The more medical documentation one has, the better, when it is time to apply for social security disability. Individuals will not be awarded benefits if they do not have proof of on-going treatment for a disabling condition. It is advisable that anyone trying to apply have legal representation. A lawyer will have helpful information on how to get the claim approved.
According to Social Security, a person is entitled to benefits when they are no longer able to perform “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA. The inability to perform SGA must be based on a physical or mental impairment, that is expected to last for 12 months, or result in death. The agency investigates whether the applicant can perform their last job, or any jobs held in the past fifteen years. If not, they will look at whether the applicant can perform other jobs. Vocational experts make many of these determinations. Claimants should hire a disability lawyer in Kansas City, to handle their claim, and various appeals.
There are non-medical requirements to receive benefits. People qualified for SSDI benefits must have paid social security payroll taxes over a certain period of time. The number of years someone is required to pay into social security depends upon age. If a person stops working and paying benefits, their insured status may end. Most social security claims are denied, initially. A disability lawyer in Kansas City must apply for a reconsideration. During the reconsideration, a fresh set of eyes looks at the application to check if the decision was accurate.
The next appeal is a hearing before an administrative law judge. The agency may have vocational and medical experts testify about the applicant’s condition. It is important for the applicant to have their evidence available for the hearing. For this reason, it is important to see the doctor regularly. The SSA may not believe a person’s condition is serious, if they are not seeing the doctor regularly. Experts advise applicants to see a doctor every two months, if they want to win their claim. Applicants should file for benefits, as soon as they get sick. It takes a long time for a claim to navigate the system. Additionally, the claim should be filed before the insurance eligibility expires. Visit Grundy Disability Group LLC for more information.
