SSDI: Eligibility and Denial

Posted October 27, 2014 by admin We all see the Social Security amount taken out of our paychecks every two weeks, but many people don’t know why the money is being removed or what it is going toward. Social Security functions as a way for disabled or injured workers to make ends meet in the face of mounting medical costs and lost wages.

As only 1 in 3 companies offer short and long term disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) steps in as a backup plan in the event of debilitating injury or disability. Should you find yourself unable to work, SSDI will provide income and medical assistance, but you’ve got to meet a few requirements first. For over 8 million families, SSDI helps to put food on the table.

In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, the first requirement is that you must have paid into the Social Security fund via payroll taxes. To be eligible, your injury or illness must be prolonged, which means you must have it for over a year or expected to end in death. SSDI benefits are only available to those seriously injured or ill and only if this issue doesn’t permit working as a result.

The way SSDI works is not on a sliding scale. You are either deemed disabled or not disabled, there is no gray area. The best time to apply for your benefits is on day one. The longer you wait, the more time it can be drawn out that you may receive nothing. A well documented case file is going to be your number one ally in your application process, so be sure to complete all forms correctly, compile medical records, obtain work records if necessary, and any other evidence that can prove your disability.

Denials happen. It is unlikely that an applicant is approved with no further appeals, especially without the assistance of a professional. Your letter from SSDI notifying you that you’ve been denied is word one. You’ve got to thoroughly read this mailing as it will alert you where to go from here.

Your first step is to file an appeal. Don’t wait for someone to change their mind, do it now! You are only provided 60 days from the date of your denial to file an appeal. In most states, the next step is to file a Request for Reconsideration that must be filled out in order to start the appeal process. If your claim is denied for a second time or your state doesn’t have this phase, you must request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.

In the event of any of these denials, please consider hiring a professional representative. There will be a great deal of professional language and red tape that most laymen don’t understand. At Premier Disability, we’ve got 30 years of experience dealing with SSDI claims and are committed to helping you get the money you deserve. If you’ve been denied, don’t delay. We will make every effort to get your money, and quickly.

Contact us today for assistance with your SSDI claims!

References:

http://www.nosscr.org/benefits-overview

http://www.nosscr.org/benefits-eligibility

http://www.nosscr.org/if-youve-been-denied