If, however, your disability prevents you from performing even these tasks – for example, if you cannot sit for long periods or if you cannot perform administrative tasks like typing or filing – the SSA would find that you were unable to perform any of your prior work, and your application would likely be approved. Typically you will receive disability benefits within 60 days of your favorable decision Whether your claim was approved in one month or two years, your disability benefits can never arrive soon enough! He received his Juris Doctor from the Wake Forest University School of Law. For example, if your disability began on June 15, 2018, your first benefit would be paid for the month of December 2018, the sixth full month of disability. Since he started practicing law, Bradford Collins has been an advocate for individuals who have found themselves at the mercy of an ever-growing and changing legal system. You’ve Paid Enough Social Security Taxes One of the first requirements to qualify for SSA benefits is that you must have enough work credits. In this post, we’re going to focus on Question #2: “Is your condition severe?”, According to Social Security, “your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, and remembering – for at least 12 months. A doctor must medically diagnose you with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result … If you are still able to do some … 319 S. Main St., Ste 101, Mount Airy, NC 27030, Phone: 336-793-9680 In our blog posts, we are summarizing complicated concepts and processes. If you are blind or visually impaired, you may receive a notice in the mail with a follow-up phone call. More than 50% of individuals who appeal an initial denial to an administrative hearing, for example, have their applications approved. We don’t get paid unless you do.Let us fight for you, 301 N. Main St., Ste 803, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Using the house example again, a good disability lawyer is like the architect and general contractor of your claim. The judge only asks the vocational expert a single hypothetical question, and the vocational expert … It could be great if it were that easy! If they are asking for that info about the bank acct ect, then you probably have been approved. Consider the Good Law Group for your representation – call (847) 577-4476. Email: lawoffice@collinsprice.com, COPYRIGHT © 2020 COLLINSPRICE, PLLC | SITEMAP | PRIVACY POLICY. You can earn a maximum of four credits per year. What form or letter we use all depends on what we think will be best for our client’s claim. How to Prepare for Your First Attorney Meeting, Case Evaluations in Hernia Mesh Injury Lawsuits, Social Security Disability Hearing – How to Find Your Administrative Law Judge, Social Security Disability and a Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Leak, Why Search Your Judges Name before Your Hearing, 10 Guidelines You Should Use For Answering A Social Security Function Report, Spondylosis and Social Security Disability Benefits, Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Cervical Radiculopathy. Eligibility for social security disability benefits requires either that the disability lasts, or is expected to last, 12 months or longer, or will result in your death. AFTER YOU ARE APPROVED FOR DISABILITY. The amount required depends on age and is as follows: Eligibility for social security disability benefits does not just require a finding that you are unable to perform at your current job; the SSA must also find that you cannot work at any of your prior jobs. You can learn more about working part-time on disability by reading our blog post. Most claims receive an initial denial, and several things are considered when you move on to an appeal. Disability Application to Hearing. Younger disabled workers, however, may qualify with fewer work credits. There are also other limits and rules in place around working. There are several different factors that the SSA will use in evaluating your claim. But meeting the criteria for a specific listing increases your chances of approval. If your monthly earnings exceed SGA, but you were provided special accommodations, worked irregular hours, or required frequent breaks to work, the SSA may still rule that you are eligible for disability benefits. If it is a rejection, the SSA will send a Notice of Disapproved Claim or Notice of Reconsideration depending on the stage of the claim. The Social Security Administration uses grid rules to guide their claims process. If this is not an option for you or if you want to do some personal research beforehand, here are the five signs that you will be approved for disability. If you want more specific advice about your claim, contact us today for a free evaluation. If you think you will be out of work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. For instance, if you receive an approval for RSDI or SSI at the Initial or Reconsideration level, then you may receive your disability award letter within three months. 21 Sunrise Ave., Ste 9, Lexington, NC 27292 Please share this list with anyone else you know who has been approved for disability in the past six months. What happens if you find I am able to do my past work, but I cannot get a job doing that work ? What Medical Conditions Automatically Qualify You For Disability? Sometimes, even if you work with a good disability lawyer your claim may not be successful. At 55, those restrictions become even less strict, and SSA can rule you disabled even if you can still perform some light work. The same is true for a social security disability claim. Certain payments considered income for income tax purposes, such as alimony payments, are not counted as income for purposes of determining monthly income for SSD purposes. To officially inform you whether your disability application has been approved or rejected, the SSA will send you a notice of their decision by mail. The SSA would therefore consider you able to do your prior work and deny your application. There are several steps that need to take place prior to your receipt of benefits. Most often, if your disability claim has been denied, the state disability agency responsible for making the decision, will send you a denial letter. 