When you're in the midst of a difficult situation, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. If you need Social Security Disability, you may need someone in your corner to help fight for those benefits. Here's what you need to know about hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer.
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability is a government benefits program that provides financial assistance to people who are unable to work because of a disabling condition. To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and paid Social Security taxes. You must also have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
If you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you will receive a monthly cash benefit based on your past earnings. You may also be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.
What are medical conditions that meet the Social Security Administration's definition of a disability?
The Social Security Administration has a list of impairments that are considered disabling. To be found disabled, your medical condition must meet the criteria for one of the impairments on the list. The list is divided into two sections:
The first section lists impairments that are considered so severe that they automatically qualify you for disability benefits. These impairments are called "listed impairments" and include things like blindness, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), and certain types of cancer. If you have a listed impairment, you will be approved for disability benefits as long as you meet the other requirements.
The second section of the Blue Book lists impairments that are not automatically considered disabling but may still qualify you for benefits. To be approved for disability benefits under this section, you must prove that your medical condition prevents you from working. Some examples of these impairments would be COPD, heart disease, and diabetes.
Can a Social Security Disability lawyer help you get disability benefits if you don't have a listed impairment?
If you do not have a listed impairment, the chances of being denied access to Social Security are high. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help. A Social Security Disability lawyer can also help you navigate the appeals process if you are denied benefits.
A Social Security Disability lawyer will help you gather the evidence you need to prove that your medical condition prevents you from working. This evidence can include things like medical records, doctors' opinions, and job descriptions.
If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits, or if you have already been denied benefits, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer to discuss your case and get the benefits you deserve.
Contact a local Social Security Disability lawyer, such as Willis Spangler Starling, to learn more.
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