Many Fayetteville-area residents find themselves unable to continue working due to a serious medical condition. If this describes your situation, you may be entitled to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. OurFayetteville SSDI Lawyers can review your case, advise you of your rights, and assist you in navigating the process of applying to Social Security.
Am I Eligible for SSDI?
There are two basic criteria a person must meet to receive SSDI benefits. The first is they must have a medical impairment that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability. The fact you have stopped working due to your condition does not, in and of itself, meet this requirement. Indeed, Social Security has very strict criteria for what is–and what is not–considered a “disability.”
Essentially, your condition must be on a list of physical and mental impairments recognized by Social Security. That condition must be severe enough to have significantly limited your ability to basic work-related activities–walking, standing, sitting, et al.–for a period of at least 12 months. And even if your condition prevents you from going back to your previous job, Social Security will still deny your application for SSDI benefits if they determine you are still able to perform any other type of gainful work despite your medical condition.
The second criteria for SSDI eligibility is whether you have worked enough in the past. SSDI is a type of insurance. You earn the right to receive benefits through work credits. In 2024, you earn 1 credit for every $1,730 in earnings, up to 4 credits per year. You need a certain number of total credits to qualify for SSDI. The exact number will depend on the age when you developed your disability.
How Do I Apply for SSDI?
You can apply to the SSA in-person or by filling out an online form. In either case you must provide a substantial amount of supporting documentation, including your medical records, work history, income history, and written statements from your healthcare providers describing your current condition. The SSA will then review your application.
The review process is not quick or easy. The SSA will likely require you to undergo a “consultative examination” by a medical professional to assess your current condition. You may also be asked to provide additional supporting documentation. And even then, it is not uncommon for the SSA to initially deny an application for disability benefits.
The good news is that initial denial is never final. You do have the right to appeal. And the appeals process itself unfolds in multiple stages. The first stage is to ask for reconsideration of your application by a different SSA examiner. The second stage involves requesting a hearing before an agency official called an administrative law judge (ALJ). The third stage is to appeal an ALJ’s ruling to the SSA’s Appeals Council. The final stage is to seek judicial review of the SSA’s decision in federal court.
Conctact a Fayetville SSDI Lawyer
While this probably sounds overwhelming, the important thing to remember is that you do not have to navigate the process of applying for SSDI benefits alone. Our team is here to help. Call Gallo, Cazort, and Co., today at (479) 340-0002 orcontact us online to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.