Strokes can happen unexpectedly and can lead to unforeseen impairments in thinking and physical capabilities. Some people are able to recover from a stroke, while others may not recover for several years or longer. For those struggling with long-term impairments after a stroke, holding a steady job can be difficult. This is when applying for disability benefits may be able to help remedy your situation. Be sure to talk with an experienced Philadelphia individual disability insurance lawyer if you have questions about the application process.
There are a variety of stroke disabilities, some of which can be treated and others which may last for a long period of time. One of the most common disabilities faced by stroke survivors is paralysis. Stroke paralysis tends to involve problems with movement or partial paralysis in one specific part of the body. The most common paralysis from a stroke is complete paralysis on one side of the body, the side opposite of the area of the brain where the stroke happened.
Sensory problems can also happen and may involve chronic pain, problems accurately perceiving the positions of objects, or lost sensation in certain parts of the body. These can all create difficulties in jobs that involve physical hands-on tasks. Problems perceiving objects can create hand-eye coordination limitations.
Speech and communication skills can be affected by a condition called aphasia. Aphasia impacts a person’s ability to speak, write, or understand language. For people who work in jobs that require communicating with others, this can create significant obstacles to completing certain job tasks. Some examples of job positions that can be affected by aphasia are counselors, doctors, clerks, cashiers, and almost any job that requires writing or understanding language.
Problems with memory and thinking are also common and can affect jobs that require critical thinking skills. Many helping professions involve the use of memory to remember certain aspects of patients and treatments to perform their job correctly.
You may be able to receive disability benefits for strokes if you have experienced one or more strokes that have significantly affected your ability to work. Disability benefits offer a monthly income for those who are unable to work because of their disability. The two main programs that offer these benefits are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Another reason to apply for disability benefits, other than recovering from unemployment or less income, is to help cover the medical costs associated with your stroke. Common medical costs for a stroke include costs for medications, physical or occupational therapy, speech therapy, and adaptive-living devices for your home.
Applying for disability benefits after you have just recovered from a stroke can be difficult, especially if you are struggling with aphasia. Try talking to a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal lawyer if you want guidance during the application process or if your application was denied. You can contact Edelstein & Nelson at 1-800-300-0909 for a consultation today. Our goal is to work with you to help you submit the evidence you need to increase your chances of obtaining disability insurance.