Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Disability Benefits in Texas
If you live in Texas and you have a medical condition that has caused you to be unable to work, you may wonder whether or not you should pursue a claim for disability benefits. You may have difficulty paying your bills and continuing to support yourself and those you love, and it’s understandable to be eager to do all you can to relieve that financial stress. If you find yourself in this situation, you may wonder what benefits are available, and what steps you should take to pursue a claim. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.
What Types of Benefits Are Available?
Depending upon your particular circumstances, you may be interested in seeking different types of disability-related benefits. Some of the more common types of benefits offered for disabling conditions include:
- Social Security Benefits: These are benefits that the Social Security Administration pays to individuals who satisfy its criteria for benefits. The two types of disability benefits offered by the Social Security Administration include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. While these types of benefits have important differences, both types require that the applicant have a disabling medical condition that has rendered them unable to work for one continuous calendar year or more.
- Veterans Disability Benefits: These are disability benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Generally, they are intended for veterans who served on active duty, or (in)active duty training, and who have an illness or injury that was caused or made worse by their military service.
- Short–Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits: These benefits may be provided through a privately obtained or employer-funded policy. Terms and conditions of these policies may vary widely, so consulting with an attorney regarding your particular situation is always advised.
- Workers’ Compensation Benefits: These are benefits that are intended for those who sustain work-related injuries or disabilities directly connected to their jobs.
Everyone has a different set of circumstances. Depending upon your particular situation and what led to your disability, you may wish to apply for one or more of the benefits listed above. Each type of benefit has a slightly different process for pursuing a claim. As Social Security benefits are some of the most commonly pursued benefits, let’s examine the process for seeking those benefits more closely.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability
The first step in pursuing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits will be deciding which type of benefit you want to seek. As noted, there are two types of disability benefits offered by the Social Security Administration. These include SSDI and SSI benefits.
Regardless of which type of benefit you seek, certain steps involved in the process will include:
- Finding the right attorney: The importance of this step cannot be overstated. Finding the right attorney can make all the difference between a smooth experience and a stressful one. Take your time to consult with attorneys and read reviews to ensure you find one that you can work well with, and who knows and understands the law.
- Gathering medical evidence: Sufficient medical evidence will be an essential part of your claim. You’ll want to gather evidence to establish your condition, its symptoms, and how it affects your everyday life.
- Completing necessary paperwork: Your attorney should be able to guide you through the process of obtaining the information you need to complete the required paperwork and application to be reviewed by the Social Security Administration.
- Awaiting a decision: The timeline for a decision can vary depending upon how busy the Social Security Administration might be at the time, but generally, this step of the process can take anywhere from a few to several months.
- Appealing if necessary: If your claim is initially denied, you shouldn’t panic. This actually happens fairly frequently. Your attorney can guide you through the steps necessary to request a reconsideration of the decision or appeal further, if necessary.
Certainly, everyone has their own unique situation, and sometimes, the process may vary slightly from one claim to another. Generally, however, knowing and understanding the steps involved in filing a claim can provide peace of mind and confidence as you move forward.
American Disability Action Group – Here for You
At American Disability Action Group, we deeply value our Texas clients who are struggling with disabilities. We know that life with a disability can be anything but easy, and we want to do what we can to help. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we’ll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf as you seek the benefits you need. This journey may not always be easy, but we’ll be here to walk with you each step of the way. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to helping you soon.