Secret really isn’t the right word to describe what this article is about. However, some of the issues we are going to discuss are not well known, even though they are important to winning SSD benefits. Therefore, perhaps you could call them secrets.
The following five “secrets” will help you file your application for SSD benefits. Likewise, they may help you understand why the SSA has denied your benefits. Many people who file for SSDI and SSI benefits simply don’t have the medical evidence they need to win benefits. Similarly, even though people go to the doctor, they fail to tell the doctor about all of their symptoms. One of the secrets to winning SSD benefits is understanding that the burden to prove you deserve benefits is on you.
If you have filed your application for benefits and received a denial in the mail, then it is time to hire an attorney. Of course, we recommend you hire an attorney when you first file your application. An attorney can help you file for SSD and SSI benefits. Filling out the paperwork correctly in the beginning can be key to winning benefits.
Many attorneys refuse to help people file their application and will only take your case at a later point in the appeal process. We disagree. Hire an attorney when you realize you cannot work and need SSD benefits. Then, you don’t need to worry about learning the secrets to winning SSD benefits.
SECRET #1: OBTAIN THE SUPPORT OF YOUR DOCTOR
The SSA decides if you qualify for monthly SSD benefits by looking at your medical records. If you haven’t sought treatment for your condition or discussed symptoms with your doctor, then it looks bad to the SSA. If you aren’t treated by a doctor, then the SSA assumes your condition doesn’t effect you as much as you say it does.
The more medical evidence you have from your doctor, the higher your chances for approval of benefits. This is one SSA secret that makes all the difference. In other words, if you have no doctor to treat you for your medical conditions, then you will not win SSD benefits. Therefore, if you cannot afford to see a doctor, contact the SSA and ask to see on of their doctors. Learn about the free SSA doctor exam.
If you have mental health issues, then you need treatment from a counselor. You can also see a nurse or doctor. They can give you medication. If you can’t afford private therapy, then attend group therapy. Finally, if you cannot afford medical care, there is a list of free and low cost health clinics on our website. Choose your state and call the free clinic for mental help:
When you file for SSD benefits, your doctor will submit your medical records. As long as your doctor supports your application for SSD benefits, you should be able to obtain the medical records you need to prove you deserve benefits. Although it is not secret, medical records really are the key to winning SSD benefits.
SECRET #2: COMPLETE YOUR PAPERWORK RIGHT AWAY
Filing for SSD benefits involves a lot of paperwork. However, you cannot get SSD benefits unless you first file an application for them. You can file your application on the SSA’s website. Or, you can fill out a paper application.
Additionally, you can file an application over the phone or in person at your local Social Security office. If you file your application by phone or in person, then an SSA worker will ask you questions about your medical conditions and your work history. The Social Security Administration will obtain copies of your medical records to build your file.
Your local office will forward a copy of your file to a state office that examines all SSDI and SSI claims. Next, your case will be assigned for review to an SSA worker who is a claims representative. The claims representative will review your medical records. Also, they might request information from your doctor. Additionally, the might send you to visit one of their doctors to get more information about your medical condition. Learn about SSA’s doctors.
If you have an SSA interview, then you can ask for the name and contact information of the SSA worker who will be reading your file and making a decision in your case. You can always contact the claims representative and send the medical records to them. If the SSA sends you any paperwork, like questions about your daily activities, then you should fill it out as soon as possible. Failing to fill out the paperwork delays a decision in your case.
SECRET #3: CAN YOU GET EXPEDITED REVIEW?
Some SSD applications get a faster review. For example, if you are a Veteran, then you qualify for a faster review. However, you need to let the SSA know that you are a Veteran. They don’t know that automatically.
If you are a Veteran and qualify for 100% service connected VA disability benefits, then you should get a quick review in your SSD case. Benefits through the VA and SSD benefits through the SSA require separate applications. But, an award from the VA helps you win your SSD benefits.
If you have a medical condition that is so severe it obviously meets the SSA’s definition of disability, then you can get a compassionate allowances. This allows you to start getting benefits quickly. However, your medical condition must be on a list of conditions that qualify. For example, the following are some of the conditions that qualify:
There are many other special medical conditions on the list and you can review them. However, you must remember that these medical conditions are rare and often fatal. If you have a rare medical condition, then you might qualify for faster review of your case. Call the SSA and ask them if you qualify for fast review.
