If a health condition is keeping you from working, you may be wondering how to get help covering your basic expenses. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) could offer the support you need, but understanding whether you are eligible and how to apply can be frustrating. The process is paperwork-heavy, and many people find themselves overwhelmed before they even start.
A Kansas City SSDI eligibility lawyer can help you understand if you qualify for benefits and assist you throughout the process of applying. Working with an experienced SSDI attorney can give you clarity around your options and what to expect at each stage. Instead of navigating complex Social Security Administration (SSA) forms on your own, you can focus on your health while your attorney represents you during your claim.
SSDI is an insurance program that provides monthly benefits to people who are unable to work due to a long-term disability. To be eligible, you must show that your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity and is likely to last at least 12 months or result in death.
You also need a certain number of work credits. Generally, you must have 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the 10 years before your disability began. You obtain work credits by working in jobs that paid into the Social Security system.
Medical records play a key role in establishing your condition. You will need to provide the SSA with documentation that clearly shows how your disability impacts your ability to work. This might include:
Reports from vocational rehabilitation programs, long-term disability files, and medical leave paperwork like FMLA forms can also strengthen your claim. It is important to reach out to a Kansas City SSDI eligibility attorney as you navigate this process.
Once you apply for SSDI, the SSA will review your medical and work history to determine if your condition meets its definition of disability. The SSA maintains a list of conditions that qualify automatically, but they can still approve you for benefits even if your condition is not on that list.
The SSA evaluates your ability to work based on the limitations caused by your disability. They may consider whether you can return to your past work or do any other kind of work, given your age, education, and skills. If they find that your condition prevents you from working, they may approve your claim.
Even if you believe your condition clearly qualifies, it is common to face delays or denials. A Kansas City SSDI lawyer who understands eligibility requirements can help by making sure your initial application includes all necessary documentation and by responding to requests from the SSA during the review process.
If the SSA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. This process includes several steps, from requesting reconsideration to attending a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. You might also need to present new medical evidence or provide updated information about your condition and work history.
An SSDI eligibility attorney in Kansas City can represent you throughout the appeals process, guiding you through deadlines, paperwork, and hearings. Having assistance from someone familiar with SSDI rules and procedures will help ensure that your appeal is clear and thorough.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for SSDI or your claim has already been denied, you do not have to go through it alone. A Kansas City SSDI eligibility lawyer can work with you to gather the right documentation, apply for benefits, and navigate the appeal process if needed.
Contact BurnettDriskill today to speak with someone about your SSDI claim. Our team can help you understand your options and represent you through each step.
(816) 781-4836