10 Myths and Facts About Social Security Disability Insurance. Medical evidence usually falls into two categories: medical records and statements of support. Can Social Security Check Your Bank Account? This means that disability benefits are paid only for long-term disability; short-term disability does not qualify. Some people can meet a listing’s criteria from a medical standpoint yet, either through workplace accommodations, treatment, or an ability to adapt to or work through any pain, still be able to work. That brings us to the second sign that you may have a better-than-average claim: medical evidence. The grids fall into four categories: If you are found to be severely medically impaired, Social Security will use one of these grids to determine whether you are disabled or not. In closing, it’s important to remember that no one can guarantee a positive result. When you apply for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration, you may be advised by the state Disability Determinations Section (DDSs) that a "consultative examination" is required.The DDSs are state agencies, funded by the federal government, that review a disability claimant's medical evidence and determine whether the claimant is disabled. After determining that your disability precludes you from working at the job you held when you became disabled, the SSA will consider your age, education, experience, and prior work history to determine if there is other work you could perform. If it does not, we will find that you are not disabled.”. How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for Disability? The grid rules take many factors into play including your age, your education level and your previous work experience. Individuals pay into Social Security by working certain covered jobs, and their earnings are converted into work credits. However, if you meet the criteria for an approved impairment listed in the SSA "Listing of Impairments," you will qualify automatically regardless of your ability to work. So, if you apply for disability in 2020 but became disabled in 2018, you must have earned 20 work credits in the period 2008 to 2018. A long list of everything that nobody tells you when you get approved for Social Security disability. Is this a bad sign? I've been waiting for months to hear whether I'll be approved or denied for disability. Sign 1: You meet the non-medical criteria. Neither does having earnings that exceed that threshold serve as an automatic disqualification. What Are Signs You Will be Approved for Disability? Unfortunately, the odds that your disability application will be approved at the initial stage of the process are not good. Overall, your disability must be so severe that you are unable to work your current job or transition to other work. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The first is your age. If your disability claim is denied or approved, Social Security will send you a notice of decision in the mail. If you are applying for disability, you need a foundation of good medical evidence. You may have questions about your likelihood of getting disability benefits. Should you Re-File for SSI? More specifically, the disability must make you unable to participate in what the SSA calls substantial gainful activity (SGA). Having a better understanding of why your SSI was denied will help you to get perspective on whether you should seek SSDI, re-file for SSI, or file an appeal on SSI.. on Signs That You Will Be Approved for Disability, Eligibility for social security disability benefits, Injured by a Hernia Mesh Implant? So, if you apply for disability in 2020 but became disabled in 2018, you must have earned 20 work credits in the period 2008 to 2018. And so on for the grids that designed to be used for medium or heavy (or very heavy work). You should know that there is a five-month waiting period between the time you are approved and the time when your first check will be sent. Social security disability is like an insurance program. If you want to gauge how likely you are to get benefits, here are 5 signs that you will be approved for disability: 1. In both those cases, SSA always assumes you can’t do your past relevant work first and you have to prove that you are severely medically impaired. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the disability approval rating at the initial application stage is roughly 36%. The first question people ask when they apply for disability is whether they will be approved for benefits. In our disability process, we evaluate your ability to do the physical and mental activities you were required to do in your past work. Social Security also has a standard form that they call the “Medical Source Statement of Ability to Perform Work-Related Activities.” In other cases, we ask doctors who are willing to just write us their opinion in a letter. What to Do If You Disagree with the Decision Now, let’s look at two signs that you may have a stronger-than-average claim. Just like having a disability that is included in the SSA Blue Book isn’t an automatic guarantee of eligibility for disability benefits, having monthly earnings that fall below the SGA threshold doesn’t guarantee that your application will be approved. Cancer diagnoses are … May 8, 2020 by Brad Collins Every year, we offer free case evaluations to hundreds of people in North Carolina seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The SSA lists criteria for each listing to ensure that only the most severe impairments are approved for disability based on medical evidence alone. He