Jonesboro SSDI Lawyer
In order to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments in Jonesboro, your eligibility will be based on your work capacity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines “disabled” as the inability to work.
When assessing your work capability, the SSA factors in your current income. If you can financially support yourself, the SSA might not consider you “disabled.” The income limits for disability benefits are revised yearly by the SSA. This implies that if you are deemed unable to work, you might be qualified for gradually increasing benefits.
Call our SSDI lawyers at (479) 316-0438 to receive your free case assessment today.
Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Jonesboro, AR
In order to receive disability payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA), individuals must meet certain qualifications to prove they are classified as “disabled.” While having a qualifying condition is important, the severity of the disability is even more crucial.
The SSA requires the disability to be severe enough to prevent the individual from working to accept it as “disabling” for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Fortunately, our SSDI attorneys can assist you in determining whether you qualify for benefits. It is also possible for the SSA to make exceptions for individuals with conditions not listed as long as they are equally as severe as the accepted conditions.
How the Severity of Your Condition is Determined
The SSA evaluates the severity of a medical condition based on its impact on your ability to work. If you are unable to move or transport yourself, it is likely that you are unable to work. Additionally, if you require help with tasks such as filling out applications, you might be eligible for SSDI.
The SSA will consider your work experience and capabilities to determine if you are able to perform other types of work. For instance, if you previously worked in an office but then switched to construction work, disability might prevent you from performing construction tasks, but you might still be able to do office work. To qualify for SSDI, it is usually necessary to be completely unable to work due to a medical condition.
Other Ways Eligibility is Determined
In Jonesboro, individuals can still apply for disability benefits even if they are capable of completing some job-related tasks. The Social Security Administration considers multiple factors and does not make definitive determinations regarding disability. They recognize that certain disabilities might be more suitable for certain types of work.
Therefore, those who can work in some capacity are not automatically excluded from receiving SSDI benefits. The SSA assesses an individual’s earning potential, and eligibility is based on this evaluation.
How to Calculate SSDI Benefits in Jonesboro, AR
In order to be eligible for benefits through the SSDI program, you are required to have paid into Social Security for a minimum of five years within a ten-year timeframe. If you have not worked for at least five years or contributed to the system, you will not be able to receive any benefits.
Social Security Administration Calculations
After five years of unemployment, disability insurance eligibility ends for those who have contributed to the system. To receive SSDI benefits, it is necessary to prove that the disability requirements were met before the insurance expired. The timeline for this varies on a case-by-case basis, taking into account each person’s employment history.
The Social Security Administration calculates your monthly SSDI benefit using a formula. Typically, SSDI payments range around $1,358 per month. The amount of Social Security taxes paid over your life determines the monthly SSDI payment.
To determine the monthly benefit for SSDI, the SSA uses an “average indexed monthly earnings” (AIME) formula based on your average covered earnings over a few years. Your AIME is then used to calculate your “primary insurance amount” (PIA), the monthly payment you will receive.
Determining the Amount of Your Primary Insurance
A few methods are available to determine your monthly benefits and PIA. One option is to utilize the Online Benefits Calculator the Social Security Administration offers. Alternatively, you could sign up for an account with the SSA online, where they will guide you through the necessary steps to determine your benefits.
There are several reasons why your monthly SSDI payment might be subject to deductions. The SSA could reduce your payment amount due to income earned through employment, compensation from Workers’ Compensation, receiving retirement benefits from the SSA, or benefits from other insurance programs.
How Our SSDI Lawyer Can Help Your Case in Jonesboro, AR
Our team can provide invaluable assistance throughout your SSDI claim process. From start to finish, we are committed to helping you navigate this complex process and increase your chances of a successful claim. The following are some of the services our firm can provide to help your case in Jonesboro:
We Understand Social Security Law
These cases involve a highly specialized field of law that requires a deep understanding of the rules and regulations governing Social Security benefits. At our firm, we have a team of professionals who have dedicated their careers to mastering the complexities of Social Security Law.
Our lawyers stay up-to-date with any changes to the law, ensuring they provide clients with the most accurate and current advice available. They have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of SSDI cases and are well-versed in the procedures and practices of the SSA.
With years of experience dealing with SSDI cases, our attorneys deeply understand how the SSA evaluates claims and what they look for when determining eligibility for benefits. This knowledge can be invaluable in preparing your application and increasing your chances of success when seeking benefits.
We Can Protect Your Rights
The SSA is an entity that is vast and intricate, and it is natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your rights when dealing with them. However, our team is dedicated to safeguarding your rights during the entire process of applying for SSDI. We will make sure that your interactions with the SSA are conducted fairly and that your case is evaluated based on the strength of your claim.
Protecting your rights also means receiving the complete benefits you are entitled to. Our lawyers understand the various factors the SSA considers when determining benefit amounts and can work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum benefits possible. With our team by your side, you can rest assured that your rights and best interests are well protected.
