Beyond the emotional toll a disability can take on an individual, it can also create significant financial strain by limiting employment opportunities and requiring ongoing medical care. That is why Social Security Disability is so important. Social Security Disability (SSD) provides vital income and support to Americans with severe, long-term physical or mental health conditions who can no longer work. Our team at Willis Spangler Associates knows the impact SSD benefits can have on an individual or a family and is committed to using our knowledge and experience to make this process as clear and understandable as we can.
Eligibility and What SSA Looks for in a Claim
While SSD provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, recipients must still meet specific eligibility requirements to receive these benefits. Recipients must have a medical condition that has lasted, or is predicted to last, for at least one year and have worked both long enough and recently enough to have been paying into Social Security through their job. Additionally, they must prove that they can no longer do the work they’ve done in the past and also be unable to transition to other work.
Building a Strong SSD Application from the Start
To receive SSD, you must be able to prove that your disability is both real and as severe as you claim. Seeking ongoing medical treatment and following the advice of your providers is one of the best ways to strengthen your application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to know that you have been consistently seeking help for your medical issues from approximately a year before you stopped working and continuing from there. If there are gaps in your treatment or a lack of documentation, the SSA may assume that your medical issues were not as severe as you claim, as otherwise you would be trying to get relief. Therefore, you must provide the information Social Security needs to collect your medical documentation at the time you file your application.
You can also gather other forms of supporting evidence, such as a statement from your former employer, that highlights how your condition has made it impossible for you to continue fulfilling your job requirements. The more evidence and reports you provide, the better the SSA can understand your needs and the specifics of your case.
How Legal Guidance Fits Into the SSD Process
The process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits can often be lengthy and complex, making it challenging to obtain these monthly payments regardless of your individual circumstances. Additionally, it can be difficult to keep track of additional information requested by the SSA and meet all the filing deadlines. That’s where Willis Spangler Associates comes in. Our team will handle all the logistics and paperwork for you, ensuring you can focus on what matters most: your health.
As a Social Security Disability Attorney, Britton Hicks explains, “Our experienced SSD attorneys will not let simple application mistakes stand between you and the benefits you deserve and have worked tirelessly for. In fact, we have over 30 years of experience navigating the nation’s SSD system. We have successfully helped thousands obtain the benefits they’re entitled to.”
What Happens After a Decision: Approval or Denial
Even if your SSD application is denied the first time, you may still be eligible for benefits through the appeals process. However, this is a crucial time to seek legal counsel if you have not already. Many claimants mistakenly file a new application instead of filing an appeal, which can cost you more time in the process. We can review the denial for anything that Social Security missed in the initial application phase in order to strengthen your claim. We can also suggest additional evidence to include that may help Social Security come to a conclusion that you are, indeed, unable to work.
You Are Not Alone
Facing a health scare of any kind can be both daunting and isolating, especially when it is a severe physical condition or mental disorder. It is important to remember, though, that you are not alone. As Attorney Hicks emphasizes, “Our team of trusted lawyers stands by our clients every step of the way with a goal of being supportive and respectful along the journey.”