Montgomery County Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSA) Lawyer

Millions of Americans live with a disabling condition that prevents them from working and limits their ability to function the way they’re used to in their everyday lives. If you have an illness or injury that is impacting you in these ways, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may be the right option for you.

SSDI is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that is designed to provide financial resources to people who are unable to work due to a long-term, disabling medical condition. The benefits are available to anyone who meets the SSA’s eligibility requirements, which include earning sufficient work credits through past employment and establishing the severity of the condition.

Navigating the Montgomery County SSDI application process often feels overwhelming and confusing, especially when dealing with a serious medical condition at the same time. Hiring an experienced SSDI lawyer can make a significant difference. Daniel Martin understands the intricacies of the application process, including the strict eligibility requirements and the types of medical evidence needed for approval. Whether you need help filing an initial claim or appealing a denial, he will help you avoid common mistakes that lead to denials, handle the legal work so you can focus on your health, and advocate for you along the way. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to schedule a free consultation with our Social Security disability lawyer.

Preparing to File an SSDI Claim

When you need to file an initial SSDI claim, it’s essential to start by gathering relevant and thorough documentation of your disabling medical condition, including:

• Test results
• Surgery and other medical records
• Diagnosis details
• Doctor’s notes

Any evidence that demonstrates your inability to work due to your condition could also be helpful for your claim.

It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria put in place by the SSA. Specifically, the work credit requirements and the SSA’s definition of a disability will be crucial as you prepare your application.

As part of your SSDI claim, you should be prepared to fill out forms that ask about your work history, diagnoses, medical treatments, and limitations caused by your medical condition. A Montgomery County disability lawyer can help you fill out the forms and include sufficient supporting documentation to increase your chances of a successful first-time application. The denial rate is high for initial SSDI claims, so guidance from an experienced lawyer is invaluable.

The Benefits of Working with an SSDI Attorney

When you work with an SSA lawyer for your SSDI claim, you benefit in numerous ways. The support and advocacy provided by an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer can help ease some of the stress you likely feel about your SSDI claim.

Having legal representation is also beneficial in the following ways:

Approval is More Likely

SSDI claims are frequently denied at the initial stage due to errors or insufficient evidence. A lawyer understands the common reasons for denial and can help avoid those pitfalls, which improves your chances of approval.

Support for Appeals in Event of Denial

If your claim is denied, the appeals process involves multiple stages that can be difficult to navigate without professional guidance. Lawyers are skilled at presenting strong cases during appeals, including representing clients at hearings before administrative law judges.

In-depth Knowledge of Eligibility Criteria

A Social Security lawyer will have a deep understanding of the SSA’s requirements and what it looks for in a successful claim, including what qualifies as a disabling condition. They can assess your case and provide advice on how to prove you meet the SSA’s criteria.

Essentially, an SSDI lawyer can make approval more likely and make the process easier for you, which means you can focus on your health.

What Medical Conditions Meet the SSA’s Disability Definition?

The SSA’s definition of disability will dictate whether or not you qualify for benefits, and it includes a series of strict criteria.

Impacts Ability to Perform Substantial Gainful Activity

Work that earns over a certain amount of monthly income is considered a substantial gainful activity. The SSA’s limits change periodically, and there are two different maximum income amounts for blindness-related and non-blindness-related claims. Your SSA lawyer will be able to tell you what the current limits are and whether you meet this requirement.

Condition Must be a Severe Impairment

Your illness or injury must be severe enough that it significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities, like walking, interacting with others, and remembering important information.

Permanent or Long-term Duration

There is also a duration requirement for applying for SSDI benefits. Your medical condition must be permanent or expected to last at least one year. Disorders and other illnesses that will result in death also meet this criterion.

Blue Book Condition or Equivalent

The SSA has compiled a list of impairments that meet their requirements in what’s referred to as its Blue Book, including conditions such as respiratory disorders, mental health conditions, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders. If your condition is not included in the SSA’s Blue Book, you will need to prove that it is medically equivalent.

Inability to Perform Other Work

Not only must you be unable to perform the work you used to do, but you are also required to show that you cannot adjust to other types of work. The SSA will assess your medical condition, age, education, and work experience to establish whether you meet its criteria for disability.

Get Help from a Montgomery County Disability Lawyer

Daniel Martin has been helping individuals in Montgomery County and surrounding areas apply for SSDI benefits for over a decade. His experience with the claims process and understanding of the SSA requirements can make the difference between approval and denial. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin today to schedule your free consultation.