Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Lawyer
Injury & Accident Attorney Serving Nearby Areas of Columbus & Ft Moore (formerly Ft Benning), Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama
Social security disability insurance (SSDI) exists for people who have disabilities that impede them from working. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get a disability claim approved. Between the application process and requirements and the high frequency of claim denial, you may be discouraged from pursuing SSDI benefits.
At the Law Offices of Gary Bruce, our SSDI attorneys understand the application process and how to submit a complete claim to increase your chances of getting approval in a reasonable time. We also help our disabled clients appeal claim denials. We understand that it can be complicated and frustrating to pursue SSDI benefits, so we offer a free consultation to those in the Columbus, Georgia area who seek assistance with their SSDI claims.
Eligibility for SSDI
Certain individuals and disabilities do not qualify for SSDI benefits. The following criteria must be met for you to be eligible:
- Social Security Administration (SSA)-recognized disability – A disability is considered to be any physical or mental condition that is medically verifiable that results in impairment that inhibits a person from working. Covered disabilities include cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, neurological, endocrine, and mental health conditions.
For a more detailed listing of covered disabilities, see the SSA listing of impairments. Some disabilities may not be expressly named in the SSA listing but may still entitle you to benefits. Our Social Security disability lawyers can discuss your condition in your free consultation to see if you have a claim.
- Long-term and total disability – A one year or longer duration of your disability must be expected. Short term disabilities are not approved nor are partial disabilities.
- Social Security credits – Your eligibility is contingent on your having worked at a job that was covered by Social Security. Your age and time employed factor in to the determination of benefits.
Additional Qualified Persons
SSDI benefits are most often paid to insured workers under their full retirement age who meet the above requirements. However, SSDI may be available to disabled individuals who do not have Social Security credits in these instances:
- Widows or widowers with disabilities who are 50-60 years of age may qualify for benefits as survivors if the deceased spouse was eligible for benefits.
- Disabled dependents of a parent who qualifies for SSDI. Disabled dependents are considered to be individuals who are disabled before the age of 22.
Securing Your SSDI Benefits
Applying for SSDI benefits should be done as soon as your disability is diagnosed as the application process takes time. There is also a waiting period of six months from the SSA-determined start date of your disability before benefits begin.
Applications can be completed online, by phone, and in person. Given the high rates of claim denials and the long waits associated with the appeals process, it can be invaluable to have an experienced SSDI lawyer working for you to present your claim in the most advantageous way.
Schedule your Complimentary SSDI Consultation in Columbus
The lawyers at the Law Offices of Gary Bruce are knowledgeable about the SSDI application and appeals processes in Columbus and the surrounding areas of Georgia. Call us today at 706-786-4428 to set up a consultation and see how our Social Security disability lawyers can help you get the benefits you need.