Are you feeling unsure about where to start with your disability application? You’re not alone. It’s common to feel confused or overwhelmed by all the forms, deadlines, and requirements for these programs. The good news is that you don’t have to handle it all by yourself.
The lawyers at Crowe & Shanahan have extensive experience handling disability claims. We work with Missouri residents every day and know how to deal with both the Social Security Administration. Whether you need help starting your application or appealing a denial, we know how to move your case forward.
Contact us today for your free initial consultation to learn more about how we can help.
If you have a severe health problem that keeps you from working, you might qualify for disability benefits. These benefits can provide monthly payments and access to medical care. There are two main types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both come from the Social Security Administration, but they have different rules.
SSDI is for people who worked in the past and paid Social Security taxes. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify. If you qualify, your monthly benefit amount will depend on how much you earned during your working years.
SSI is for people with little or no income or assets. You do not need a work history to get SSI. The program helps people who cannot work due to disability and need financial help to meet basic needs.
If you are a veteran with a health problem related to your military service, you could also qualify for VA disability benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs this program. If the VA approves your claim, you could receive monthly tax-free payments. These payments are based on how much your disability affects your daily life. You could also receive other benefits, such as housing assistance.
If you want to receive SSDI, you must show that you have a health condition that keeps you from working for at least 12 months. Your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability. The SSA will also check your work history to see if you paid into the system through your past jobs. Most people need to have worked at least five out of the last ten years to qualify.
SSI has different rules. You do not need to have worked in the past to receive SSI benefits. Instead, you must show that you have low income and limited assets. You also must prove that you are at least 65, blind, or have a disabling health condition that keeps you from working for at least 12 months.
You can start your SSDI or SSI claim by submitting an application to the SSA. You can file this application online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office.
In your application, you will need to give details about your medical conditions, work history, education, and daily activities. You should list all your doctors, clinics, hospitals, and treatment dates. You must also provide your recent job history. The SSA will look at your work history to see if you paid into the system and whether you earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. If you apply for SSI, the SSA will check your income, resources and living arrangements.
After you file your application, the SSA will send your case to Missouri’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) for review. This process usually takes three to five months, but it could take longer if your records are hard to find or if you need extra medical exams.
If the SSA approves your application, it will send you a notice with your benefit amount and start date. If the SSA denies your claim, you can appeal the decision with the help of a disability lawyer.
If the government denies your disability or VA claim, you can file an appeal. Many people get denied at first but later receive benefits following an appeal.
For Social Security Disability claims, you can first request a reconsideration, which involves a different person at the Social Security office reviewing your case and any new evidence you provide. If you still don’t get approved, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. After that, you can take your case to the Appeals Council and then to federal court if necessary.
The two main types are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who worked in the past and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and assets and does not require a work history.
The initial review by Missouri’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) typically takes three to five months. It may take longer if additional medical exams or records are needed.
Many people are denied benefits after their initial application but later receive them upon appeal. You can file an appeal, which starts with requesting a reconsideration. The lawyers at Crowe & Shanahan can help you file an appeal and navigate the process.
While you can file on your own, an experienced lawyer can significantly increase your chances of receiving benefits. They help by explaining eligibility, gathering medical evidence, meeting deadlines, and representing you at hearings.
Filing for Social Security disability benefits can be a lot to manage, especially if you’re also dealing with serious health issues. A small mistake could slow things down or even lead to a denial. An experienced lawyer can keep your case on track and increase your chances of receiving benefits by:
If you need help with a disability claim in Missouri, reach out to Crowe & Shanahan. Their lawyers handle these cases every day and can guide you every step of the way. Contact our team today to get started with your free consultation session.
We take pride in the strong professional and personal relationships we build with each client. You will meet with the attorney early on and that same attorney will be with you throughout the process. You can rely on us to give you honest advice about your options because this is the right thing to do.
As your advocates, we will remain by your side throughout the process, developing a strategy that fits your specific circumstances. Your legal and financial issues are unique, so we tailor our advice according to your situation. Many individuals and families have benefited from this legal approach.
