Spartanburg citizens depend on consistent jobs in order to pay for living expenses and take care of themselves. In the event that a medical condition becomes severe enough that continuing work is not feasible, financial problems will be faced immediately. SSDI was created in order to compensate citizens in such situations; yet, the application process is difficult and often misinterpreted by many people.
The problem for many people is that they do not learn about the guidelines involved until something has gone wrong. An SSDI lawyer serving Spartanburg, SC, can help them avoid common mistakes.
Understanding SSDI Eligibility Requirements
There are two main things that determine eligibility for SSDI benefits. First of all, a person has to suffer from a qualified impairment. They should have enough work credits.
The condition has to be a disabling one. It means that the individual cannot perform any type of substantial gainful activity because of it. It is also expected to last for at least 12 months continuously.
Most applicants require 40 credits to be eligible for benefits, with 20 credits earned in the 10 years before becoming disabled. There are some exceptions for younger people; they might need fewer credits.
Preparing a Strong Application
A complete application increases the chances of getting approved. One of the main requirements for applicants is medical proof. It includes the documents from doctors and hospitals and the records of diagnostic tests and treatment. Moreover, the applicant should inform the administration about their work experience and the list of the physicians who treated their health problem. The documents should include W-2 forms or the records from self-employment, too.
It often happens that applications are denied because of the lack of detailed medical information. If the application has not provided enough evidence regarding the severity of the condition, it is likely to be denied. Discrepancies in the report between the symptoms and medical records can also cause problems.
Before sending an application, it is necessary to make sure that all the required forms are filled out, all the proof is included, and all the information provided is consistent.
What Happens After a Denial
A denial is not an ending point. There is an appeals process with four steps: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and a federal court review.
The reconsideration process involves a complete re-evaluation of the application by another specialist who was not involved in the initial decision. In case the reconsideration decision is negative, the applicant has a chance to ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. This judge will consider all the proofs and listen to the evidence.
If the decision is not accepted again, then a review by the Appeals Council is possible. It can decide the case and send it back for a reconsideration or a hearing.
In general, an applicant usually has 60 days to fill out an appeal from the day they get the notification about the decision. Missing this deadline leads to losing the right to appeal. At every level, new medical evidence can be included in the process.
Protecting Your Claim Throughout the Process
Consistent medical treatment is important for receiving SSDI benefits. Gaps in medical records can indicate an assumption that a health condition has improved. Applicants should attend all doctor’s appointments, follow the treatment, and report changes in their health.
Organized record keeping is also important. A complete file with all the documents sent to SSA and the decisions and appeals received from it can protect the applicant. Since the process can last for several months, they should prepare for the waiting period financially.
Conclusion
SSDI filing requires not only a proper definition of disability but also the appropriate amount of proof. Moreover, it demands compliance with all the procedures and an understanding of the requirements. Those who pay attention to preparing before submitting the form are likely to avoid these mistakes.
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