SECRET #4: DON’T APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS AND THEN TRY TO WORK
If you try to work after you apply for benefits, then the SSA will find that your medical condition is not severe. Therefore, they will deny your SSD benefits. Likewise, if you are working 40 hours a week, the SSA won’t even let you start an application for benefits. Because SSD benefits are for people who cannot work at any job. If you are working, then you don’t qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.
In order to win SSDI and SSI benefits, you must prove your medical condition is so severe that you can’t work. That means it keeps you from working at all jobs, not just your past job. Also, you must not be able to work for over 12 months. Therefore, if you file for SSD benefits the day you stop working, then the SSA will review your case. But, they will probably find you do not qualify for benefits. Why?
Because your medical condition must last for more than 12 months. If it hasn’t been 12 months, then the SSA thinks you will recover. You must explain you stopped working due to your medical symptoms. Show this with a letter from your employer. You can also prove this with evidence of FMLA or long term disability benefits.
If you have records that show why you were fired, then submit them to the SSA. Or, if you have evidence that shows your past employer gave you special help at work, then submit it. Most people don’t know you can submit this type of evidence to the SSA. However, your attorney will know what evidence you need to win your case. Lawyers often know special issues or secrets, that can help the SSA grant your case.
SECRET #5: YOU MUST HAVE 40 WORK CREDITS BEFORE YOU CAN FILE FOR SSD BENEFITS
In order to qualify for SSD benefits, you must already have 40 work credits. That requires you to pay FICA taxes for the last five to 10 before you file for benefits. Since this is something most people don’t understand, it qualifies as a secret.
If you do not have enough work credits, then the SSA will send you a denial letter. The burden to make sure your employer reports your earnings to the SSA is on you. Some people work, but their employer does not withhold Social Security taxes from their check. Unfortunately, if that happens, then you need to report it to the SSA. Learn about the SSA’s new rules about past relevant work.
Some people have the work credits to file for SSD benefits, but they are already getting retirement benefits from the SSA. You can retire at any age between 62 and 67. Sixty-seven is, for most people, full retirement age. If you have already reached full retirement age, then you will get Social Security retirement benefits instead of SSDI benefits.
So many people in their 70’s or 80’s contact our firm and ask us – if their medical condition is worse, can they get more money? If this is you, then the answer is “no.” SSD benefits do not go up over time. They are based on how much money you made when you were working. Also, once you retire, you no longer qualify for SSDI benefits. This SSA chart documents your age at full retirement. Therefore, you can use the chart to determine when you personally will reach full retirement age.
HIRE US TO WIN YOUR SSD BENEFITS
Approximately 90% of all SSD claims are denied after the first application. Which is another terrible secret that most people don’t know. However, another secret you may not know is that hiring an SSD attorney can triple your chances of winning benefits.
A lawyer with experience in SSD law will be able to help you file your SSDI and SSI application. Also, your lawyer can submit medical evidence to the SSA. A lawyer will also make sure that you do not miss the 60 day time frame for appeal. That way, you can focus on your health. Our attorneys and staff can:
Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court
If you file your application for benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete it. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back.
OUR LAW FIRM CAN HELP YOU WIN YOUR SSD BENEFITS
It is no secret that in the past 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in future and past due SSD benefits for our clients. If you want to win SSD benefits, then you need to hire an attorney. However, make sure you hire an SSD attorney with the experience to win your case. Ask you lawyer how many SSD cases they have won. If it isn’t in the thousands, then don’t hire that attorney. You need a lawyer to prove to the SSA that they should pay you SSD benefits. That is our job. Hire us. Contact us now.
If you want to learn about our lawyers and staff, then review our About Us page. For instance, Andria Summers can help you choose the best Medicare Advantage plan. She has also won thousands of SSDI cases. Dianna Cannon has been helping SSDI and SSI clients win benefits for more than thirty years. Brett Bunkall also has years of legal experience helping people obtain their SSI and SSDI benefits. We are experts. You can trust us to help you win Social Security benefits.
In the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases for our clients. Also, we help our clients with their Medicare benefits. Our lawyers and staff can help you apply for benefits using the SSA’s website.
The SSA has many forms you will need to fill out. But, don’t worry. If you have questions about these forms, then we will answer them. Learn about SSA’s appeal forms. Call us for a free review of your case today. Contact us about your SSDI benefits application. We can help you win Social Security benefits. Hiring the right SSD attorney is the best secret of them all.
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