Accidents and illnesses are a part of life. In many cases, the effects of these circumstances are temporary. But when your illness or injury hinders your ability to take care of yourself and provide for your family, getting the help you need is crucial to your wellbeing.

San Antonio Lawyers Specializing in Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration offers Social Security Disability (SSD) benefit programs to help those who are suffering, get by and maintain their quality of life. However, it can be difficult and complicated to obtain these SSD benefits on your own. That’s why working with an experienced, resourceful, aggressive Social Security Disability lawyer from J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP can be so helpful. With our help, you can streamline the application or appeal process and obtain the financial help you deserve.

Determining Whether You Qualify for SSD Benefits

Before you submit your application, your San Antonio Social Security disability claim lawyer and/or case manager will want to discuss a few details about your injuries to determine the viability of your case and find out whether you qualify for benefits.

This is important because it can save you time and stress later in the process. Many are surprised to discover that their illness or injury falls in line with the requirements for SSD benefits. This discussion will also allow your attorney to form a clear understanding of your condition and needs.

The Social Security Administration breaks down eligibility into two primary categories. The first is your financial standing—both your personal standing and your household income. The second is your specific type of injury.

Financial Eligibility

As for your finances, you and your attorney will need to prove that the monthly or yearly income you’re able to earn after your injury or illness is not significant enough to maintain your quality of life. In order to prove this point, your lawyer may ask you to submit documents such as:

  • W2s
  • Bank statements
  • Tax returns
  • Other financial documentation

With the help of your San Antonio SSD attorney, you can apply for two main types of benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Eligibility for SSDI depends on a few factors. First, you and your attorney must be able to prove that your disability qualifies. You must also have a substantial enough work history. The number of years you will need to have worked to qualify for insurance varies from case to case, but this number is typically based on how old you are and when you became disabled. Additionally, you will need to have worked a sum of at least five years within the last ten-year period. Most SSDI recipients can expect to receive between $1,000 and $1,200 a month in insurance payments. However, that amount may be higher or lower, depending on your previous earnings. Additionally, after receiving insurance for at least two years, you may be able to qualify for Medicare.

Your ability to recover SSI will depend on you meeting certain criteria. If you are eligible, you can receive cash benefits once a month. As of 2017, couples can expect to receive $1,103. If you are single and your application is approved, you can expect to receive a monthly cash benefit of $735. If you did not apply for SSDI but are approved for SSI, you will automatically be granted Medicaid coverage.

Medical Eligibility

As for medical eligibility, the Social Security Administration bases whether you can collect compensation on two factors. First, the administration looks at whether your condition pre-qualifies. SSD officials maintain a list of illnesses and ailments that will automatically qualify you for benefits. Some examples of these pre-qualifying conditions include the following:

  • Autoimmune disorders (i.e.HIV)
  • Mental, emotional, and cognitive problems (i.e. Schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, Down Syndrome)
  • Spinal injuries (neck, mid-back, and low back)
  • Respiratory illnesses, (i.e. asthma)
  • Neurological disorders (i.e. cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease)

* Your San Antonio SSD claim attorney will also need to prove the severity of your condition. Specifically, he or she will need to show how your illness or injury keeps you from supporting yourself. This means you are unable to hold a job due to you condition.

San Antonio Social Security Disability FAQ

We’re here to answer every question you have about SSD benefits, the application process, and how to appeal a denied claim. Below, we’ve answered some questions our clients often ask us, but we understand that you likely have additional questions. We’ll be happy to answer those questions if you give us a call.

Yes. The workers comp system is run by the state of Texas, while the SSD program is a federal matter. Benefits from the two shouldn’t conflict, but the eligibility requirements are different. A qualified attorney can help you sort out the details.

No. Long-term disability insurance provided by an employer or purchased privately is a private commercial enterprise, while SSD is run by the federal Social Security Administration.

From the date you receive your denial letter, you have sixty days to file your appeal in writing. Because making changes to your application and gathering additional evidence can take a substantial amount of time, it’s important to work with an experienced, resourceful, aggressive lawyer at J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP who can speed up the process for you.

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Contact a San Antonio Social Security Disability attorney if you need help recovering disability compensation.

How a South Texas SSD Lawyer Can Help if You’ve Been Denied

It isn’t uncommon for disabled people in San Antonio to be denied SSD benefits, even if they are technically eligible. Filing for benefits is incredibly complex, and even the smallest mistake on your application or any related paperwork can cost you your benefits.

Your application might also be denied if the Social Security Administration believes you are still able to provide for yourself or that your disabilities are not expected to last for at least a year or end in death.

However, if you’ve previously applied for SSD and were denied, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. With the help of an experienced, resourceful, aggressive lawyer at J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP, you may still be able to recover your benefits. Your lawyer will help you file an appeal to streamline the proceedings and prove why your claim should be approved.

Partner with a San Antonio Social Security Disability Attorney

If you want to file for SSD benefits to help you manage your life while living with an illness or injury, contact the experienced, resourceful, aggressive lawyers at J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP. Rather than going through the hassle of trying to file or appeal by yourself and being denied, let a qualified lawyer help you get it right and obtain the benefits you deserve.
For more information about how a San Antonio Social Security Disability lawyer can help you, fill out our online contact form at the bottom of the page and give our office a call directly at (210) 732-1062. We would be happy to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.