Noteboom The Law Firm

Before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

If you are injured and cannot work, you should consider applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Unfortunately, that is the mindset of many people currently out of work who have suffered minor injuries. If you truly cannot work through your disability, do not miss out on what is available to you.

The first step before applying should be checking out the eligibility requirements. Think about whether the following apply to you: 

• Do you make less than $860 per month at your current job?
• Is your condition on Social Security's List of Impairments?
• Is your condition severe or terminal?
• Does your disability prevent you from performing the job you have been doing or any other job nationwide?

If your answer to these questions is "yes," you likely have a case. Know that the List of Impairments does not only include physical disabilities, but also mental impairments. If you are not sure if you would qualify, contact a lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability claims.

Once you apply by phone, fax, on the Web, or in-person, you should expect to wait about three to six months before a decision is made. If you are approved, you will receive monthly payments until it is determined that you can work again, if that ever occurs. Once you reach the age of retirement, your Social Security disability benefits will stay the same, but will be called retirement benefits.

If you are denied benefits, you are encouraged to appeal the decision. It is called Reconsideration, and involves meeting with a judge. Please note that it could take up to two years before your case is decided. Meeting with a lawyer before you appeal is generally beneficial so that you are fully aware of how the process works. Having legal representation before your Social Security disability hearing is highly recommended.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.