Terrell Social Security Disability Attorney

If you suffer from a disability that makes it impossible to work, Social Security disability benefits may be the only option that allows you to continue paying your bills and caring for your family. However, the process of obtaining these benefits can be complicated. In many cases, it requires the knowledge and experience of a Social Security disability lawyer to ensure you present your claim in the best way possible. Call our Terrell Social Security Disability lawyers today, and put us to work for you.

How Can Our Terrell Social Security Disability Attorneys Help You?

We assist people through every step of the process. Our Terrell Social Security disability attorneys will evaluate your claim to see if you are likely to qualify for benefits. We will help you fill out the application and gather the necessary medical evidence needed to prove your claim. If the initial application is denied, we will appeal that decision and represent you at a hearing if needed.  Our attorneys and staff know the relevant rules and regulations, and we know what the Social Security Administration wants to see when approving a claim. Hiring our team increases your chances of getting benefits you need and deserve.

Our Terrell Social Security Disability Attorneys Are Here To Answer Your Disability Questions.

Each step of the Social Security disability claim process has its own difficulties and challenges. Our experienced Terrell Social Security disability attorneys and staff are here to help answer your questions and assist you with every step of the claims process from filing the application, appealing bad decisions, and attending hearings on your behalf. In the meantime, below is basic information to help you start understanding the disability claims process.

How Does the Social Security Administration Define Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines “disability” as an inability to perform “substantial gainful activity.” In other words, to qualify for Social Security disability benefits due to an injury or illness, you must:

• Not be able to return to your job
• Not be able to obtain other work because of your condition
• Have a disability that has lasted or will last for at least one year, or result in death.

What Other Requirements Must Be Met To Get Social Security Disability?

It is first important to understand that there are two types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each has its own criteria to qualify.

To qualify for SSDI benefits, not only must you show that you meet the definition of disabled, but you must also show that you have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits.

You can earn up to four credits each year. The number you need to qualify depends on your age at the time you became disabled, with younger workers needing fewer credits than older workers. Also, if you have not worked in a long time, you may no longer be able to qualify for SSDI benefits despite earning work credits in the past.  

To receive SSI benefits you must satisfy the following requirements:

• If you are under 65 years old you must be blind, or otherwise completely disabled;
• Have limited income and limited resources; and
• You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible alien residing in the United States.
• If you are over the age of 65, there are some situations where you may not need to be totally disabled to qualify.

Unlike SSDI benefits, you are not required to have work credits to qualify.  In fact, you can receive these benefits if you never worked a day in your life.  The income level required to qualify for SSI benefits is very low, but the Administration does not count all types of income or resources toward your total. In some cases, you may receive a reduced amount of SSI based on your income or other available resources. Our Terrell Social Security lawyers and staff can explain this further based on your specific situation.

How Much Will Your Social Security Disability Benefits Be?

The amount you receive once approved for Social Security disability benefits depends on your average earnings over the course of your lifetime. Only earnings on which you paid Social Security taxes count toward this average. The Social Security Administration pays benefits monthly. Our Terrell Social Security disability lawyers may be able to help you get a good idea of your possible monthly payment.

Can You Appeal If Your Disability Application Is Denied?

The disability appeals process can be confusing, but a Terrell Social Security disability lawyer can help simplify this process and help you get an approval more quickly. There are multiple levels of the appeals process.  For some people, only the first one or two steps are necessary. These four steps include:

• Reconsideration
• Hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ)
• Appeals Council review
• Filing a lawsuit in federal court

When you request a reconsideration, you are asking for a review of your disability application. A reviewer who was not involved in reviewing your initial application will perform the reconsideration. If your claim is denied after reconsideration, you can appeal the decision and schedule a hearing before a judge.  You have 60 days from the time of your denial to request this hearing.

If the judge denies your claim, your Terrell disability attorney can then ask the Appeals Council to hear your case. The final step to fighting a denial is filing a lawsuit in federal court. This can be an expensive and time-consuming process, so it is important to discuss your case in detail with a Terrell Social Security disability lawyer before deciding to move forward. If you do file suit, a federal judge will hear your case in a U.S. court.

Do You Need Help From A Terrell Disability Attorney To Get The Benefits You Need?

The disability claim process can be long and challenging. A single mistake can set you back years. Call the Terrell Social Security disability attorneys at Lovins Law for help with your Social Security disability claim. We work to get you the benefits you deserve as soon as possible. We know the rules, what the Social Security Administration is looking for to approve disability claims, and we work hard to build a case that increases your chances of approval. We offer free case evaluations, and you pay nothing until we secure benefits for you. Contact us today at 972-487-8223 today, and let us go to work for you.