Whether you are planning to apply for social security disability (SSD) benefits or have been denied benefits, there are various reasons why you may need help from a lawyer. The application process for SSD benefits can be extensive, and for good reason. Application reviewers need to know for certain that you have a legitimate disability; otherwise, people without genuine disabilities could take advantage of the system. Talk to a Philadelphia Delayed insurance benefits lawyer if you have experienced trouble with your application.

Basics of Disability Insurance

The two main types of SSD benefits for people with disabilities are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is only offered to people who have earned work credits for a specific period of time. SSI is offered to people with low income and who are over the age of 65.

Disability policies can be broken down into short-term and long-term policies. Short-term policies offer benefits for up to two years only. Long-term benefits may last as long as the disability lasts so these benefits could potentially last for life.

What holds many people up is the definition of a disability and application requirements. Some people may not meet the exact definition of a disability according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA definition is, strictly, that a person with a disability is someone who can no longer hold a job and whose disability will last at least a year or result in premature death. The application process itself requires detailed information about your condition and usually asks for evidence like doctor notes or medical records.

Options if Your Application is Denied

Two things can happen when it comes to your application: your application will be denied or accepted. If it has been accepted, there is not much more for you have to worry about. If your application is denied, you have three options.

First, you can file a request for reconsideration. This must be completed within 65 days after you received your denial letter.

Second, you can attempt an appeal if your reconsideration request is denied. This must also be done within 65 days, only this time, after your reconsideration denial letter. The appeals process can become complex for those with little experience in filing appeals. If you are denied even after the appeals process or if you feel the need for a second opinion, this is where your third option comes in.

Your third option is to hire a disability lawyer. Most of them possess years of experience in handling denials of disability benefits. This means you will someone on your side who will know what it takes to have your application accepted. They will also be prepared to file a lawsuit if they find something unfair in your denial letter or if your benefits have been wrongly denied.

Philadelphia Disability Attorney

Some disabilities can make working a steady job impossible and dealing with a denial of benefits or appeals process can often be overwhelming. A denial letter does not mean the end of your attempts to receive disability benefits. Contact Edelstein & Nelson at (800) 300-0909 for consultation with an experienced Philadelphia Disability lawyer. We work with clients with a variety of disabilities and are prepared to take your case to court if necessary.