It is often difficult to convince the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you are eligible for disability benefits even when you cannot actually work. However, winning your case is not impossible, especially with the help of an experienced disability lawyer.
If you have an illness, or combination of illnesses, that keep you from working a full time schedule (8 hours a day, 5 days a week) and this is likely to continue for at least 12 months, you should apply for disability benefits.
Most claims are initially denied. You should appeal until you get a hearing before an administrative law judge. This hearing is the stage where most cases are approved, but if your claim is denied at this stage your disability lawyer may wish to appeal your case to the Appeals Council.
As you get older, SSA regulations make it easier to be found disabled. People who should apply include those over age 55 who cannot do any job that they have held in the past 15 years, as well as individuals over age 50 who are too impaired to perform the tasks necessary for most jobs. If you are under the age of 50, winning a case is harder, but you should still apply as long as you cannot do the jobs that you have had in the past and cannot work full time at any regular job.
You can increase your chances of success by hiring an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer. One of your lawyer’s most important jobs is to build your case file by gathering pertinent medical records and opinions from your doctors. Your lawyer should also answer your questions as the case moves on, prepare you to testify at your hearing and argue your case to the judge.
For more information about Social Security disability, order a FREE copy of my book, Unofficial Guide to Social Security Disability Claims, by clicking on the image to the right on this page and completing the order form.
