SSD Attorneys in Foley, AL
If you have worked long enough and paid into the Social Security system, you have earned money to use when you are disabled or retired. The Social Security Disability is one way to access those funds when you find yourself suddenly unable to work.
Unfortunately, the process of applying for SSD in Foley, AL is often overwhelming and confusing. This may lead individuals to submit the wrong forms, send information in too late, or fail to send enough documentation of their disability. This often leads to an automatic denial or unnecessary delays.
Whether you are starting the SSD application process or appealing a denial, Walton Law is here to help you. Our firm is dedicated to helping SSD and SSI applicants get the benefits they deserve. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 251-455-5819.
Work Requirements for SSD in Foley
Perhaps the most confusing part of applying for SSD benefits in Foley is understanding the work requirements. The terminology used by the SSA can make it difficult to determine whether or not you can even apply for SSD. We’ll break it down here.
Per SSA rules, you must have enough work experience to apply for disability benefits. Additionally, at least some of that experience must be recent enough to qualify.
Most people need 40 work credits to qualify for disability benefits. At least 20 of those credits must have been earned in the 10 years prior to you becoming disabled.
A “credit” is a set amount of money you earn in wages or self-employment income. The amount varies from year to year. You can earn up to four credits each year when you meet the specific income amount. In 2020, you earn one credit for each $1,410 earned. Once you have earned at least $5,640 in 2020, you have earned four credits for that year.
That is one of the most important parts of this: you can only earn four credits per year. That means that you must have worked at least five out of the most recent 10 years to meet the recent work qualifications, and at least 10 years total to meet the total work credit requirement.
Proving Your Disability
The other part of qualifying for SSD is proving that your disability is substantial enough to keep you from pursuing substantial gainful activity. This is often determined by the Social Security Listing of Impairments, more commonly referred to as the Social Security “blue book.” It includes 14 categories of impairments, all of which may qualify you for SSD or SSI. Each impairment has specific diagnostic or symptomatic requirements you must meet.
Even if your disability is not listed in the book or you do not meet the specific requirements, you may still be able to receive disability benefits. You simply need to put in a bit more work to prove that your disability keeps you from engaging in work. This may involve visiting additional doctors and obtaining more medical tests that demonstrate the extent of your ability. It is often helpful to work with a doctor who frequently handles Social Security cases, as they know what language is needed to satisfy SSD requirements.
What Happens If Your Application is Denied?
It is extremely common for an SSD application to be denied the first time around. This doesn’t mean that your disability is not substantial enough for SSD benefits, nor does it mean that you have no other options. It may mean that you forgot to fill out part of the paperwork, that your disability documentation was insufficient, or that you did not have enough proof of your work history.
In many situations, fighting a denial is simple. You just have to fix the errors or weak areas of your application and appeal the decision. While this may delay your benefits, it is not the end of the road for your disability benefits.
Make sure you check the appeal date on your denial letter. The SSA often only gives a short window in which you can appeal their decision, and letting this date pass means that you will have to restart the application process.
Why Choose Walton Law?
Whether you are looking for help with your disability application in Foley, AL or you are trying to appeal a denial, the team at Walton Law is committed to helping you get the benefits you deserve. Many law firms do SSD and SSI appeals as an aside, focusing the majority of their time and effort on other areas of law. This makes it difficult to keep up with changes in Social Security, legislation, and application processes.
Our firm only works on SSD and SSI cases. We believe that those who are disabled have the right to the funds they have earned through Social Security, so much of our caseload comes from SSD cases. We have handled cases spanning many types of disabilities and employment situations, giving us the knowledge and experience necessary to work on your case.
We know that a delay in receiving benefits often means unpaid bills, an empty refrigerator, or delayed prescription refills for those living on disability payments. Our goal is to help every client get the benefits they are entitled to.
If you are just starting to fill out your application and you aren’t sure what comes next, we will help you submit the strongest application possible. If you have received a denial letter and you’re panicking about your appeal, we’ll help you there. In many cases, a few quick fixes and updates can make your application significantly stronger.
Reach Out to Walton Law Today
We know the process of applying for disability in Foley, AL can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. We know that the money you receive from benefits is essential to meeting your financial obligations and taking care of your daily needs, which is why we work so hard on behalf of every single client. For help with your SSD application or appeal, get in touch with Walton Law now. Contact us online or give us a call at 251-455-5819 to get started.
