The Social Security Administration provides benefits for people who are unable to work due to an injury or illness that results in disability. Applying for disability benefits is a complicated process, and the majority of first-time claims are denied.
It is easy to feel discouraged when applying for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can provide assistance with your initial claim and/or help you file an appeal if your claim is denied.
For help with your SSDI claim, please contact the Karl Truman Law Office for a free consultation. Call us for service in Louisville and other areas of Kentucky at (502) 222-2222 or call (812) 282-8500 for service in Jeffersonville and other areas of Indiana.
The Social Security Administration accepts disability benefits claims online, or you can submit your application over the phone. You will be asked to provide extensive information on the following:
You will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN), your date of birth and where you were born, and banking information for direct deposit of your benefits (provided your claim is approved).
The application also requests information on your marital status and dependent children:
If you served in the military, you will also be asked for your dates of service, the branch in which you served, and your duties.
The application will request information on your short-term and long-term employment history. For the current year and the preceding year, you must provide:
You will also be asked for your work history for up to five jobs over the 15 years you worked before your disability.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must provide extensive information about your disability, including:
You may be asked to provide copies of medical records and other supporting documents as part of your application.
According to the Social Security Administration guide on Disability Benefits, “Processing an application for disability benefits can take three to five months.” Therefore, it is in your best interest to apply as soon as your disability renders you unable to work.
Thorough completion of the application and timely submission of requested information and documents may reduce the time it takes to process your claim. An experienced attorney can help you with the application process.
The Social Security Administration will review your application to determine if you qualify for disability benefits, as well as if you have acquired enough credits through your work history. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency in your state will then evaluate your condition.
DDS workers will request information and records from your medical providers. You may be asked to undergo a special medical exam in order for the agency to make a determination.
Ultimately, your eligibility for benefits will depend on the answers to the following five questions:
It is important to note that SSDI benefits are only available if you are disabled or unable to work. Partial and short-term disability are not covered.
After waiting for months for approval of your SSDI benefits application, a denial of your claim is truly devastating. Sadly, the majority of first-time applicants face this exact situation.
If your SSDI benefits claim was denied, you have 60 days to appeal. At this point it is in your interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Social Security Disability benefits claims are complex, and appealing a decision is no exception. You need an experienced attorney who understands the procedures for appeal and acts promptly to ensure you have every chance to get the benefits you deserve.
The Karl Truman Law Office has extensive experience handling a wide variety of disability claims and appeals. If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness, our team can help.
Please call (502) 222-2222 for service in Louisville and other areas of Kentucky. Or, if you live in Indiana, call (812) 282-8500 to contact us in Jeffersonville. Your initial consultation is free.