What Are the Signs Your Disability Claim Will Get Approved?

If you are struggling with a disability that has caused you to be unable to work and earn an income like you normally would, you may be experiencing significant financial stress. If you find yourself in this situation, you may wonder whether you should pursue a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. This is an understandable question to ask. You may have heard that these benefits can make a significant difference in relieving financial stress and helping to pay the bills that keep arriving despite your inability to work. Let’s take a closer look at the process of pursuing a claim and some signs that your claim may be approved.

Essential Elements of a Disability Claim

• Your condition has caused you to be disabled for one continuous calendar year or more: This is a mandatory requirement in order to be approved for disability benefits. In some cases, an individual may have a condition that is severely and completely disabling, but which may heal or resolve in less than one year. In those cases, the individual may be able to pursue disability benefits from other means such as short-term disability insurance policies, but typically not from the Social Security Administration.
• Your condition is included in the Blue Book: In determining whether a particular condition is a “disability” for the purpose of awarding benefits, the Social Security Administration often consults its listing of impairments, commonly known as the “Blue Book.” This guide lists various conditions and their accompanying symptoms. If you can establish through sufficient medical proof that you have a condition that is listed in the Blue Book, you will typically increase your chances of being approved for benefits. If you do not have a condition listed in the Blue Book you may still seek benefits, but may simply need additional medical proof regarding that condition and how it affects your daily life.
• You have sufficient work history: The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits that may be available depending on an applicant’s circumstances. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. One important difference between the two types of benefits is that in order to be approved for SSDI benefits, an applicant must be “insured.” To the Social Security Administration, being “insured” means that you worked a job for a sufficient amount of time and regularly paid a portion of your salary in taxes to the Social Security Administration. Those who have done so are considered “insured” for the purpose of receiving benefits.
• You meet any applicable income and resource limitations: Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, those who seek SSI benefits need not be “insured.” This is because SSI benefits are not funded through general revenue. As a result, applicants need not have worked a certain amount of time to be approved for benefits. The SSI program, however, is intended for applicants with low income. As a result, to be approved for benefits, an applicant must have income and resources below a specific limit set annually by the Social Security Administration. Because this limit typically changes yearly, consulting with an attorney regarding your particular situation is always advised.

These are only a few of the many factors that may come into play during the process of pursuing a claim for disability benefits. Every person is unique, and each person’s experience of their disability and the process of pursuing a claim will differ slightly from others’. Nevertheless, understanding the factors that come into play can be important and helpful, providing much-needed peace of mind during a difficult time.

Is Approval Guaranteed?

While satisfying these and other factors can be helpful in your attempt to seek disability benefits, it’s essential to understand that satisfying many or all of these factors will not necessarily mean automatic approval of benefits. In fact, many claims for Social Security disability benefits are often denied on the first attempt.

If you file a claim and are denied on the first attempt, don’t panic. In fact, many people whose claims are denied on the first attempt are later approved. Consulting with an attorney regarding your particular situation and how you should proceed is always advised.

Call American Disability Action Group Today

At American Disability Action Group, we know that our disabled clients face challenges every day. After all, living with a disability is difficult. The last thing you need when you are struggling with a disability and all of the challenges it creates is to worry about how you’ll pursue the disability benefits you need and deserve. The good news is you don’t have to. At American Disability Action Group, we’re here to help. Our talented and experienced team of attorneys knows and understands the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we will always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to helping you soon.

Sources

• Social Security Benefit Types: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits
• Social Security Disability Determination Process: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm