Nashville Social Security Disability Lawyer
When you have been diagnosed with a debilitating condition that will leave you unable to work, reach out to a Nashville social security attorney who can help you obtain the benefits you’re entitled to.
As if it wasn’t challenging enough having to deal with a medical condition, being unable to earn a living can put your family in financial crisis due to the astronomical medical expenses you’re likely to incur, in addition to the household bills that will still need to be paid.
Fortunately, when you retain legal representation from a Nashville social security disability lawyer at Raybin & Weissman, P.C., you can be sure that our firm is doing everything possible to obtain the social security disability benefits that are rightfully yours.
Criteria for SSDI Approval
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal organization that provides those who are unable to work with financial assistance so they can continue to support themselves and their families. If you have a physical or mental disability that will require you to stop working for a minimum of twelve months, then you may qualify for social security disability insurance (SSDI).
In addition to the inability to work, you’ll also need to have worked for a minimum number of years to be eligible for SSDI benefits. You don’t have to be a certain age to meet the eligibility criteria, but these types of benefits are more commonly awarded to those who have retired.
Should you find yourself in a position where you are unable to obtain your benefits, such as would be the case if you happened to be sentenced to a prison term in Nashville, then your next of kin, such as your spouse or adult children, may be able to collect your benefits while you are imprisoned. These are known as auxiliary benefits. Contact a social security lawyer today to learn more.
Collecting Nashville SSDI Benefits
The moment you find out that you are no longer able to work due to your diagnosis, you should reach out to your social security disability attorney so you can begin your SSDI application.
The claims process can be quite lengthy, and when you initially apply, there is a strong possibility that your claim will be denied. This is usually through no fault of your own, and we will be able to file an appeal to hopefully get your claim approved after the initial denial.
What’s more, until you have been out of work for a minimum of five months, the SSA will not begin paying you the benefits you need. You can, however, apply before the five-month mark and begin collecting your benefits as soon as the five-month requirement has passed, which will certainly benefit your Nashville family.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability in Nashville
When you’re ready to file your application for SSDI, you can get in touch with an experienced social security disability attorney in Nashville for assistance.
Our social security lawyers will ensure that your condition meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Disability Determination Service’s List of Impairments so you are prepared for what’s to come. You should expect the SSA reviewer in charge of your case to assess your condition to determine whether you’ll be able to find gainful employment in another industry despite your disability.
What Social Security Disability Benefits Consist Of
Your SSDI benefits will be sent to you each month either via a check or by direct deposit into your bank account. The money you receive is yours to spend as you wish and will not be applied to your medical expenses directly.
You do have the option of paying these bills with your benefits, though most claimants use their benefits to provide for their families by making rent or mortgage payments; paying insurance premiums, utility bills, and phone bills; or buying groceries.
It’s important to note that SSDI benefits are designed to replace the income you are losing out on by not being able to work. This is worth noting because you’ll be paid retroactively from the date of your first application, which can mean that you may receive a lump sum payment.
What You Need to Know About an SSD Denial
It shouldn’t come as a surprise if your initial claim for SSDI benefits is denied. This is because almost 70 percent of the applications that the Social Security Administration receives are initially denied.
By addressing any concerns that the SSA has about your claim, we should usually be able to get your social security disability claim approved by providing the necessary medical documentation or fixing any errors there were in your paperwork.
The details surrounding an SSDI appeal can become complicated quickly, which is why having a qualified social security lawyer in Nashville by your side can significantly increase your chances of having your appeal granted.
Get Help from a Nashville Social Security Lawyer
For help securing the disability benefits you deserve, work with a social security disability lawyer at Raybin & Weissman, P.C. Our firm will work diligently to help you prepare and file your claim and will assist you throughout the appeals process if your SSDI claim has been denied.
You can schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a Nashville social security lawyer today by calling our office at 615-256-6666 or filling out the online contact form at the bottom of this page.
Nashville Social Security Disability FAQ
If you have only recently been diagnosed with a disabling condition that will keep you out of work, chances are that you have many questions about the SSDI claims process. This is why we have provided answers below to some of the most common questions our Nashville clients have had. If we haven’t addressed your concerns, please reach out to our office to speak with an experienced social security lawyer as soon as possible.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
Social security disability insurance is only available to disabled workers who have put in a certain number of work hours over a certain period of time. Conversely, supplemental security income is available to low-income individuals who do not qualify for SSDI benefits.
Can I work and collect Social Security Disability in Nashville?
Not being able to work is the primary reason for securing social security disability benefits, and if you are able to work, chances are your claim won’t be approved. In some cases, you can work; make under the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,220 in Tennessee in 2019 for non-blind individuals; and still collect your SSDI benefits. Once you exceed the SGA limits, however, it’s likely that your SSDI benefits will be terminated unless you are still in your trial work period.
For how long can I collect Social Security benefits?
It depends on how your condition was classified. If your condition was categorized as “medical improvement possible” (MIP), you should expect to have your case reviewed again within the next two to five years after your approval. However, if your condition was categorized as “medical improvement not expected” (MINE), then your case will not be reviewed until five to seven years have passed. Essentially, as long as your condition remains debilitating, you can continue to collect benefits until you reach the age of retirement and can collect social security retirement benefits.