The Social Security disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security income disability (SSDI) programs provide assistance to people who cannot work due to a disability. Benefits are paid by the Social Security Administration (SSA) on a regular, recurring basis for as long as the claimant is unable to work. In these claims, have to be “expected” to be unable to sustain full time employment due to your medical conditions for at least a 12 month period in order to be eligible for SSD or SSI. If however you have short term disability coverage from your employer, you do not have to be disabled for a 12 month period, it could be for a shorter period.
However, obtaining disability benefits is far from easy. If you were recently denied your Social Security Disability or your long term or short term disability insurance from your employer, by one of the following disability insurance companies:
- Unum
- Progressive
- MetLife
- Mercury
- Travelers
- The Hartford Cigna
- Guardian
- Prudential
- Aetna
- Northwest Mutual
- and others…
DO NOT GIVE UP!
Our practice and associated law firms have successfully helped thousands of disabled clients in obtaining long-term disability, short-term disability, and Social Security disability benefits. How?
About two-thirds of all SSD and SSDI applications are initially denied by the SSA and insurance companies. While many claimants give up here, you actually have the option of appealing your claim. Since many initial applications get thrown out simply because of an error or a missing component, claimants tend to be far more successful on their second try.
To successfully appeal your case, however, you must act fast. There are very strict deadlines to appeal your case—typically, you have 60 days or so from the date you receive your denial notice (the exact information on how and when to appeal should be included in the notice).
Thousands of disabled people give up and don’t appeal when they could have eventually been granted valuable monthly benefits and health insurance coverage through Social Security had they taken the time to file an appeal. If you miss your deadline you may not be eligible, so make sure to stay on top of this if your claim has been denied.
While you do have the option of appealing your case on your own, if your claim has already been denied once it will likely benefit you to hire a lawyer. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can ensure everything is filled out correctly, all the relevant medical records and other documentation are present, and everything is submitted on time. An attorney will also argue your case in front of a judge if a hearing is required. Having legal help on your side will practically guarantee you receive the benefits you need on your second try.
The bottom line is IF YOU HAVE A SEVERE MEDICAL CONDITION, PHYSICAL OR MENTAL, AND YOU TRULY BELIEVE YOU ARE UNABLE TO RETURN TO WORK, YOU SHOULD APPEAL YOUR CASE. Continue to go to your doctor and make sure you are tested! If your medical records show your disability prevents you from working, there is no reason you should not be entitled to federal benefits.
Our Philadelphia Social Security disability lawyers are prepared to fight for the benefits you deserve. There is never an upfront fee for our help—we are only paid when you win your benefits! Call today at (215) 708-1234 or contact us online for more information.Categories