Chances are, you have heard that getting approved for social security benefits due to a disability is challenging. From the time-consuming steps involved when applying to worrying about your income while you await the decision, many people entitled to disability benefits wonder if the process is even worth it. However, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are 9 million individuals or so in the United States who collect Social Security Disability benefits, proving that getting the benefits you deserve is possible with the help of a Baltimore SS Disability lawyer.
What Classifies as a Disability?
When you first begin looking into what conditions automatically qualify you for disability, it is important to note that while some are near-instantaneous green lights, others merely expedite the process. By definition, an individual is considered disabled if they cannot perform any substantial gainful activity due to a medical or physical impairment.
You may also want to be aware of the signs that you will be approved for disability benefits before you start the application process. These include:
- Possessing sufficient medical evidence
- Proof that you cannot do the work you performed previously
- Enough earned work credits
- Inability to participate in substantial gainful activity
- Meeting non-medical requirements
- Inability to work for at least 12 months or more
- SSA recognition of your disability
- An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer is working on your case
Determining what qualifies as a disability for Social Security Disability benefits can vary depending on the individual’s medical and physical condition. However, knowing and meeting specific requirements can increase the chances of being approved for disability benefits before application.
What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?
It is essential to understand which medical conditions automatically qualify an individual for disability benefits. Automatic qualifiers are medical conditions that are so severe that they automatically meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. These disabilities are as follows:
Musculoskeletal System And Connective Problems
Arguably the most common disability among those entitled to disability benefits, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue problems involve damage to a person’s nerves, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. This category of disorder includes arthritis, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
Mental Disorders
The second most common type of disability eligible for Social Security benefits, mental disorders account for nearly 20% of all Social Security disability claims. Qualifying mental disorders cause extreme limitations in an individual’s ability to function independently. Examples of these disorders include mood disorders (such as severe anxiety, depression, or panic attacks), psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia), organic mental disorders (involving confusion, loss of cognitive ability, and memory loss), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and disorders falling on the autism spectrum).
Cardiovascular Conditions and Circulatory Disorders
Circulatory disorders that impact blood flow to the heart or the rest of the body can also qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Such disorders include angina, chronic heart disease, coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), and congenital heart defects.
Cancer
If you have a form of cancer that limits your ability to lift, stand, walk, sit, or remember, you may be entitled to disability. However, if your illness is not causing these symptoms on its own, but instead, they are being caused by the treatment you are undergoing, you may still be eligible for benefits.
One way to determine your eligibility is to review the SSA’s “Blue Book,” which lays out the specific medical criteria for whether or not you can receive Social Security Disability. If you cannot find your diagnosis on the list, the SSA will review your application and the specifics surrounding your illness to determine if you qualify. Obtaining a Social Security Disability lawyer to help you with your case can make a huge difference.
Nervous System And Sense Organs Conditions
Neurological disorders vary greatly in both symptoms and severity. The SSA provides detailed guidelines on these types of conditions as with other types of disorders. Examples of what conditions automatically qualify you for disability include Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonian syndrome, neuralgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sciatica, partial or complete blindness, and hearing loss.
Maximize Your Chances of Approval With an Experienced SS Disability Lawyer
When applying for disability, thorough–and correct–documentation is critical. It is no secret that most disability claims are denied, causing unnecessary frustration and stress. The most common factors leading to denial are technical problems with an application and disqualification based on medical information, which is why you need an experienced Baltimore SS Disability lawyer.
You can seek help from a third party when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. At the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason, we pride ourselves on understanding your legal situation and working on getting you the outcome you deserve. Contact us, your trusted Baltimore SS Disability lawyer, today!
When researching the subject of disabled child Social Security benefits, parents and guardians may see a confusing array of descriptions noted for determining eligibility. For guidance throughout this process, consultations with social security disability attorneys should be sought. The Law Offices of Terri D. Mason can help you explain the process while seeking reliable results from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Disability for Children
There’s a wide spectrum of criteria used to determine eligibility for children with disabilities.
- It must be proven that a disability exists by providing academic and medical records that support the evidence of the disability to receive Social Security disability child benefits.
- It must also be determined that the disability has lasted or will last for one year or more.
The final source responsible for deciding eligibility for child social security disability benefits is the SSA.
