San Diego SSD Lawyers
Social Security Disability Benefits : SSD Benefits
The Process of Filing an SSD Claim Can Be Long and Complicated. The Experienced San Diego SSD Lawyers at Jurewitz Law Group Will Work For Your Best Interest and Get You the Benefits You Need and Deserve.
Social Security Disability (SSD) Insurance is a federal program that pays income replacement benefits to those who are unable to earn a living because of a severe physical or mental impairment. Disability benefits are available to those who have paid enough Social Security taxes, through income withholding, and can prove that they are disabled. Disability benefits are payable to blind or disabled workers, widow(er)s, or adults disabled since childhood, who are otherwise eligible.
What makes you eligible for SSD?
- Whether you have enough work credits to qualify for disability benefits
- You have a physical or mental impairment that can be shown through medical evidence
- You are unable to do ANY sort of work, not just your own past work, on a full-time basis. (There are limited exceptions to this rule, depending on your age, education, and transferable skills.)
- You are unable to work for 12 consecutive months or more at a level of substantial gainful activity (In 2008, this means you are unable to earn more than $940 per month).
As a general rule, you probably have enough work credits to qualify for SSD if you worked for five out of the last 10 years.
When and How Do I Apply For Social Security Disability (SSD)?
You should apply as soon as possible after you find out your medical condition will last 12 months or longer and prevents you from returning to work.
To apply for SSD benefits, contact your local Social Security Office and state that you wish to file an application. There are three ways that you can do this.
- File for disability online,
- Call the Social Security office to set up an appointment to apply
- Walk into the Social Security office without an appointment
You should apply for SSD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you wait too long, you may lose your benefits. Also, the SSA does not pay for periods earlier than your application effective date. The process of filing can take several months.
How Much Will I Receive?
The amount of your SSD benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. The bureau looks at how long and how much you have paid into the Social Security system. If you don't have an estimate, you can use the Benefit Calculator listed on the SSA website.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Denied My Claim. Can I Appeal?
YES. The SSA denies approximately 75% of claims every year. Many applicants simply give up after making their initial claim. DON'T GIVE UP. With an experienced social security attorney by your side, you may still be able to get your claim approved.
I Was Just Approved for SSD. When do My Benefits Start?
If you have been approved, your first Social Security benefit will be paid for the sixth full month after the date the SSA finds that your disability began. If your condition improves and you are able to return to work, you are still able to receve benefits for the time that you were unable to work if it exceeds 12 months. This is called a "closed period of disability."
Filing an SSD claim can be a confusing and lengthy process. In addition, there is a high probability that the claim will be denied. Fortunately, the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group can make this process go quickly and smoothly. Our attorneys are working for your best interest and will get you the benefits you need and deserve. Call our law office at 888-233-5020 to schedule your free consultation.
Blog for Social Security Disability Benefits
- SSI vs. SSDI: Seeking Disability Benefits in San Diego
- September 10th, 2011 - Medical Professionals and the Definition of Disability in San Diego
- September 9th, 2011 - SSI vs. SSDI: Documents Needed to Apply for Benefits in San Diego
- September 6th, 2011 - Steps to Obtain Disability Benefits with Social Security in San Diego
- September 4th, 2011 - What Is the Social Security Hearing Procedure Like?
- August 17th, 2011
