Social Security Disability...
It's What We do!
It's What We do!
Social Security Disability...
It's What We do!
It's What We do!
I applied for disability and was denied. What do I do?
This is a stressful event, That is why we are here.... "We CAN Help!"
What social security programs are available to me?
Following is a list of programs available for disabled individuals under the Social Security Administration. The Cavanaugh Law Firm assists in obtaining benefits for applicants in all of these programs.
Do I Qualify?
Before you can even start the process you must determine whether you are eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or both based on the rules and regulations defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
For detailed information on eligibility requirements and SSA definitions of disability, please contact our office at 1-800-342-3352
How Do I Apply?
Start by submitting your initial stage application for benefits to the SSA online, over the phone, or in person at your local SSA office. It depends on your comfort level with the computer.
We recommend filing via the phone because you can clear up any confusion regarding the applications questions with a live person at Social Security.
The SSA receives an enormous number of applications each day. The denial rates at the initial stage of application are well over 60%.
It is therefore advisable to familiarize yourself with the entire application process, organize medical records and other paperwork, and possibly even contact an attorney or disability advocate before submitting your initial application.
For information on how to apply for Social Security go to www.ssa.gov or call the Local office:
Where Do I Apply?
The Social Security Administration national headquarters in Woodlawn, Maryland, the Social Security Administration operates 10 regional offices overseeing 1,300 field offices and 37 tele-service centers.
For detailed information on these regional offices and the areas that they service, please call our office at 1-800-242-3352 for a free evaluation of your claim.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENIFTS?
Being denied is not the end of the process; it is just the first step. The Social Security application process has several built-in levels of appeal, any of which can overturn the initial decision and give you the benefits to which you are entitled.
Social Security denies more than 6 in 10 at the first level in Nebraska and Iowa. That level grows to 9 in 10 at the second level of appeal. Even if you have a strong case, the Social Security Administration may deny your claim in the hope that you will not pursue the appeal, thereby saving the government money. However in the case of Social Security Disability this is money that you have paid into the system to protect yourself in the event of a disability. You should Contact our office 1-800-342-3352 and we will help you with the process from this point forward.
WHAT IS THE TIME FRAME FOR APPEAL?
The Social Security Administration allows you 60 days to appeal the decision, at each level of appeal. If you decide to pursue you claim after the first denial, you enter the Reconsideration stage.
The Social Security Administration rejects over 85% of Reconsideration's. If you choose to appeal again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The Hearing stage represents your best chance of obtaining disability benefits, and it is important to prepare properly. Having a competent disability advocate or Social Security attorney can significantly increase your chances of being approved at this third stage.
If the Social Security Administration has denied your claim for disability benefits, and you cannot return to work due to your physical or mental limitations do not give up! Contact our office to discuss your options of immediately file an appeal on your own to ensure that the claim is processed quickly.
To Contact a qualified disability attorney or advocate practicing in your area who can help you with your appeal, please call our office at 1-800-342-3352.
CAN I QUALIFY FOR Social Security Disability Insurance BENFITS IF I HAVE ANOTHER SOURCE OF BENIFITS (retirement, pension, workers compensation etc.)?
Typically Social Security Disability benefits can be collected in conjunction with other benefits. However if the other benefits are for “wage replacement” the Social Security Disability benefit may be offset. In the case of early retirement benefits from Social Security it is possible to purse a Social Security Disability claim to receive your full disability benefit.
Please call our office to discuss if your other source of benefits would affect your Social Security Disability claim, at 1-800-342-3352.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?
Social Security Disability Insurance is just like private disability insurance you might buy from any major insurance carrier. Your benefits are based on how much you paid in premiums and in the case of Social Security Disability Insurance that premium is your FICA tax paid every year. The benefit is to replace your wage if you are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment.
Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program with the same disability requirement; however it is for people that have not paid enough FICA or Social Security tax to be eligible for The Social Security Disability benefit.