayetteville, AR

The SSA will continue to pay SSDI benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, if you are already receiving monthly checks, things should proceed as usual. However, the SSA has instituted several changes that directly affect SSDI.

First, to decrease the chance of infection, the SSA has closed all of its physical field offices. That means if you have a question concerning your benefit payments or are submitting an initial SSDI claim, you need to make those inquires or submissions online. Additionally, the SSA has extended many of its deadlines for providing documentation.

Possible Delays in SSDI Payments Caused by COVID-19

While the SSA does not anticipate delays in processing claims or payments, the reduction of field offices and the high volume of questions could make meeting that goal a challenge. Also, if there is an increase in the volume of applications it could result in a slower processing time of applications. However, delays in receiving your payment may occur because of issues not related to the current crisis. Receiving your payment might be delayed if you have failed to update the SSA with your current bank account information or address. More than ever, because of the potential issues due to closed offices and the complexity of the SSDI benefits process and your dependence on the monthly income, you should contact Ken Kieklak, an experienced Fayetteville, AR delayed disability claims attorney. This is especially important as the SSA works to cope with COVID-19.

Another thing to be aware of is several fraudulent letters and phone scams are targeting individuals receiving SSDI benefits. Some of these letters will request personal information to either reinstate benefit payments or ensure you continue to receive them. If you have received any questionable letters or phone calls regarding your SSDI benefits, report it online to the SSA and call our seasoned attorney if you have further concerns or questions.

Call Our Fayetteville Delayed Disability Claims Attorney to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have paid into Social Security for years, you are entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits should you sustain a long-term injury or become disabled. Ken Kieklak will help you navigate the complicated application process or manage your appeal if your initial claim was denied. Additionally, our attorneys are aware of changes the SSA has instituted during the coronavirus pandemic and are prepared to help move your application forward as the SSA closes field offices across the country. To schedule a free consultation, call the law office of Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438.