Noteboom The Law Firm

Get Social Security Benefits After a Spinal Injury

If you have a spinal cord injury, whether because of a car accident, a disease, or a traumatic fall, your life has likely changed forever. It is probably impossible to walk, let alone get or keep a job. Fortunately, there are government programs for citizens who have spinal cord issues.

Your options range from Social Security disability (SSDI) to Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Your best bet is to apply for both, since you might be eligible for at least one. You should learn a little about each while you wait to hear back, since you will likely be waiting for up to a year, due to the backlog of applications in the Social Security Administration's system.

Disability payments are available to those who can no longer work due to a debilitating disease or injury, and a spinal cord injury will usually qualify. In most cases, your doctor will have to agree that you cannot work at any job based on your current condition. For the Social Security Disability Insurance program, you need to have enough work credits to meet eligibility guidelines.  Credits are based on your age and the number of years you worked at a job.

If you do not have enough work credits, you might still be eligible for SSI, which makes payments to people who are either 65 or older or have a disability. This program is not based on work credits, and you may qualify for Medicaid through SSI. Medicaid is healthcare coverage that is paid for by the government, so specific rules and regulations often vary depending on where you live.

Whether you have applied for SSA benefits and been denied, or need help getting started on your application, there are lawyers who can help you. A spinal cord injury can be devastating, but you are not in it alone. You can contact a lawyer to get the financial and medical help you need.

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.