Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to individuals with disabilities with a qualifying work history and who have paid Social Security taxes. Payroll taxes fund the program; the benefit amount is based on your past earnings.
Hiring an experienced SSDI attorney to help with the Kansas City SSDI application process can increase your chances of success. Applying for SSDI or an appeal is complex, but our lawyers understand the specific criteria and procedures that go into these processes. Call BurnettDriskill Attorneys today for more information.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a qualifying disability that prevents you from working and a sufficient work history. You must have earned enough work credits and paid Social Security taxes.
Your disability must prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA), a certain level of work and earnings. The disability must be expected to last for at least a full year or result in death.
The number of credits you need to qualify to apply for SSDI in Kansas City will depend on your age when your disability starts. Typically, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year your disability begins, although younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
You can apply for SSDI benefits in Kansas City in numerous ways, including online and over the phone. The SSA uses a five-step set of criteria to determine disability. The first is your current work activity.
If you are currently working at a level considered SGA, the SSA will deny your claim at this stage, as you are not considered disabled. If you are not working at SGA levels, the SSA will assess whether your impairment(s) is severe, meaning they are medically determinable and significantly limit your ability to work.
If your impairment(s) is severe, the SSA will determine if your condition(s) meet or equal a listing in the SSA’s “Blue Book.” This refers to a list of conditions that are considered disabling. The SSA may also assess your ability to perform past work or other types of jobs, considering your age, education, work experience, and transferable skills.
An attorney can help by ensuring a complete and accurate application. They can also complete the application accurately and ensure all required information is included to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
If your initial application is denied, a lawyer can present your case to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). They can also guide you through the appeals process, which can be lengthy and complex, and represent you at each stage, including reconsideration, hearings, and even appeals to the Appeals Council and federal court.
The Kansas City SSDI application process can be challenging to navigate. It requires extensive medical documentation, a thorough understanding of work history requirements, and a multi-step evaluation process, which can lead to denials and appeals.
A lawyer can ensure that your application is complete and accurate, minimizing the risk of denial due to insufficient information. They can help you present a compelling case for disability, highlighting the impact of your condition on your ability to work. If you have questions about a claim, contact a disability attorney today for legal support.
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