The ruling of a specific disability for a child under the age of 18 means that the child will begin receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). An evaluation is done of mental and/or physical conditions, and it must be concluded that the child experiences perceptible or critical inadequacies that prevent them from functioning in a normal capacity.
The SSA is interested in learning about what these children can do but may have difficulty doing (or require help to complete) and what they can’t, possibly because they’re restricted from engaging in certain activities because of their impairment.
SSA Evaluation Standards
A disabled child will be assessed in the following areas in comparison to other children of the same age who don’t have any disabilities:
- Interacting with and relating to others
- Acquiring and using information
- Attending to and completing tasks
- Motor skills and handling objects
- Self-care
- Overall health and physical well being
There are also numerous medical conditions that are considered in the decision-making process, which can interfere with a child’s ability to function in a normal capacity. For instance, attention deficit disorders prevent children from remaining focused long enough to complete certain tasks. Children suffering from disorders that cause significant pain will also have trouble concentrating or becoming involved in many activities.
The SSA Deemed Eligibility Chart
This chart will clearly explain how the SSI disabled child social security benefits work. This chart also explains that depending on the resulting evaluation, children might be eligible to receive SSI benefits as early as their date of birth until they reach the age of 18 years old. If benefits continue until the age of 18, then at that time, the case is re-evaluated according to how it’s evaluated for disabled adults.
Regarding childhood disabilities, the term “deeming” is applied to the combination of the parents’ and other household members’ income and resources to decide whether the child meets the income and resource requirements to receive a monthly SSI benefit. Deductions are made from the deemed total household income to determine the amount of SSI payments for child Social Security disability benefits.
SSI Payments for Children With Disabilities
The SSA only pays SSI to low-income disabled recipients with limited resources. This means that if the parents or guardians of the disabled child have income and resources that exceed the allowable income limits, then they won’t receive an SSI monthly allowance even if the child is determined to be medically or physically disabled.
Compassionate Allowances
Certain extreme medical conditions and diseases are identified and recognized immediately by the SSA, which can reduce the waiting time for reaching a decision. For instance, Compassionate Allowances (CAL) can be given for rare disorders and cancer diagnoses once the medical proof has been established.
The SSA also relies on information from medical and scientific experts, along with other government agencies, to help them quickly identify potential cases for social security disability child benefits that warrant implementing the CAL initiative.
Will all these, an experienced Social Security disability attorney would be needed in going through this process. Contact the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason at (443) 948-7772. Our office will work tirelessly to inform you of what you need to know while getting your child the benefits they deserve.
Obtaining social security disability benefits is not always an easy task. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of expecting it to be. They think that once they fill out their application, they will send it in and be approved for benefits in a timely manner. However, this is different from the way it works.
The Social Security Administration denied over 65% of initial social security disability applications. Some of these denials are due to technical or clerical errors, while others are denied for other reasons. As such, if you’re looking to obtain disability benefits, it’s strongly recommended that you seek disability lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland.
Understand the Qualification for Disability Benefits
One of the first ways disability lawyers like Terri Mason can help you if you’re trying to obtain disability benefits is to help you understand whether you or a loved one even qualify for benefits. To qualify for benefits, you have to meet the definition of disabled as outlined by the Social Security Administration. This is important to understand, as the definition provided by Social Security isn’t always the same definition a doctor may use.
Social Security disability lawyers like Terri understand what conditions qualify for SSDI and which don’t. As such, she can help you to understand if you qualify for benefits before you even start the process.
File for Disability Benefits
If Social Security disability lawyers feel that you meet the criteria for obtaining Social Security disability benefits, the next step that they’ll take in helping you to obtain these benefits is helping you to fill out the initial application. The majority of SSDI applications are denied due to errors. The application may be filled out incorrectly, or there may need to be more medical evidence provided for the administration to make a determination on your case.
Terri knows what Social Security is looking at when deciding whether to approve or deny a case. As such, they know how to fill out the initial application and what documentation to include with the application. Having this help right from the start can help you avoid long wait times and possible appeals related to your case.
Obtain Your Social Security Disability Benefits
Finally, as your SS disability lawyer, Terri can help you obtain the disability benefits you are entitled to by helping you to appeal your case if you were denied benefits.
