Most people rely on the wages they earn from their employment to financially support themselves and their families. If someone suffers an illness or injury that prevents them from working, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits were established to assist those who have physical or mental health issues that render them unable to maintain full-time employment. Unfortunately, the process of applying for these benefits is so complicated that many first-time applications are refused.
The Fishers, IN Social Security Disability lawyers of Hankey Marks & Crider, understand how frustrating having your application denied can be. We also know that it can feel overwhelmingly difficult to try to navigate a system that is far from user-friendly. That’s why we are here. The legal team at Hankey Marks & Crider has the knowledge and experience to help you through this process every step of the way.
We are passionate about fighting for our clients’ best interests. We pride ourselves on treating each client the way we would expect our families to be treated in circumstances like this: with respect, compassion, and dignity. We know that this is the only way we will be able to present the best legal case possible for you.
If you would like to find out more about whether your circumstances qualify you to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, get in touch with Hankey Marks & Crider for a free consultation. Call us today at (317) 634-8565. We are here for you.
How We Can Help You
We have a combined total of 80 years of experience helping our clients with their Social Security and other disability claims. We can help you understand any of the following topics:
- Social Security Disability
- Supplemental Security Income
- Long-term disability
- Qualifying disabilities
What Is the Process of Filing a Social Security Disability Claim?
If you haven’t applied for SSD before, you may be wondering what the process is like. Here is a brief outline:
- File your initial Social Security Disability application with the Disability Determination Bureau
- If you are denied: File a Reconsideration Appeal with the Disability Determination Bureau
- If you are denied: Request a hearing with the Office of Hearing Operations
- A hearing is held before an Administrative Law Judge
- If you are denied: File an appeal with the Appeals Council of the Social Security Administration
- If you are denied: File a lawsuit in Federal Court
If you are denied at any stage of this process, contact Hankey Marks & Crider as soon as you can. We will use our years of experience in this field to help you minimize your risk of being denied benefits.
How Do I Know Whether I Am Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be eligible both medically and technically. What does that mean?
To be medically eligible for SSD, you need to have a medical condition meeting the Social Security Administration’s definition of “disability.” At the most basic level, this means two important things. The first is that your physical or mental health condition has lasted for at least 12 months, is predicted to last for at least 12 months, or is likely to result in your death. The second thing is that your physical or mental health condition needs to be severe enough to keep you from maintaining full-time employment without specific accommodations for your health.
To be technically eligible to apply for benefits, you must be out of work, or if you do have a job, you must not be working enough to be employed in what the Social Security Administration terms “substantial gainful activity.” Furthermore, to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you need to have previously earned enough work credits to qualify for insurance from the Social Security Administration.
If you are seeking to qualify for Supplemental Security Income, which is a program that pays based upon financial need, age, and disability, your household income cannot exceed a certain threshold that the Social Security Administration has established. You don’t have to meet a work history requirement to be eligible for this benefit.
These variables can be difficult to prove in an application. Nevertheless, having experienced attorneys on your side in this process will help you understand what all your options are and which programs you might be eligible for. Reach out to us today.
Am I Eligible for Benefits for the Months Preceding My Disability Application?
If you have made an application for disability benefits and the Social Security Administration decides that you met their definition of “disabled” in the months prior to making your application, they may decide that you qualify for back-payments for the benefits that you should have received during that time.
If you have made a claim for SSD benefits and you weren’t engaged in what would have been considered substantial gainful activity at the time preceding your application, the Social Security Administration may award you up to 12 months’ worth of benefits. If you have submitted a claim for Supplemental Security Income, back payments can only go as far back as your application date.
You do not need to have been off work for 12 months before you submit your application. You can do so if you know that your health condition will likely last for 12 months or more or if it is terminal. Our recommendation is to consult with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as you think you cannot carry on working full-time. This will help ensure that you protect your eligibility for benefits for the period before your application is accepted.
Contact a Fishers, Indiana Social Security Disability Attorney Today
For decades, the legal team at Hankey Marks & Crider has represented clients whose health challenges have prevented them from undertaking gainful employment. We understand how financially and emotionally challenging life can be when it is no longer possible to provide for yourself and your family. Our Fishers Social Security Disability lawyers have the skill and the compassion to help you take the necessary steps with clarity and dignity.
When you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it can feel as though you are fighting against a system that was designed to prevent you from being successful. Luckily, our legal team has helped clients through this process countless times, and we know how to help you. We will work hard to get you the benefits you deserve.
If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits or if you’re application has already been denied, contact an experienced lawyer from Hankey Marks & Crider in Fishers today at (317) 634-8565. Our initial consultations are always free and confidential. We look forward to fighting for you and your family.