If you are suffering from a long-term health condition that has rendered you unable to work, you will understandably be worried about obtaining income to pay for living expenses. Fortunately, the Social Security system provides disability benefits to qualifying individuals.
The Noblesville Social Security disability lawyers of Hankey Marks & Crider can help you apply for benefits and advocate for your rights and interests throughout the claims process. Although the application process can seem confusing and overwhelming, our attorneys have over eight decades of combined experience assisting clients with pursuing the disability benefits they need. Contact us today for a free initial case review to discuss what our firm can do to help you with your application for Social Security disability benefits.
Do I Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Many people choose to file an application for Social Security disability benefits without the assistance of an attorney, trusting that they will get the help they need from the government. Unfortunately, only a third of initial applications are approved by the Social Security Administration. Lots of people have their benefits claims denied because they are tripped up by the SSA’s complex and confusing regulations and procedures. A Social Security disability lawyer can help you navigate the application process, whether you have yet to file your initial application or if you are seeking to appeal the rejection of a claim you have already filed. An attorney can help you with:
- Collecting the necessary documentation to establish your eligibility
- Filing claims or appeal paperwork within deadlines
- Reviewing notices of denial to identify what steps can be taken to strengthen your application for appeal
- Advocating on your behalf during hearings
- Advising you of your legal options when your claim is denied
Why Choose Hankey Marks & Crider?
Due to the limited resources of Social Security disability programs, eligibility requirements are strictly construed by claims examiners. You need experienced legal representation to give you the best chance at having your benefits claim approved by the Social Security Administration. At Hankey Marks & Crider, we have been advocating on behalf of disabled individuals for years. Our founding attorney, Charles D. Hankey, has represented more than 10,000 individuals in disability benefits cases, having successfully obtained benefits for clients through filing initial applications or appealing rejections of initial applications.
We know that when you come to our firm for help with your disability claim, you are facing a difficult point in your life. We strive to offer a client-focused approach that includes clear, prompt, open communication. Our team also works diligently to pursue a favorable outcome for your case as quickly as possible so that you can get the benefits you need.
Hankey Marks & Crider Handles All Types of Social Security Disability Cases
When you are suffering from chronic medical conditions that render you unable to work or earn a living, the attorneys of Hankey Marks & Crider can help. Our legal team represents clients in all kinds of Social Security disability cases, including those involving:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Filing of initial disability claims
- Appeals of denied disability claims
- Pursuing litigation in court to appeal denied claims
The Process of Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits
To file an application for Social Security disability benefits, you will first need to collect information that supports your eligibility for benefits. This includes medical records showing your disabling condition, documentation of your employment history, or bank and tax records. You must also submit other records, such as proof of citizenship or lawful residency. You will also need to fill out the formal application, which can be completed online, over the phone, or in person.
Once you have submitted your application and supporting documentation, it generally takes three to five months to receive a decision, depending on how long it takes the Social Security Administration to receive the requested documentation. The SSA relies on state agencies to make the determination of disability. These agencies may request copies of your medical records or ask you to undergo a medical exam or test (at no cost to you).
If your application is denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration of your application. Your application, along with any new evidence you wish to submit, will be reviewed by a new examiner.
If your application is denied again on reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. If you are dissatisfied with the judge’s ruling, you can request a review of the decision by the Appeals Council, which may either deny your request or agree to undertake a review and either decide your case or return it to the administrative law judge for further review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the questions that our Social Security disability clients ask include:
When should I contact a Noblesville Social Security disability lawyer?
You should reach out to a Noblesville Social Security disability attorney from Hankey Marks & Crider as soon as possible. We can help you prepare your SSD application so that you have the best chance of getting approved for benefits. Even if you have filed an initial application on your own that was denied, our firm can still help you by reviewing the notice of denial, advising you as to what steps you can take to continue pursuing benefits, and assisting you with strengthening your application and advocating on your behalf with the SSA.
What qualifies as a “disability?”
Just because you have a physical impairment or chronic medical condition does not automatically mean that you will qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, no matter how serious your ailments. Instead, the Social Security Administration defines an applicant as having a “disability” when they have a condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or to result in death, cannot work in any of their previous occupations, and cannot perform any other job that exists in substantial numbers in the economy.
Why was my SSD application denied?
Unfortunately, the majority of disability benefit applications are denied on initial review. Common reasons why applications are denied include a lack of medical evidence of a qualifying condition, having a condition not expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, insufficient work history to qualify for SSDI benefits, or insufficient financial documentation to show eligibility for SSI benefits. Often an application is denied because an applicant failed to submit sufficient information. Our attorneys can review your claim and help you gather the information needed to establish your eligibility for benefits.
Contact Us
When you are suffering from a medical condition that leaves you unable to work, Social Security disability benefits can provide you with the resources you need to support yourself. Call the Noblesville Social Security disability lawyers of Hankey Marks & Crider at (317) 634-8565 or submit a contact form through our website for a free, confidential consultation to learn what we can do to help you get the benefits you need.