If you filed an application on your own and were denied, it’s important to reach out to an attorney right away. You only have a limited amount of time to file an appeal. If you fail to do so, you may have to file a brand new case or may lose out on the benefits you may otherwise be entitled to.
Four different appeal stages can take place. Those include –
- Reconsideration
- ALJ Hearing
- SSA Appeals Council
- Federal Court Appeal
Social Security disability lawyers can take over your case, regardless of your stage in the denial and appeals process. Having a lawyer increases the chances of an appeal being successful, which ultimately helps you to obtain the benefit you’re entitled to.
Obtain Your Disability Benefits With Terri Mason
Trying to get Social Security disability benefits on your own can be challenging. There’s a lot of misinformation out there as to who qualifies for disability payments and what needs to be included when you submit your application. There are also a lot of mistakes that are made by individuals filling out their applications for the first time.
Disability lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland, can help you determine if you qualify for disability payments and then fill out the application, helping to reduce the likelihood of your filing being denied.
If you’ve already been denied, a top lawyer like Terri Mason can help you fight the denial. If you’re looking to obtain disability benefits, the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason would love to help you. Reach out to us today to get started.
Many people find the definition of “disability” for Social Security disability benefits to be confusing.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very precise rules that apply to disability determinations. When evaluating claims, the SSA looks closely at both the work activities that a claimant can perform and the ordinary, everyday activities that a claimant can perform. While for social security disability house cleaning or other household work doesn’t determine the validity of a claim, the inability to do certain kinds of household chores can help prove a claimant can’t do gainful work.
This blog post will focus on how the ability, or inability, to do household chores can influence a Social Security disability benefits claim.
How Does Social Security Define Disability?
Social Security requires disability claimants to prove three things:
- The claimant suffers from a serious medical condition that prevents substantial gainful activity through work;
- The claimant can’t do the work they did previously or adjust to other work because of the serious medical condition;
- The condition has lasted or is expected to last for more than one year or result in death.
The test is a very strict one. When a claim is filed, Social Security will review both the medical records of the claimant and require the claimant to fill out an evaluation form showing exactly what sort of work and life activities are possible. In many cases, the simple activities of daily living can be used as evidence to show that the claimant can’t engage in gainful activity.
How Can Evidence of Household Chores Influence a Disability Claim?
Many of the ordinary tasks we do every day represent skills that carry over into the work environment. For example, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from buttoning your clothing or picking up small objects like coins, you may also be unable to perform fine manipulations on the job, like punching small buttons or picking up objects in the workplace.
Similarly, if you’re unable to stand for long periods of time or to perform repetitive tasks like raking leaves or shoveling snow, you may not be able to perform repetitive actions or walk on the job.
The Social Security disability evaluation looks at mental and psychological capacity as well as the ability to perform physical tasks. If an applicant has lost interest in socializing with friends or taking part in hobby activities, the fact could be used to demonstrate that the applicant is suffering from depression or some other psychological condition that prevents employment in the workforce.
In preparing a disability evaluation form, the applicant should look for opportunities to explain how the limitations in their everyday life affect their ability to engage in work. Any lack of capacity to perform the activities of daily living should be highlighted as a means of demonstrating to the Social Security hearing officer that the claimant is disabled according to the definition of the SSA.
If a caregiver is assisting the claimant, then the caregiver can often shed light on the ability of the applicant to perform household chores and work in the workforce. A good Social Security disability lawyer will assist the claimant in developing the facts of the case by exploring how the medical condition of the claimant affects all aspects of life, including household chores, outside activities, hobbies, and work.
Can Disability Lawyers MD Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim?
Social Security disability claims are complex and often difficult to prove. Many times the claimant is denied at the initial hearing and prevails only after one or more appeals. Claimants shouldn’t be discouraged, though.
If you or a loved one require the assistance and advice of a Social Security disability lawyer in Baltimore, we can help. The Law Offices of Terri D. Mason in Baltimore have provided clients with aggressive representation for nearly a quarter-century. We’ve assisted many satisfied clients in gaining Social Security benefits.
If you live in Baltimore or the nearby counties, contact us today for a consultation. We would be delighted to meet you and evaluate your case. We’ll handle your legal work with compassion and care.
When people think of symptoms, their first thoughts are swelling, rashes, skin discolorations, or other visible signs. But mental illnesses don’t give off what most doctors or the Social Security Administration (SSA) would consider physical symptoms.
