If your disability claim was denied and you don’t understand why, you should hire a Social Security disability lawyer to re-evaluate your claim and let you know what went wrong. At Munley Law, our personal injury lawyers have represented enough disability claims to know what the reviewers are looking for – and we can help ensure that your information is presented in the most effective manner in order for your claim to succeed.
Types of Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a program of the Federal Government designed to provide monthly payments to disabled individuals in two distinct categories:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Both programs require proof of a disability. However, the difference between the two programs is SSI exists for disabled people in financial need and SSD serves disabled workers who have paid into the Social Security system through prior work.
Supplemental Security Income benefits are paid to individuals who are poor and disabled, regardless of whether the applicant has worked in the past. Benefits are available to both adults and children.
Social Security Disability benefits are paid to individuals who have earned wages and paid into the Social Security system in at least 20 of the last 40 quarters. In order to qualify for SSD, you must be totally disabled – meaning that you are not capable of performing any job due to your disability.
Why Disability Claims Get Denied
Not surprising, two-thirds of all initial claims for disability benefits are denied, even those that have all the correct information. There can be several reasons why your Social Security disability claim was denied. Some of the more common reasons include:
- Your disability is based on substance abuse, such as alcoholism
- You earn too much money
- You will be temporarily disabled, such as being out of work for a couple of months
- You didn’t follow your doctor’s orders
- You didn’t follow directions when filling out the claim
- A lack of sufficient treatment records
- Your disability is linked to a criminal conviction
Our Social Security Disability Lawyer is Ready to Help
If you have been injured or ill and are unable to return to work, you’re going to need to apply for Social Security disability. But don’t fill out that form on your own! Instead, hire a Social Security disability lawyer at Munley Law today and we’ll make sure you get the compensation that you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation. We have offices in Philadelphia, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittsburgh and many more.
