Lowell, AR Disability Lawyer

If you are unable to work in Lowell because of a disability, you are likely to worry about how you will support yourself and your family. Fortunately, a few programs are available that can provide financial assistance to those who are struggling.

The process of applying for these benefits can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Our firm has extensive experience in handling various disability cases, and we are here to help you every step of the way. We can assist you in filing your application, gathering evidence, and appealing if your initial application is denied. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to focus on their health and family without worrying about financial burdens. That is why our team is dedicated to helping you receive the disability benefits you deserve.

Call us today at (479) 316-0438 to receive your free case assessment with our disability lawyers.

Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Lowell, AR

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial support to people who have become disabled and can no longer work. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes and managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

It is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes but are now unable to work because of a disability. SSDI benefits are not based on financial need but rather on your work history and the severity of your disability.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet both the work credit and medical criteria set by SSA. Work credits are earned when you work and pay Social Security taxes. The number of work credits needed depends on your age at the time you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last ten years, ending with the year you become disabled.

The medical criteria require you to have a condition that is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The SSA maintains a list of impairments, known as the “Blue Book,” that automatically qualify for disability benefits.

Application Process

The SSDI application process involves several steps. First, you need to complete an application, either online, over the phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The application requires detailed information about your work history, medical conditions, treatments, and personal information.

Once your application is submitted, it is reviewed for completeness and to verify if you meet the basic eligibility requirements. If you meet these requirements, your application is forwarded to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, where a disability specialist and a doctor review your medical evidence to make a decision on your claim.

Benefits of SSDI

Once your disability claim is approved, you will become eligible to start receiving monthly benefits. However, there is usually a five-month waiting period from the date that your disability began before you can start receiving the benefits. The amount of your benefit is determined by the average lifetime earnings that you have earned before the onset of your disability. This means that the more money you have made throughout your life, the higher your benefit amount will be.

Apart from you, some members of your family might also be eligible to receive benefits based on your work record. For example, your spouse and children might be eligible to receive these benefits if they meet certain criteria.

Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Lowell, AR

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources who are either 65 or older, blind, or disabled. It is a needs-based program, meaning it is designed to help those who have little to no income and few resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on your work history but rather on your financial need and disability status. The program essentially provides cash assistance to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and housing.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for SSI, you must meet both the income and resource limits set by SSA. Income includes money earned from work, Social Security benefits, pensions, and free food or shelter. Resources include things like bank accounts, stocks, and property. The value of your home, one vehicle, and certain other items might be excluded from being counted as resources.

In addition to the income and resource limits, you must be either 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Children with disabilities might also qualify for SSI. The SSA follows a strict definition of disability. For adults, the disability must prevent you from doing any substantial gainful activity, and it must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For children, the disability must result in marked and severe functional limitations.

Application Process

The application process for SSI involves completing an application and providing supporting documents. You can apply online, over the phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The application requires detailed information about your income, resources, living arrangements, medical conditions, and treatments.

Once your application is submitted, it is reviewed by SSA for completeness and to verify if you meet the basic eligibility requirements. If you meet these requirements, your application is forwarded to the DDS office, where a disability specialist and a doctor review your medical evidence to make a decision on your claim.

Benefits of SSI

If your claim is approved, the amount you receive each month will depend on your income and living situation. The federal government sets a maximum federal benefit rate each year, but the actual amount you receive might be less if you have countable income. Moreover, while some states provide an additional state supplemental payment to eligible SSI recipients, Arkansas does not offer such a supplement.

Understanding Veterans’ Disability Benefits in Lowell, AR

Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans’ Disability Benefits provide monthly tax-free payments to veterans who have disabilities, medical conditions, or injuries incurred or aggravated during active military service. The benefit amount is determined based on the severity of the disability, with additional allowances for severe disabilities or having dependents.

The benefits you receive from the VA are based on your disability rating, a percentage assigned by the VA that represents the severity of your disability. The higher the rating, the larger the compensation payment each month. In addition to the basic rates, additional amounts might be awarded if you have severe disabilities or dependents, including spouses, minor children, or dependent parents.

Our Lowell, AR Disability Attorneys Can Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve

For a free case review with our disability attorneys, contact us by calling (479) 316-0438.