If you have a disabling health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more, you may be entitled to claim Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Approval for these benefits hinges on whether or not you meet strict disability standards as outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the duration of your work history leading up to your disability.
The process of applying for benefits can be daunting and highly complex. The benefits of hiring an SSDI lawyer in Las Vegas include having a zealous advocate who can work to help you get the money you need while guiding you through the entire process from start to finish. If your first SSDI claim was denied, our qualified lawyers at Shook & Stone could review the basis for that denial and help you file a timely appeal.
Overview of SSDI Claims
To claim SSDI benefits, you must have worked in a job covered by Social Security. SSDI benefits are funded by the Social Security taxes you pay through your employer, which are deducted from your paycheck or that you pay individually as a self-employed worker.
You accrue work credits every year by paying into the Social Security system. Accordingly, the amount of work credits you accumulate will naturally be higher if you have a longer employment history.
In addition to having paid into the Social Security system, you must have accumulated a certain number of work credits to be considered eligible for SSDI benefits. Workers with a shorter employment history due to their age may be eligible for SSDI benefits with fewer work credits.
If you satisfy the applicable work requirements mentioned above, the other test that the SSA will evaluate is whether or not your condition is a qualifying disability. If you have a partial or short-term disability, your application for benefits will be denied.
To comply with the SSA’s definition of a disability, you must have a qualifying condition that prevents you not only from engaging in gainful employment but also from doing prior work or adjusted duties. Your condition must also be expected to leave you disabled for at least a year.
Extensive medical evidence and other supporting documentation are required to present a successful claim to the SSA. One of the benefits of hiring a Las Vegas attorney at Shook & Stone to help with your SSDI claim is that we can help you navigate this confusing process from day one.
How Our SSDI Lawyers Could Help With Your Claim
If you believe you may qualify for SSDI benefits, the next best step is to contact a lawyer in Las Vegas who can provide an honest, detailed assessment of your claim and explain your options. Our proactive legal professionals could help you gather the right medical documentation and even assist you with getting in to see a specialist if that proves a necessary aspect of your claim.
Our dedicated attorneys could also help you fill out and submit your application with evidence like medical records, statements from medical experts, and any other information required. Insufficient information is one of the most common causes of SSDI denials, so we can help ensure everything is filed correctly the first time.
If you are denied SSDI benefits, that is not the end of the story. We could help you file a request for reconsideration and represent your interests at the administrative hearing. Our diligent lawyers could also take the case all the way up to review by the appeals council or federal court if it comes to that.
Hire a Las Vegas SSDI Attorney Today
SSDI claims frequently face denials for the slightest of reasons. One of the benefits of hiring an SSDI lawyer in Las Vegas is that you will have someone with extensive legal knowledge and understanding of these intricate procedures, which can maximize the possibility of a favorable outcome.
Our skilled legal team could collect medical evidence, compile exhibits and documentation to support your claim, consult with expert witnesses, and help you avoid costly mistakes that could otherwise derail your case. Contact Shook & Stone today to speak with an experienced SSDI lawyer so we can start working on your disability claim.
