Helping You Secure Social Security Disability Benefits
For many people, physical and/or emotional disabilities can be so debilitating they are unable to perform any work at all. Often, this occurs when you are injured through the negligence of others, have a pending lawsuit for personal injuries and/or in the course of your employment. If you fall into this group of people, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
If you are eligible, the Social Security program can provide you with medical benefits and wage replacement income. Even if you were in the course of your employment, you may be eligible to collect Social Security Disability benefits. However, seeking benefits is not straightforward. Our attorneys at Palillo Law can help you through this process.
Types Of Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two disability benefit programs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial support for older adults with limited income, disabled children, disabled adults who have never worked and legally blind people.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are an earned benefit available to those under retirement age who have disabling medical conditions. Both SSI and SSDI provide monthly financial support for those with debilitating medical issues.
Common Qualifying Disabilities
When reviewing applications for SSDI benefits, in particular, the SSA has a number of categories of different qualifying conditions. Those qualifying conditions are grouped by type and include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Back injuries, arthritis, pathologic fractures
- Respiratory disorders: Asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic pulmonary hypertension
- Cardiovascular disorders: Chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, recurrent arrhythmias, chronic venous insufficiency
- Digestive disorders: Chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, digestive organ transplants
- Genitourinary disorders: Chronic kidney disease, Nephrotic syndrome
- Neurological disorders: Epilepsy, benign brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injuries
- Mental disorders: Severe/chronic depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders
- Cancer and immune system disorders: Systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, immune deficiency disorders (specifically excluding HIV infections)
- Congenital conditions: Down syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome
- Blood and endocrine disorders: Sickle cell disease, thalassemia, bone marrow failure, pituitary gland disorders, diabetes mellitus, chronic hyperglycemia
Even if an individual’s specific diagnosis is not on the list of likely approved conditions, they may still be able to qualify for SSDI benefits with adequate medical documentation. Our team can determine the best way to present the SSA with evidence of your condition.
The Process Of Applying For Disability Benefits
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits begins with identifying the program for which an applicant may be eligible. From there, they may need to gather documentation regarding their diagnosis, symptoms and possibly their finances. They must complete official application paperwork and submit supporting medical evidence.
After submitting a thorough application, individuals may receive approval for benefits or may face rejection. Rejection is common, and there are multiple stages of appeals available.
Applicants can submit additional medical documentation and request a reconsideration. They can also seek a hearing in court. Approval after an appeal can result in backdated benefits to cover the time when the applicant was eligible but did not receive benefits. Our team at Palillo Law can support you during your initial application or manage the appeals process, if necessary.
Contact Us For Experienced Counsel
To determine whether you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you need an experienced law office with vast experience in the field. Palillo Law can help assess your options and then apply for these benefits.
Call us at 917-920-6601 or contact our team online to schedule a free consultation.