We Can Help Prepare Your SSDI Application
When applying for SSDI, thorough preparation is crucial for a successful outcome. The application process can be complicated, and any mistakes or omissions can lead to significant delays or even a denial of benefits. Fortunately, our team is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that all necessary documentation and evidence are submitted accurately and on time.
Our lawyers will help you gather all the required medical records and work history and meticulously fill out the application forms to avoid any errors. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the application process by providing you with the support you need. Additionally, our lawyers can offer valuable advice on presenting your case in the best possible light, significantly improving your chances of a successful claim.
We Communicate with You Throughout Your Claim
Effective communication is critical in any legal proceeding. Our attorneys understand this and make it a top priority to keep you informed at every stage of your claim. We will walk you through each step of the process, provide regular updates on any new developments, and take the time to answer any questions you may have.
Having a lawyer who communicates clearly and regularly can also bring peace of mind. It means you can trust that you are not being left in the dark about your claim and that you can make informed decisions about your case based on all the available information.
We Can Appeal if Necessary
If you receive a denial for your initial SSDI claim, it can be discouraging. However, it is important to remember that many claims are initially denied but are successful upon appeal. Our team has years of experience with the appeals process and can help if your claim comes to that.
The appeals process consists of multiple stages, which include reconsideration, hearings before an Administrative Law Judge, reviews by the Appeals Council, and federal court reviews. Our skilled lawyers can represent you at these hearings, prepare you for what to expect, and present compelling arguments on your behalf.
Why SSDI Benefits Might Be Denied in Jonesboro, AR
It is possible to receive a technical denial for SSDI for several reasons. It is important to understand that this denial does not necessarily imply that the person is not disabled or does not have a severe medical condition. Instead, the SSA might have discovered that there was no medical evidence to review, or the individual might not have fulfilled a particular technical requirement. Below are some typical causes for a technical denial of benefits:
Exceed the Monthly Earnings Limit
Individuals who receive SSDI are required to adhere to monthly income limits known as substantial gainful income (SGA). While these limits apply to all disabled individuals, those who are legally blind are permitted to earn more on a monthly basis before becoming ineligible for benefits. The Social Security benefits income limit for non-blind individuals will be established at $1,470 in 2023, while blind individuals have an SGA limit of $2,460 per month. It is important to stay informed about these limits since the SSA will periodically adjust them.
Exceed the Asset Limit
People with limited assets and resources who need help can benefit from the SSDI program. However, those who want SSDI benefits must undergo a household asset “means testing.” This test limits SSDI beneficiaries to a maximum of $2,000 in assets for individuals and $3,000 for couples. As most beneficiaries have no other income sources, they usually receive the basic monthly SSI benefit, which is currently at $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple as of 2023.
Failure to Follow Your Treatment Program or Lack of Medical Evidence
Insufficient medical evidence proving the existence of a disability is a common reason for the rejection of disability claims. The organization handling the claim might not doubt the claimant’s sincerity, but they need more information to confirm the disability. Providing all necessary information during the initial claim or appeal process is crucial to avoid this issue.
Non-compliance with doctor’s orders or treatment programs can occur for various reasons, including the inability to afford medication or treatments. This might impact the determination of Social Security disability benefits by an administrative law judge. Completing the treatment plan is essential in order to obtain the necessary records to support the claim.
Types of Conditions that Will Likely Qualify You for SSDI Benefits in Jonesboro, AR
To be eligible for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. According to the SSA, a person is considered disabled if they cannot do the work they did before, cannot adjust to other work because of their medical condition, and the disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
Many physical conditions may qualify you for SSDI benefits. These range from musculoskeletal problems, such as back injuries and joint disorders, to cardiovascular conditions like heart failure or coronary artery disease.
Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can also qualify if they severely limit your ability to work. Similarly, various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy, may meet the SSA’s disability criteria.
Digestive tract problems, such as liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), kidney disease, and cancers, especially those that are advanced or have recurred after treatment, can also qualify for SSDI benefits.
In addition to physical ailments, certain mental and psychological conditions can also qualify you for SSDI benefits. These include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, intellectual disability, and bipolar disorder.
The SSA evaluates the severity of these conditions based on how much they limit your ability to function and carry out daily activities, including work. For instance, if you have severe depression that makes it impossible for you to concentrate, interact with others, or handle stress, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits.
In some cases, individuals may not have one single condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability but may have a combination of lesser impairments that, taken together, are disabling. For example, someone might have mild COPD, minor heart disease, and a touch of arthritis. Although none of these conditions alone qualify for SSDI, their combined effects could significantly limit the person’s ability to work, making them eligible for benefits.
Our Jonesboro, AR SSDI Lawyers Can Help
For a free case review with our SSDI attorneys, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.