has helped hundreds of injured and disabled people in North Carolina successfully navigate the Social Security disability appeals process. If your application is approved, your first Social Security benefit will be paid for the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began. Each claim for disability is different, and in so many different ways. If you receive a denial or partially favorable letter, check the details of the response carefully. if they also want to know more about the disability or proof (a paper from the doctor) then you may not be approved yet.Sounds like you are to me cuz they dont usually waste their time with the bank info, ect. If you can still do sedentary work, the SSA uses the grid for people who are limited to sedentary work. Every case is different and each case is dependent upon medical conditions and their severity. Likewise, you can be ineligible for benefits even if you earn less than SGA. They create the plan and then help you build a strong claim built on solid medical evidence that will support a definition of “disabled.”. The SSA may also call you or your spouse to begin an application for your children, which is a sign that your disability claim has been approved. Here's what you should know if you're applying to Social Security for long-term disability due to a medical condition. If you'd like to discuss your claim with an expert, I would recommend speaking with a Social Security disability attorney. Whether a disability decision (SSDI or SSI) takes longer or shorter than the average processing time could mean a number of things. First, some background on the procedure of applying for SSI or SSDI: After you submit an application, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will start out by deciding whether you meet the financial and/or work-history requirements. Blue Book Listings The listing of impairments, more commonly referred to as the Blue Book, includes the most common approved impairments for adults and children. Obtaining disability benefits can be complicated, but an experienced SSD lawyer can help you when applying. These SSA grid rules are complex. if you may not be qualified. You should do your best to be prepared to weather this interim period. The Sequence of Steps to be Approved for Social Security Disability or SSI You must also be able to demonstrate that the disability interferes with your ability to work. For example, if the hearing office as a whole has an approval rate of 45 percent, but your judge averages an approval rate of 68 percent, that's a good sign that you have a reasonable judge who will make a fair decision. If you can still do light work, the SSA uses the grid for people who are limited to light work. Social Security uses a step-by-step process with five questions to determine if you are disabled. If you have a strong disability claim, you will receive monthly benefits. En español | There are hundreds of illnesses and disorders, as well as certain medical and personal circumstances, that may qualify you for expedited processing of a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). By itself, having a recognized disability isn’t enough to qualify an applicant for social security disability benefits. If your claim is being denied, the SAA will send you a Notice of Disapproved Claim or Notice of Reconsideration depending on the stage of the claim. Why? This is a Notice of Decision. In this article, our Arkansas Social Security disability attorneys highlight four signs that suggest that you will be approved for disability … Although the process of applying for social security disability can be lengthy, there are some signs that can indicate that you might be approved for disability. We’re trying to paint a picture for Social Security of how your life is affected by your medical condition. There are websites where you can look up a judge's approval ratios. For example, if the SSA finds that you could perform other work, or could continue in your current job with accommodations. Filed Under: Social Security Tagged With: Lexington Disability Lawyers, Mount Airy disability lawyers, North Carolina disability lawyers, Social Security Disability, Winston Salem disability lawyers. Here are five signs your claim for disability benefits may be approved. “Approved” Disabilities: The SSA maintains a list of conditions that meet the definition of disability. Every year, we offer free case evaluations to hundreds of people in North Carolina seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If we don’t have any medical records that document diagnosis and treatment for your medical conditions, it will be difficult to prove that you are disabled. However, your work history shows that you held various jobs in administrative or managerial roles, none of which required you to operate machinery or lift heavy objects. If the answer is yes, your application will be denied. With that in mind, we often ask clients to contact doctors they believe will write them a brief statement of support that further supports their claim. But there are some factors that could work in your favor and help you win a claim for SSDI or SSI benefits. Unfortunately, no one cannot guarantee a positive result. It can save you a lot of money and a lot of heartache. First, let’s review the Social Security definition of disabled. Starting at 50 years old and if you meet all the conditions in the grid rules, SSA considers you disabled even if you can still do some sedentary work. If you are approved at the hearing level, then first you will receive a letter from the hearing office stating you have been approved. Payments will continue on a monthly basis for as long as you are deemed to be unable to work due to your physical condition or disability. You are also 63 years old, which means you will have a much higher chance of qualifying than someone who is younger and may be able to be retrained for another