Social Security Disability Lawyers in CT

Helping Clients Claim Their SSD Benefits

Millions work their entire lives paying into the Social Security system. In the unfortunate event, they become disabled, they expect to receive the benefits they have already paid.

Sadly, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies most initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits claims. To make matters worse, an appeal can take months — or even years.

About Social Security Disability

The SSA provides SSDI benefits to those who are disabled and can no longer work because of an impairment. To qualify, the disability must be expected to last for more than 1 year or result in the claimant’s death.

Benefits may also be available to family members of the disabled, including:

• Spouses: Spouses 62 or older may qualify — as may spouses of any age if they care for the child of a beneficiary. The child of the beneficiary must be 16 or younger or disabled.
• Divorced Spouses: Under certain circumstances, a divorced spouse 62 or older may qualify for benefits if they were married to the beneficiary for at least 10 years and are not remarried.
• Children: Natural and adopted children, stepchildren, and grandchildren under 18 may qualify. An unmarried child 18 or older with a disability that started before 22 may also qualify.

For help with your claim, Call Carter Mario Law Firm today at (203) 403-2341 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Connecticut social security disability lawyer!

Who Can Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 37 million Americans — or 12% of the population — are disabled. When disabled American taxpayers cannot earn an income, they turn to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Unfortunately, SSA denies 60% of initial claims — and 85% of appeals.

Who Qualifies for SSDI?

To qualify for SSDI, an applicant must have worked long enough to accrue sufficient work credits.

An applicant must also:

• Earn less than $1,220 a month. If you are not working, your application will go to the Disability Determination Services office for a decision.
• Have a qualifying condition. SSA maintains a list of conditions. If yours is not listed, the SSA will decide if it is equal to another listed condition.
• Have a condition severe enough to interfere with the type of work you did previously and will prevent you from adjusting to other types of work.

Under certain conditions, a beneficiary’s family members may also qualify. These include:

• Spouses: Spouses 62 or older may qualify — as may spouses of any age if they care for the child of a beneficiary. The child of the beneficiary must be 16 or younger or disabled.
• Divorced Spouses: Under certain circumstances, a divorced spouse 62 or older may qualify for benefits if they were married to the beneficiary for at least ten years and are not remarried.
• Children: Natural and adopted children, stepchildren, and grandchildren under 18 may qualify. An unmarried child 18 or older with a disability that started before age 22 may also be eligible.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for SSD Benefits?

The SSA maintains a list of qualifying conditions known as the Blue Book. This manual — updated annually — covers numerous cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses, mental disorders, neurological disorders, and other diseases and conditions.

Other Factors the SSA Considers

The SSA will also consider other factors when considering an applicant’s ability to work their current job or adjust to a new type of work. These include the applicant’s age, education, language fluency, vocational experience, and functioning capacity. The SSA weighs these factors when considering an applicant’s ability to transfer into a new line of work successfully.

How Does Social Security Evaluate Disability Claims?

The SSA uses a 5-step process to evaluate an application for SSDI.

The evaluation asks:

• Are You Working? If you are working, your wages must be lower than a certain amount to be considered eligible.
• Is Your Condition Severe? Your condition must interfere with your ability to perform work-related activities.
• Is Your Condition Listed? The SSA Blue Book lists qualifying conditions which affect different parts of the body.
• Can You Do Work You Did Before? Your condition must keep you from your current work and any work done previously.
• Can You Do Other Work? The SSA will also determine whether you are capable of performing any other type of work.

Social Security Disability FAQ

What is Social Security Disability Insurance?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program through which the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to injured workers who are disabled and no longer able to work — provided their impairment is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Any disabled worker who has earned enough work credits may apply for benefits.

How Do I Apply for SSDI Benefits?

• Online: The SSDI Application Page will let you review the disability checklist, complete a benefits application, fill out the disability report, and receive an authorization form.
• By Phone: Call the SSA toll-free at 800-772-1213. You can either make an appointment to file a claim at your local SSA office or file over the phone. The SSA’s TTY number is 800-325-0778.
• In Person: Find your local SSA office through the SSA Office Locator. If you choose to file at your local office, consider scheduling an appointment to reduce your wait time.

What Should I Do if I’m Denied SSDI Benefits?

If you’re denied SSDI benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision. Many claims initially denied are approved on appeal. If your application was denied, you should file an appeal as soon as possible. It may take months — even years — for SSA to process your appeal.

How Can I Appeal an SSDI Denial?

After you receive a notice of denial, you typically have 60 days to file an appeal. The four levels of the appeals process include reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, the appeals council, and a federal court review.

Do I Qualify for SSDI?

SSDI benefits are available to those who can no longer work due to a disability. The SSA evaluates applications for SSDI benefits using a 5-step process.

It asks:

• Is the applicant working?
• Is their condition severe?
• Does their condition qualify?
• Can they do the work they did before?
• Can they do any other type of work?

Contact Our SSD Lawyer Today

When you or someone you love has been injured, you need experience on your side. Let Carter Mario Law Firm protect your rights — contact us today! The Carter Mario Law Firm team offers decades of combined legal experience. We provide 24/7 access and our exclusive Zero Fee Warranty. With Carter Mario Law Firm, you don’t owe any attorneys’ fees unless we recover on your behalf. It’s that simple.

Contact Carter Mario Law Firm today to schedule a FREE consultation!