Social Security Disability claims are often denied for many different reasons. Being unable to obtain benefits can put an applicant in a tough financial position, especially when he or she relies on that extra income to help pay for daily living expenses.
An experienced Lake Havasu City Social Security Disability attorney from our firm may be able to help. At Phillips Law Group, we have been helping injury victims for nearly three decades, recovering millions in compensation for our clients. Our founding partner Jeffrey Phillips is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association ”“ Top 100 and has obtained successful verdicts across Arizona counties, including Navajo, Mohave, Maricopa, and Pinal.
We can discuss your claim during a risk-free, no-obligation consultation. Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, so you will not be charged upfront fees. This is because we only get paid if we help you obtain benefits.
Call us today at 602-222-222 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.
Am I Eligible to Pursue Social Security Disability Benefits?
The first step in pursuing Social Security Disability benefits is knowing if you meet the definition of a disability.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability based on whether the medical condition is expected to continue for 12 months or more or will likely result in death. Applicants must also show that their unable to continue performing the work they previously did and cannot adapt to any other work.
The SSA has a list of qualifying medical conditions and if your impairment meets this criteria, you may be eligible to apply for benefits. Minors could qualify for benefits if their physical or mental condition is expected to continue for more than year or end in death. The condition must greatly impact their lives by limiting them from partaking in daily activities.
The process of applying for benefits can be complicated. It may be beneficial to speak to a qualified Kingman or Lake Havasu City Social Security Disability lawyer at Phillips Law Group to discuss your potential legal options. Contact us for a 100 percent free consultation today.
Federal Programs for Persons With Disabilities
There are several federal programs that provide benefits to people with disabilities. Our legal team is prepared to determine which program may be right for you. These include:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you are suffering from a medical condition that prevents you from working, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. However, you must have worked at least a minimum of five years in the past decade and be able to provide proof of your condition and how it hinders your ability to work. Generally, applicants also need at no less than 40 work credits to qualify.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Individuals diagnosed with a disability with little to no work experience and a low income may apply for SSI benefits. Applicants may not have greater than $2,000 in assets or $3,000 in assets for couples.
Disabled Adult Child Benefits
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 22 may pursue these benefits if they have a severe condition that limits their daily activities and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
Widower Benefits/Disabled Widower Benefits
Individuals who are 60 years or older may qualify for disability benefits if their spouse passed away within the last seven years. The age could be lowered to 50 if the surviving spouse is also diagnosed with a qualifying disability.
If you have questions about the application process, we welcome the opportunity to review your claim and discuss your possible next steps.
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ph: 602-222-222 .
What Documents Are Needed to File an Application?
Applying for disability benefits requires certain documentation needed to verify your disabling condition and your inability to work. These documents include the following:
- Medical evidence (hospital records, doctors’ reports and medical tests)
- Proof of birth and citizenship
- Social Security number
- Most current tax information (W-2 forms and self-employed tax returns)
- Details of your work history
- Prescriptions and doctor-recommended dosages
- Your physician’s contact information
- Marriage license, if your spouse is also applying for benefits
You can get the process started by calling the SSA’s toll-free number, completing the application online, or visiting your local Social Security office in Lake Havasu City, Kingman or the surrounding area. Do not hesitate to reach out to our trusted legal team for help.
How Can a Lawyer From Phillips Law Group Help?
If your disability claim has been denied or you plan on applying for benefits for the first time, it is beneficial to have a lawyer by your side who understands the legal process.
At Phillips Law Group, our Lake Havasu City Social Security Disability attorneys have helped many clients successfully obtain benefits, even after initially being denied.
It is important to correctly and adequately prove that you have a disability that affects your capacity to work. We are prepared to help you collect proper medical documentation that not only indicates how your health condition hinders you from working, but that you are consistently getting treatment and being proactive in your recovery.
Why Are Disability Claims Commonly Denied?
Many Social Security Disability claims get denied for not having a track record of medical treatment or failing to provide the right documents. Other common reasons may include:
- Lack of sufficient evidence to prove your disability
- Disability is not expected to last long-term or end in death
- Failure to follow the doctor’s recommended treatment plan
- Lack of cooperation with the SSA and their requests
- Medical condition is the result of drug or alcohol abuse
- Income or assets exceed the allowable limits
- Previously denied disability benefits
Need help? There is no risk in calling us. Ph: 602-222-222 .
How Do I Appeal a Denied Application?
If your application is denied, it is important to begin the appeals process as soon as possible. Our legal team is prepared to help you manage the four stages of the appeals process:
Request Reconsideration
In this stage, the denied claim is reviewed by someone other than the examiner that initially denied your claim and will consider new evidence your lawyer provides. An official decision generally takes two to three months after filing the appeals request.
Request a Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge
If your claim is denied after the reconsideration stage, you may send your request to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to review. This process may take over 12 months to receive a date for the hearing. The hearing is generally held within 75 miles of the applicant’s home.
Request a Review by the Appeals Council
If the ALJ decided not to proceed with your claim, you may request that your claim be submitted to the SSA’s Appeal Council. The Council will either make a decision on its own or refer your application back to a different ALJ judge to review.
Request a Federal Court Review
If your claim is still denied after all of the above, the final option is to file suit in federal district court. A federal judge will only review the merits of the claim based on the information that has already been provided to them.
The appeals process can be difficult and overwhelming. While there are no guarantees for success, working with a lawyer may ensure that you have everything correctively filed in a timely manner.
Reach out to a Lake Havasu City Social Security Disability attorney today at 602-222-222 .
When Do I Start Receiving Benefits?
The process of applying for a disability benefits is time-consuming and even after you may receive approval, it can take up to two months before you start receiving payment.
If you have not received your benefits after 90 days from an receiving approval notice, it is important to let your lawyer know in case there was a discrepancy in the process.
Call Our Lake Havasu City Social Security Disability Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you are having trouble with your application or want to appeal a denied disability claim, our attorneys may be able to help you. We have worked with over 155,000 clients in the last 27 years. Our goal is to meet the best interests of our clients.
Contact our firm at Phillips Law Group to set up your free consultation. There are no upfront costs or attorneys’ fees. We only get paid if we help your application get approved.
We are available to take you call anytime, 24/7. 602-222-222 .
