It’s a catch-22 for the elderly and disabled – there are some wonderful government programs out there meant to help struggling individuals, but they are difficult to apply for. For many people, it is confusing and labor-intensive to try to navigate their way through the red tape. Once they finally manage to file their application, many people find their efforts have been wasted, and their claim has been denied. Even the smallest error or discrepancy is enough to have an entire claim thrown out. What good are benefits that are meant to improve people’s lives if they have no access to them?
At Hankey Marks & Crider, we aim to change that. We have the knowledge and resources available to help people file their Social Security disability forms. From start to finish, we can assist you in filing complete and accurate paperwork in a timely manner. Discouraged that you have applied and been denied? We can help you file an appeal. These benefits are supposed to be just that, for your benefit. Let us help you apply for the benefits you deserve. Contact Hankey Marks & Crider at (317) 634-8565 to discuss your situation and learn about your options.
Types of Social Security Disability Claims
Not all disability benefits are created equal. Several different programs are tailored to meet the needs of different types of individuals in different types of situations. It can be intimidating to sort through the reams of government information in an attempt to figure out which programs you may be eligible for. From disabled adults to disabled children, and even caregivers providing aid to the disabled, there may be a program for you.
Some of the most common Social Security programs include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI)
- Child Disability claims
- Disable Widow/Widower claims
Each program carries with it a specific set of eligibility guidelines. You may qualify for one or multiple programs depending on your situation. Getting in touch with an experienced attorney means that you have a knowledgeable resource who can examine your situation and give you advice on which programs you may be eligible to apply for. Not only that, but an attorney with Hankey Marks & Crider also has the background to help clients accurately and fully complete all necessary paperwork and include needed documentation. Our attention to detail can help maximize your chances of filing a successful claim.
Eligibility for Social Security Benefits
Eligibility for these programs varies by program. Most of these programs have the basic requirement that you be a United States citizen and have a diagnosed disability. The definition of disability can even vary depending on your age and the type of benefits that you are seeking. Some programs are need-based and require you to prove financial hardship; others don’t have that stipulation.
Sitting down with an experienced attorney to discuss your needs and medical history is one of the best ways to sort through which programs you would benefit from and are eligible to apply for. It reduces the time you may waste applying for benefits you do not qualify for or missing out on benefits because you didn’t know a program existed to help with your unique needs.
Application Process
Applying for Social Security benefits may seem like a straightforward process; you fill out the paperwork and turn it in. Unfortunately, that isn’t the way it works. The application is extensive and requires an extraordinary amount of in-depth information. In general, the application process will require the following information:
- Social Security number
- Proof of age
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, caseworkers, clinics, and testing facilities that you have visited for your disability diagnosis and treatment
- Names and dosages of all medications
- Medical records from all doctors, hospitals, clinics, therapists, and caseworkers
- Laboratory test results
- Summary of your employment
- Most recent W-2 and tax forms
You may also need to provide information about family members. Family members may also qualify for benefits, but it is also important to note that spousal income may impact eligibility guidelines for some types of benefits. It is best to have all this information on hand before you begin the application process. Not submitting any one piece of this information could result in a denial. Plus, with so much information required, if you don’t have it all on hand when you begin the application process, it can be easy to lose track of what you’ve added and what you are still missing.
In addition to the full application itself, you will also be asked to provide an extensive list of identification and eligibility paperwork. These items may include things such as:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Military paperwork
- W-2 and tax forms
- The medical evidence of disability
- Medical records
- Doctor’s reports
- Test results
- Hospital records
- Other benefit documentation
- Workers’ compensation
- Pay stubs
- Settlement agreements
- Award letters
- Pensions
- Other forms of compensation or benefits
Feeling overwhelmed? That is a normal reaction to the process and the comprehensive list of materials needed to apply for benefits, not to mention the amount of time it takes to gather and put together all of these materials. The process itself discourages many people from going after the benefits they deserve.
How Can an Experienced Social Security Attorney Help Me?
These government programs have been put in place for a reason, to help people just like you. The unfortunate reality is the overwhelming nature of the process may keep people from applying who could truly benefit from these programs. At Hankey Marks & Crider, we understand what it takes to accurately complete the application process and fight back against denials when necessary. Whether you are thinking of applying or have already applied and been denied but would like to appeal, the legal team at Hankey Marks & Crider can help.
Contact us today at (317) 634-8565 to discuss the details of your claim. Let our Indiana Social Security Disability attorneys help you maximize your chances of securing the government benefits you deserve.