SSDI Claim FAQ
If you’ve suffered a serious injury or illness, it puts you in the very difficult position of not only having to deal with your physical ailments but also having to cope with mounting medical bills and decreased earnings. While this is what Social Security Disability insurance is for, obtaining the coverage to which you are entitled is very likely to be a challenge, and you are well-advised to work closely with an experienced SSDI attorney.
Your Most Urgent Questions
The answers to those questions that are asked most frequently regarding SSDI can help you move forward with greater clarity.
What if I can’t afford an SSDI attorney?
You have enough worries on your plate and shouldn’t have to concern yourself with how you are going to pay your SSDI attorney. Thankfully, most SSDI attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning if your claim does not prevail, you won’t owe anything, and if you are awarded Social Security Disability, your attorney will receive a predetermined percentage. Further, the Social Security Administration sets a cap on the amount attorneys can charge per claim.
What should I look for in an SSDI attorney?
If you need an SSDI attorney, you should look for someone with whom you are comfortable working, but you should also have your eye out for all of the following:
- An attorney who has considerable experience successfully guiding SSDI claims toward favorable resolutions (not an attorney who dabbles in these complicated cases)
- An attorney who has the time and the inclination to make themselves available to you when you need them and who has excellent communication skills
- An attorney who is familiar with the kind of injury or illness that you are dealing with
- An attorney who explains their game plan to you in a way that you understand
- An attorney who, if appropriate, is willing to move forward into the appeals process with you (many initial SSDI claims are denied)
Who can receive SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are designed for people who have worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least a few years. To pursue benefits, you must have been off the job for at least a year, or you must reasonably expect to be off the job for at least a year.
What amount of SSDI is it possible to receive?
The amount of SSDI benefits you receive (if you are deemed eligible) will depend upon your annual earnings and the amount of taxes you paid over the years. There is, however, a cap on the amount that can be paid out.
Does my personal wealth affect my ability to receive SSDI benefits?
Your overall personal wealth does not impede your ability to receive the SSDI benefits that you are owed. Further, your spouse’s income will not affect your SSDI benefits. If, however, you receive workers’ compensation benefits or certain kinds of governmental pensions, it can lead to decreased SSDI benefits.
What about health insurance?
Generally, if you receive SSDI benefits, you will also be entitled to Medicare coverage.
Can I continue working if I receive SSDI benefits?
The question of whether you can work while on SSDI benefits is complicated. For example, if you work full time, it’s unlikely that you will qualify as disabled. However, you may be eligible to work a part-time position. In 2020, a person on disability could earn no more than $1,260 from part-time work. If you do work while receiving SSDI benefits, you must report your earnings to the Social Security Administration. Before taking a job while receiving SSDI benefits, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dedicated SSDI attorney.
How long will it take for my social security disability benefits to begin?
Very generally, it takes from one to two months for your back benefits to be paid and for your monthly benefits to begin, but this is only a rule of thumb. If your benefits take more than 90 days to begin, your attorney may be able to expedite the process.
How far in the past will my benefits reach?
Your SSDI benefits should begin in the month of your date of entitlement, which translates to either five full months on the calendar from the date you became disabled or to 12 months prior to the date your application was filed (whichever comes later). Although this confuses many applicants, SSDI benefits do not extend back to the date that you became disabled.
How will my benefits be explained to me?
If you are awarded SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration will send you a Notice of Award that includes your date of entitlement, the amount for every month of back benefits available to you, and the total amount in benefits you will receive. Further, your Notice of Award will identify the amount in benefits that are withheld for direct payment to your SSDI attorney.
Do I really need an SSDI attorney?
If you are toying with the idea of bringing your SSDI claim without an attorney’s professional legal counsel, you may want to think again. The SSDI claim process is complicated and laborious, and because you are either injured or have become ill, you’re likely not in a great position to take on this significant task alone. Further, many SSDI claims are denied on their first pass, and the SSDI appeals process is even more complex. Put succinctly, you really do need an SSDI attorney in your corner if you want to help ensure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.
It’s in Your Best Interest to Consult with an Experienced SSDI Attorney Today
Obtaining the SSDI benefits you need can be a lengthy, complicated process, but the reputable SSDI attorneys at McCravy Law File For Disability Office offers valuable experience while successfully helping clients like you do just that. To learn more, please don’t wait to contact or call us today at 1-833-FILESSA.
