Tuckahoe Social Security Disability Lawyers
If you’ve suffered a severe injury or are diagnosed with a serious illness, which means you are unable to work, you likely have many fears. You may wonder, for example, how you will support yourself and your family. The good news is– you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which in essence provides you with Social Security benefits even though you have not reached retirement age.
Unfortunately, the application process for SSDI is complicated, and denials are common. Whether you are just starting the process or have received a denial, the Virginia Social Security lawyers at Rutter Mills can help. For over a half-century, we have helped clients who qualified for SSDI. We are among the most experienced attorneys in this field in the state.
SSDI Eligibility
To meet the criteria, a person must have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 20 out of the past 40 quarters, or five out of the prior ten years. This should ensure sufficient work credits for qualification.
Only those applicants who are totally disabled, with a condition expected to last more than one year or end in the person’s death, are eligible for SSDI. The person cannot have the capacity to work at any job [“full-time” or “on a full-time basis”], not just the one currently held, to receive SSDI.
SSDI Denials
Our Virginia lawyers for Social Security disability can assist you with the original application or any appeals, and we can also represent you before an Administrative Law Judge if the appeal is denied. The latter is a common occurrence, so do not worry. Approximately two-thirds of all initial SSDI applications are denied. The major reasons for these denials are– the form was not filled out correctly, relevant medical records were not included, or the applicant did not appear to follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Our lawyers will ensure that all necessary information is submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in an initial application. While a denial is still likely, those applicants seeking legal counsel have a better chance of eventually receiving SSDI benefits– than those who try to go it alone.
If the claim gets to the Administrative Law Judge stage, we can present any new medical evidence bolstering your case, as well as bring in medical or vocational experts. The applicant has the opportunity to make their case before the judge, and we thoroughly prepare clients beforehand. Your lawyer can also cross-examine any witnesses appearing on behalf of the SSA.
Contact a Tuckahoe Social Security Lawyer
If you cannot work due to total disability, contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Rutter Mills. We offer free consultations, so call or text us 24/7 or submit our online contact form to arrange an appointment. If your SSDI claim has been denied, and you want to appeal, time is of the essence. There is a strict 60-day window from the denial date for appeal eligibility. Because we work on a contingency basis, you do not pay unless you receive benefits.
“Nothing makes you feel more vulnerable than being hurt or ill. And nobody likes to ask for help. But when you need it most, we’re at our best. We give our clients the confidence and support they need to know they’ll be taken care of – that they’ll get the best outcome possible, even in the face of a very bad situation.”
– Brother Rutter