Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be confusing and frustrating when you are already dealing with a serious medical condition. At Hankey Marks & Crider, our social security disability lawyers in Indianapolis have decades of combined experience helping clients navigate every stage of the disability claims process.
We have recovered millions of dollars in benefits for people across Indiana who were unable to work due to a qualifying condition. Contact our law office at (317) 634-8565 in Indianapolis, IN, today for a free consultation to learn more about your case and the best course of action.
How Can Hankey Marks & Crider Support You With Your SSDI Claim in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The SSDI process in Indianapolis, Indiana, is full of potential pitfalls that can derail your claim. From gathering the right medical records to preparing for a hearing before a judge, every step matters.
Our Indianapolis social security disability attorneys can:
- Review your medical history to determine whether your condition qualifies under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines
- Help you complete and submit your initial application accurately
- Collect supporting documentation from your physicians and treatment providers
- Handle all communication with the SSA on your behalf
- Prepare you for your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge if your claim reaches that stage
- Present arguments and evidence to counter any reasons for a prior denial
- Appeal unfavorable decisions at every level of the process
Reach out to our team today for a free case evaluation. We’re ready to get to work on your case right away.
What Exactly Is SSDI, and Who Qualifies for It?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration. It provides monthly financial benefits to individuals who can no longer work because of a disabling medical condition.
To be eligible, your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity, and it must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
You also need to have accumulated enough work credits through your employment history. In most cases, that means earning at least 40 credits over your career, with 20 of those credits coming within the last 10 years before your disability began.
How Does the SSA Decide Whether to Approve a Claim?
The SSA evaluates every SSDI application through a five-step sequential process. Each step narrows the analysis further:
- Determining whether you are currently engaged in substantial gainful activity
- Assessing whether your medical condition qualifies as “severe”
- Checking whether your condition matches or equals one of the SSA’s listed impairments
- Evaluating whether you can still perform any work you have done in the past
- Deciding whether you are capable of adjusting to other types of work, given your age, education, and remaining functional capacity
The SSA may approve or deny a claim at different stages of the evaluation process, depending on the applicant’s medical condition, work history, and ability to perform other work.
Why Are So Many Initial Applications Denied?
Roughly 70% of applications are denied at the initial claim stage. Denials frequently stem from insufficient medical documentation, errors in the application paperwork, or earning too much income at the time of filing. Failure to follow prescribed treatment without a valid reason can also result in denial.
Many of these issues can be corrected during the appeals process. A significant number of applicants initially denied go on to receive benefits after appealing, particularly at the hearing stage before an Administrative Law Judge.
What Happens if My SSDI Claim Is Denied?
A denial is not the final word. The SSA provides a multi-level appeals process that gives you several chances to challenge the decision:
- Reconsideration, where a different SSA examiner takes a fresh look at your claim
- ALJ Hearing, where you appear before an Administrative Law Judge who can hear testimony and review new evidence
- Appeals Council Review, where the national body evaluates whether the ALJ applied the law correctly
- Federal Court, available if all administrative options have been exhausted
The ALJ hearing is widely considered the most important stage. It is your opportunity to present your case in person and have your attorney argue directly on your behalf.
Many claims that failed at earlier levels are ultimately approved here, which is why legal representation at this point can be especially impactful.
How Much Will I Receive in SSDI Benefits?
Your monthly benefit amount is calculated based on your average lifetime earnings. The amount varies from person to person depending on their earnings history. You can estimate your potential monthly benefits by reviewing your Social Security Statement through your my Social Security account on the Social Security Administration’s website.
Note that benefits do not begin right away after approval. The SSA imposes a mandatory five-month waiting period from the established onset date of your disability. Generally, individuals become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of entitlement to SSDI benefits. Some individuals, including those with ALS, may qualify for Medicare sooner.
Contact an Experienced Indianapolis SSDI Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Filing for Social Security Disability Insurance does not have to be something you face without legal help on your side. The Indianapolis SSDI attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider have recovered millions of dollars for clients across Indiana and are ready to get to work for you.
Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore the options available to you.