SSD and SSI Disability Lawyers
Disability Lawyers
Disability lawyers in Missouri and Illinois. Having a disability while providing for yourself is a challenge that no one should face entirely on their own. That is why the United States has provided a safety net for those who are most vulnerable in our society with a variety of federal programs, such as:
- Supplemental Security Income | SSI Lawyers
- Social Security Disability Insurance | SSD Lawyers
- Social Security Family Benefits | SSD For Children Lawyer
Unfortunately, it’s not enough to simply be disabled in order to receive these benefits. The Social Security Disability application not only calls for incredibly detailed information, but this info must also be presented in a very specific way. Any mistake you make could result in delays to receiving your benefits or, worse, an outright denial — something that happens in over 60% of first-time applications. You need to get a Social Security Disability lawyer involved from the very beginning to file an application or appeal a denial.
If you or a loved one have limited resources and may qualify for Social Security due to a disability, don’t go about it alone. Whether you are thinking of submitting a claim or have already been denied and need help with an appeal, our disability lawyers are happy to discuss the details of your case—free of charge—no matter what stage of the process you are in. Contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
Social Security Requirements
There is a long list of factors that the Social Security Administration looks at in determining if you are eligible. Chief among them is whether or not you are “disabled” with a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months (or is chronic) and restricts you from doing full-time work.
Common conditions that qualify for disability:
- Blindness and hearing impairment
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Cancers of all kinds
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart conditions
- Thyroid disorders
- Accidental or non-preventative injuries
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
There are many more conditions not on this list that qualify in the eyes of the Social Security Administration, which is why approval is done on a case-by-case basis. The SSA will look at the documented medical proof that your condition has rendered you unable to do the work you performed before. The SSA will then determine whether or not you can adjust to other work and, if not, then you are entitled to benefits from SSI, SSD, or another federal program. Learn more about the requirements for each of these programs below:
Social Security Disability
One of the easiest ways to understand the SSD program is to think of it as an insurance plan. You become eligible if you have paid “premiums” in the form of FICA taxes—which are automatically withheld in your paycheck— into the Social Security trust fund recently and over a sufficient period of time. Age and education also matter to the SSA.
Eligibility requirements for SSD:
- Disability
- Work history/built-up work credits – In many cases, you need 40 credits in order to qualify, but some disabled younger people may still be able to qualify with fewer credits.
Supplemental Security Income
The SSI program is meant for disabled people of any age and is generally needs-based. It is funded by the general fund taxes, making it available to people with a low income in addition to being unable to provide basic necessities for themselves.
Eligibility Requirements for SSI
- Disability (any age)
- OR blindness (any age)
- OR age (65+)
- Limited/no income – less than $2,000 in assets for an individual and less than $3,000 for a couple
You may be eligible for any one of these programs or more than one at the same time. You need the help of our disability lawyers to see where you qualify. Once we determine which program is right for you that will cover your needs, we’ll help you get started on the application. Contact us now to get started.
Social Security Disability for Children
Raising a child with a disability is one of the most difficult challenges a parent must face. And when both the child and the parent grow older, the child may be left with little support if something were to happen to the caregiver. Social Security provides a safety net for children—both young and adult— who suffer from disabilities, as well as offers support to their families.
Eligibility Requirements for SSD for Children:
- Disability
- Limited resources/no income for the family
- Under the age of 18 – this includes children, stepchildren, adopted children or grandchildren
- OR under the age of 19 – if child is attending elementary or secondary school full-time
- Older than 18 – Unmarried adult children who lost their parents or if those parents are claiming disability benefits. The child must have also been diagnosed with a disability before the age of 22.
These benefits are a necessity to many disabled people and their families, without which they cannot afford basic needs like occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical equipment, tutoring, and more.
Social Security Disability Application – Let Our Disability Lawyers Help
The SSA and Social Security process involves thousands of rules, regulations, and procedures—even unwritten ones. It’s a legal system in and of itself with its own courts and judges that decide who gets disability benefits. This is you need the help of a skilled attorney who knows the system inside and out to help ease your stress and avoid mistakes.
When you get our lawyers involved in the Social Security Disability application from the beginning, you benefit from our:
- Experience – We have been in business since 1976, which means we know what it takes to win a case and what kind of evidence the Social Security Administration (SSA) and administrative law judge of your need for benefits.
- Speed – We can often help you avoid costly delays in the process so that you can get the benefits you desperately need faster and at less cost to you.
- Advocacy – You need a strong advocate at your side who will not only present your case in the most favorable light, but also defend you in case there are medical advisors who are opposing your need.
- Results – We have won over 10,000 cases in our multi-decade career. In general, more benefits are awarded when you have representation on your side at the beginning of the Social Security Disability application.
Social Security Disability Appeal – Let Our Disability Lawyers Help
If you have submitted a request for any of the above benefit programs and were subsequently denied, do not be discouraged. Most applications are denied the first time, and a Social Security Disability appeal may be necessary to get peace and stability back in your life. You should not take this on by yourself. Your odds of winning an appeal are greatly increased with Drummond Law disability lawyers by your side.
We help ensure you meet all the deadlines, follow the right steps, and send the right information before the hearing in front of the Appeals Court and the judge. Then, we are right by your side to help you clearly and effectively present your need for benefits.
Do not delay! The SSA only allows a short period of time to start your appeal after receiving your denial letter.
Hire Our Disability Lawyers | Contact Drummond Law
Whether you need Social Security for yourself or for a loved one, our disability lawyers can help secure a bright financial future. Our passion for helping people across Missouri and Illinois has been our drive since 1976. To speak with our disability lawyers for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.