Indiana Social Security Disability / Injury Representation Attorney

Dealing with the aftermath of a debilitating injury or condition is mentally and emotionally taxing. To make matters even more challenging, while you are trying to come to terms with the physical changes taking place in your life, you may also be forced to face a significant change in your financial situation as well.

Whether your disability is slated to last years or for the rest of your life, there are government assistance programs that can help you bridge the financial gap you may currently find yourself dealing with. Which programs are right for you, and how do you apply? Those questions are a lot more complicated than you may guess. While there is help available, the process for applying for financial assistance can leave people feeling confused and frustrated.

Seeking the legal advice of an experienced Social Security disability and injury attorney can be beneficial in a number of different ways. Not only can the attorneys with Hankey Marks & Crider help you apply for benefits, we are able to help you fight back if your application has been denied or you received an unfair ruling. You have enough to deal with without adding to the stress and anxiety of having to file reams of complicated government paperwork.

Contact Hankey Marks & Crider today by calling (317) 634-8565 to learn more about how we can help you get the benefits you deserve.

What Does the Term “Disability” Mean?

The term disability has a different meaning when it comes to securing government benefits. The Social Security Administration typically defines as a disability as being eligible for benefits by using the following guidelines:

You have become unable to do the work that you did previously.
A determination by the SSA finds that you cannot adjust to other work due to your medical condition.
Your diagnosed disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

Social Security benefits are generally not payable for those suffering from a partial or short-term disability. There may be other programs that can help, but not those through the Social Security office. Different types of Social Security benefits may also have other sets of guidelines as well. Some forms of aid are strictly need-based, and you will be asked to provide information about your income and assets.

How a Disability Determination Is Made

The process begins with a very detailed and intensive application process. Navigating this application process is time-consuming and complicated and can leave many applicants feeling frustrated. That is because to make a determination about your eligibility, the Social Security Administration carefully combs through your work and medical history in order to establish whether your disability meets their criteria.

In general, here are the factors that the Social Security Administration is taking into consideration when reviewing your application for benefits:

Are you currently working? Those who are working and earning above a certain wage are typically not considered to be disabled and therefore do not qualify for benefits.
Is the medical condition or injury considered severe? In order to be eligible for benefits, your medical condition must be considered severe enough that it limits your ability to complete basic job requirements such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time. A condition may also be considered severe if it limits a person’s ability to think or remember. This condition must last for at least 12 months.
Is the condition listed on the Social Security Administration’s list of disabling conditions? Not all conditions may qualify for benefits; they must be cross-referenced with the allowable conditions on the Administration’s website.
Can you do the work you did previously? If you are not currently working, the office will review your medical information and try to determine if your condition prevents you from doing the work you were once performing.
Can you do any other type of work? If it is determined that you cannot accomplish the work you once did, the office will try and make a determination as to whether you are able to do another type of work instead.

After examining all of these factors, a determination is made as to whether you are considered “disabled” in the eyes of the Social Security Administration. If the answer is yes, you will be able to receive benefits. If they determine you do not meet their disabled criteria, your claim will be denied, and you will be unable to collect benefits.

Having an attorney on your side can work to your advantage in multiple ways. If you are just beginning the process, Hankey Marks & Crider can help you accurately and completely fill out your application and help you gather all the necessary accompanying documentation. This will strengthen your case and provide the level of detail that the government agency is looking for.

If you have already been denied, Hankey Marks & Crider can review your application for errors, help you gather additional needed documentation, and help you work your way through the complex appeals process.

Qualifying Disabilities for Benefits

How do you know if your disability allows you to qualify for benefits? The Social Security Administration has a list of conditions that may be considered disabilities. These are some of the more common conditions and disorders that may qualify you to receive benefits:

Injuries may also qualify you to receive some Social Security benefits. Some of the more common allowable injuries include:

How Can Hankey Marks & Crider Help?

At Hankey Marks & Crider, we know that the entire process can seem daunting. We strive to help take some of that pressure off of your shoulders. Let our legal team help you apply for benefits or appeal a denial. We will review your case, correct common errors, and help you gather all the necessary documentation you need to strengthen your application. You can’t afford to miss out on the benefits that you deserve to receive.

Contact our office today at (317) 634-8565 to learn more about how our Indiana Social Security Disability attorneys can help you with your disability claim.