Disability Claims
Because of the rising medical costs, many disabled people consider Social Security Disability claims as a very important federal aid that will help them buy medication and other basic needs.
Meanwhile, out of the thousands of people who filed for disability claims in 2008, the Social Security Administration (SSA) said only 25 percent of them have been immediately approved to receive this financial assistance. Despite this high rate of denied applications, SSA said that 60 percent of those who filed for an appeal have been approved to receive disability benefits.
This figure just shows how important it is for claimants to hire disability compensation attorneys especially when making an appeal after being denied by the SSA. (While people can file their claims and make an appeal without a lawyer, it is advisable to hire one so he will have a bigger chance to receive his disability claims.)
Facts About Social Security Benefits
• Qualified claimants should have worked at least 10 years and have enough contributions in their Social Security Funds.
• Claimants’ condition prevents them from working.
• The social security disability claims will last until the condition of the beneficiaries has improved.
• People with disabilities that fall under the Social Security list of impairments are qualified for benefits. (See the SSA website)
• The disability should have been at least five months before claimants will receive their benefits.
• If the claimants are receiving other federal assistance, the amount of Social Security benefits will be affected.
• The amount of disability benefits people will receive depends on their contributions while they were still working.
• After two years of receiving disability benefits, the claimants will automatically get Medicare service.
• Certain family members of Social Security taxpayers are eligible for a separate disability benefits. (e.g. spouse, children)
• Claimants who have been denied can file an appeal up to four times.
• The four levels of appeal are reconsideration, disability hearing, appeals council, and federal court.
• The denied claimants should file for an appeal within 60 days after receiving the notice from SSA. Failing to do so may void their disability claims. Meanwhile, in some cases, the agency allows people to file their claims beyond the deadline as long as they will have a valid reason.
• To process the disability claims fast and efficiently, the SSA has more than 140 hearing offices across the country that even people living in a remote area can access the agency’s service.
• The administrative judge usually holds the hearing within 75 miles from the claimant’s house.
• SSA allows video teleconferencing in some special cases when the claimants’ condition will not allow them to personally attend the hearing. (Claimants should submit a doctor’s statement that will explain why they will be unable to go to the hearing.)
• To prove their claims, people can present evidences during the hearing that will prove the severity of their health condition. Meanwhile, they can also present credible witnesses including doctors and health specialists.
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