Providing for a family is not always easy in today’s economy. If you have a condition that makes it difficult to work, our personal injury lawyers in Bowling Green, KY can help you take advantage of the resources available for residents of Bowling Green, Kentucky.
You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits on your own, but qualifying might not be as simple as you anticipate. And if you are rejected, your chances of receiving financial assistance down the road may be in jeopardy.
Since the founding of our law firm in 1985, we have helped people navigate the confusing process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. If you would also like to maximize your benefits, contact us at (800) 800-4600 to start working on your case with a member of our legal team.
How to Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits in Warren County, KY
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs assist people with disabilities. SSDI pays benefits to disabled people and certain family members, while SSI issues payments based on financial need.
To meet the requirements, you must:
- Meet the definition of disability set by the Social Security Disability Insurance program
- Have worked long enough
- Have worked recently enough
Your eligibility also depends on your age when you became disabled. Even if you qualify for other community resources for the disabled, you may not be eligible for Social Security.
Understanding what you need before you complete an application could increase your chances of a successful claim. A Hughes & Coleman disability lawyer can walk you through the process. Get started by calling (270) 782-6000 today, or visit us at our law office at 1256 Campbell Lane, Suite 201, Bowling Green, KY 42104, for a free Social Security Disability consultation.
What You Need to Know About Your Social Security Disability Benefits
SSDI is an insurance program for disabled workers and their dependents. Here are some general facts about how the program works:
- The amount of money you get depends on your age, your previous earnings, and how long you worked before your disability began
- Spouses qualify for benefits if they are at least 62 years or caring for the disabled person’s minor or disabled children
- Unmarried children or grandchildren might qualify for Social Security benefits if they are under 18 or have a disability
- Benefits are payable to widows and widowers of disabled workers under certain conditions
- Outstanding warrants or imprisonment can affect your eligibility for disability benefits
- If you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare after 2 years, Medicare being national health insurance that covers some medical expenses
- SSDI provides resources for education, rehabilitation, and training for people who want to return to the workforce after a disability
Even if you are approved for monthly disability benefits, your first payment will not begin until the 6th full month your disability began. Mistakes in your paperwork or incomplete files will only cost you precious time. So if you are struggling to make ends meet, contact a knowledgeable Social Security Disability attorney who can avoid time-wasting pitfalls during your application process.
How to Get Your Social Security Disability Benefits as Soon as Possible
1. Fill in your application accurately
When applying for federal aid, it is important to provide the authorities with current and accurate data. Serious consequences could follow if you make an error. Besides being denied your rightful benefits, you could also be investigated for fraud. The Social Security Administration defines fraud as when someone makes a false statement or fails to disclose required information.
Before you turn in anything, an attorney can check your documents to ensure everything is in order. Request a free initial consultation with Hughes & Coleman’s Bowling Green Social Security Disability legal team at (800) 800-4600.
2. Complete all parts of your application, including documentation to prove your claim
You might have to collect and submit items such as:
- Medical records
- Worker’s compensation paperwork
- Documentation of your work history, showing salary and earnings
- Names and birthdates of family members
- Marriage and divorce dates
- Banking information
- Medical release disclosures, if necessary
- Proof of US citizenship or lawful alien status
- Last year’s tax returns
Locating and gathering all the essential documentation takes time and effort. Why not leave it to professional attorneys who know the best way to get the job done?
3. Ask a Bowling Green about your Social Security Disability benefits
In 2017, 67 million people benefited from SSA programs. The same year, 5.5 million Social Security beneficiaries collected benefits for the first time. With large numbers of people requiring attention, you might find it difficult to get quick answers to your questions.
When you work with Hughes & Coleman’s team of social security disability lawyers, though, you have access to our phone lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (800) 800-4600 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation about your Social Security Disability benefits.
What to Do If Your Application For Social Security Disability Benefits is Denied
The Social Security Administration denies claims for many reasons. You might seem to have too much income, or the SSA may doubt your inability to work.
You have the right to continue to pursue your benefits regardless of why your claim was denied. There are 4 levels of appeal available to Bowling Green applicants, as follows.
Level 1: Reconsideration
The initial process is called “reconsideration” because a new person who has not seen your case before will reevaluate your case. Before you request reconsideration, it would be wise to consult with a Bowling Green personal injury lawyer. He or she can review your case and search for additional evidence to support your claim.
Level 2: Administrative judge hearing
What if you already tried for a reconsideration, but it was unsuccessful? A disability lawyer still might be able to help you get the financial aid you need. Our law office can prepare evidence for a hearing with an administrative law judge, usually at a location within 75 miles of your home.
Level 3: Social Security Appeals Council review
Claims are usually reviewed by the Appeals Council only after the request for a hearing was dismissed or denied. You have a limited time to ask for a review, so contact our law office without delay to schedule a free disability benefits evaluation.
Level 4: Federal court review
If you disagree with the verdict of the Appeals Council or they decline to review your case, you can file a civil suit in a federal district court. (If there is no judicial district near your home or business, you must file in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.) Your review in federal court is your last chance to be awarded benefits.
Please contact us immediately if your request for an appeal at any level is denied. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you navigate the appeals process with confidence. We understand how urgently you need to establish your financial stability and how frustrating denied claims can be.
Rather than spending your own precious time and energy stressing over your claim, contact a disability benefits professional to find out what your first step should be. Call us at (800) 800-4600 or send us a brief message. We will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Our Team of Bowling Green Social Security Disability Legal Professionals is Ready to Represent Your Rights
Becoming disabled presents many challenges, but surrounding yourself with people who care about you can make it easier to cope. If you are recently disabled and you want to apply for financial aid, we are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process to maximize your benefits.
If you are one of the many whose claim is denied, you have the right to question the Social Security Administration’s decision. Hughes & Coleman’s legal team can act on your behalf to get the information you need to strengthen your case, accompany you to interviews and hearings, and help you prepare for an appeal.
We look forward to assisting you in gaining the financial security you need. Call us anytime at (800) 800-4600, stop by our Bowling Green, KY, office, or fill out the convenient case evaluation form to schedule your free consultation today.