job. Signs I am going to win my Social Security Disability Benefits Case. This is where age comes into play. If you have applied for Social Security Disability and received a preliminary denial of your claim, you are most likely wondering what your odds of for approval at the reconsideration stage. We also look for commentary and notes from your medical professionals that support our claim. We will find that you are not disabled. If you were building a house, you’d need a good foundation. Ability to Continue Prior Work: If it is determined that you are able to adjust and continue your prior line of work, you may not be considered disabled. Apart from “how do i know if my disability is approved,” another common question with those waiting for disability claim approval is what options are available if their disability claim is denied. In the video below Sharon Christie, a social security disability benefits lawyer, answers the age-old question what are some signs that I am going to win my Social Security Disability Benefits Case? In reality, if continuing to pursue SSI is the right decision for you, you should file an appeal vs. refile. The SSA determines that you are fit to do a different but related job. As an attorney, he has helped protect victims of domestic violence, representing those without the resources many take for granted. The Social Security Administration Blue Book lists more than 100 medical conditions the SSA considers disabling. If you or someone you know is looking to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits contact Sharon Christie Law today. Social Security Disability on our website. In other words, the medical evidence must show that you have the same symptoms, clinical signs, and laboratory findings as the listed impairment. Cancer: There are several types of cancer…too many to list in this blog. That is why many people work with a disability lawyer to help them make sense of the process. Approval ratings do, however, increase for cases that are appealed. You can find more basic information about Social Security Disability on our website. Being able to meet these criteria doesn’t guarantee that the SSA will rule that you are disabled enough to receive disability benefits. For a claimant to be approved for disability, the medical evidence must indicate that they have sufficient limitations that make it impossible for them to work (at one of their former jobs or doing some type of other work) and earn a substantial and gainful income. People who are older than 50 are defined by Social Security as being “of advanced age.” This means that they fall into a different category and may have a better chance of qualifying as physically disabled. That means 6 out of every 10 applications for disability benefits will be denied. Answer. When looking at medical records, we’re not just trying to find out how often you went to the doctor or hospital, we’re also looking for information that is relevant to the medical conditions we believe may help you qualify as disabled. The most straightforward way to know if you’ve been approved or denied is to wait for the notice from the SSA in the mail. How to File a Social Security Disability Application. But earning less than the SGA when you apply for disability is a good indicator that your application will be approved. Each condition has specific criteria applicants must meet, through medical evidence, to prove their disability. Fax: 336-727-2599 The Social Security Program’s definition is, “any condition that is severe enough to prevent you from working for 12 months or more may be considered a qualifying disability.” For more information about what conditions qualify for disability you can read our blog post. After you have gone through the lengthy process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you might think that as soon as you are approved you will see a check in the mailbox. Although no attorney can guarantee that the SSA will approve your application for social security disability benefits, some factors push the odds of approval in your favor. good luck! Typically, you need 40 work credits to be eligible for social security disability benefits, 20 of which must have been earned in the 10-year period ending at the start of your disability. Sign #1: You … As your disability lawyer, one of the first things we will do is review your medical records and ask you if you have any doctors willing to write a statement of support on your behalf. Born in Rocky Mount and raised in Kernersville, North Carolina, Brad attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, receiving his Bachelor of Arts from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. In our practice, we have developed specific forms for our clients to use for this purpose. Typically, you need 40 work credits to be eligible for social security disability benefits, 20 of which must have been earned in the 10-year period ending at the start of your disability. For 2020, that means being able to earn more than $1,260 per month, or $2,110 if you are blind (the SSA adjusts the SGA amount annually). When you look at the grids, you’ll note that claimants who are 50 or older are considered to be of ‘advanced age.’ These claimants can qualify for disability under less restrictive work limits. For example, let’s say you work in construction and your disability prevents you from operating heavy machinery and lifting heavy objects. After the Social Security Administration … In 2020, $1,410 in earnings is equivalent to one credit (like SGA, the amount changes annually). Dependent upon medical conditions the SSA calls substantial gainful activity ( SGA ) likewise, you need a of. A good disability lawyer is like the architect and general contractor of your claim with expert. For commentary and notes from your medical condition and statements of support letter check... 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