If you’re dealing with a mental illness, the only signs you may be able to see are a person’s actions. It’s what’s going on inside their mind is causing their problems. Since those thoughts or disruptions aren’t visible, it’s much harder to prove they exist.
In this blog, we’ll discuss mental illness disability benefits and how the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason can help you.
Mental Illness
Mental illness encompasses many disorders, each having its own symptomology that sets them apart from the rest. Disorders can range from mild to severe and wreak havoc on a person’s ability to live and act in a normal manner.
These disorders can cause a person to want to harm themselves or others. They may not be able to process information properly, causing them to have difficulty if they try to live on their own and take care of their personal affairs.
What Mental Illnesses Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Several mental illnesses qualify for Social Security benefits. Even though the symptoms may not be something you can externally see on the body, the person’s actions and tendencies often speak for them. The most commonly recognized mental illnesses that qualify a patient for Social Security disability benefits include the following but are not limited to:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Anxiety and Anxiety-related Disorders
- Depression
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities (such as dyslexia)
- Schizophrenia
Patients are often placed on strong medications to control their actions. The medications work for many people, but for others, they don’t. Trying to live a productive life while using different medications is sometimes more disabling than the disorder. This is where filing for mental illness disability benefits comes into play.
Social Security Disability Benefits
In order to qualify for Social Security disability for mental illness, the patient has to prove they have a mental disorder that significantly impacts their quality of life as well as their ability to live on their own. This may include taking strong psychotropic medications and being under the supervision of a medical professional specializing in treating mental disorders.
The SSA will rarely take the word of a physician on their own merit. You’ll need to continually provide documentation and substantiated proof that you’re incapable of living a regular life. It’s not unheard of to be denied multiple times due to a lack of information or a statement by your doctor.
The deadlines for applying and appealing are strict. Missing one deadline could require that you start the entire process from the beginning.
Finding the Right Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a mental illness that makes you or them eligible to receive disability benefits, you’ll want to find a lawyer who specializes in this type of case. These cases aren’t resolved easily and may take two or three years to finalize, sometimes longer.
You want an attorney who can continue to fight for your rights and will ensure that you get the Social Security disability benefits you deserve. This entails constantly meeting deadlines and updating your case file so that it contains the most accurate information and the most current case notes from your doctor.
If you’re looking for the best Baltimore SS disability lawyer to handle your case, contact the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason today. She has been an advocate for individuals who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses for over 20 years and understands the difficulties her clients face when their lives are not their own.
Individuals with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities are often discriminated against and become victims of their disorders. Ms. Mason works diligently to ensure that her clients get the respect they deserve and the benefits they need to have the best quality of life they can have. Call us today and find out how to get started with the disability for mental illness process.
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that is characterized by feelings of worry, tension, and fear. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life. These feelings are persistent and can be overwhelming for those with a disorder.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders which we detail below. Symptoms of anxiety can vary from mild to severe and can include the following:
- Feeling restless or on edge
- Sweating, heart palpitations
- Feeling like you are going to faint
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
If you suffer from anxiety, give us a call. We will help you determine if you qualify for disability and receive benefits.
How To Get Diagnosed With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are generally diagnosed by a mental health professional—the professional assists in determining what mental illnesses qualify for disability.
They will conduct a clinical interview and may also administer psychological testing. The professional will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also want to know if you have any medical conditions causing your symptoms.
Diagnosis of an anxiety disorder is based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Below are a few common anxiety disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This type of disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday things. People with a generalized anxiety disorder may worry about their health, work, or finances.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a disorder that is characterized by unexpected and recurring episodes of intense fear. These panic attacks can include physical symptoms such as a racing heart and chest pain.
Agoraphobia
A disorder characterized by a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or help might not be available in the event of a panic attack.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a type of disorder someone has with roots in a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks and avoidance of situations that remind the person of the event.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This type of disorder is distinguished by intruding and undesired, compulsive thoughts and repetitive, uncontrollable behaviors.
Social Anxiety
This type of disorder is characterized by extreme self-consciousness and fear of social situations.
Is Anxiety Considered a Disability?
Anxiety disorders can be considered an anxiety disability if they significantly interfere with your ability to function in your daily life. To qualify for disability benefits, you must show that your anxiety disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working or participating in other activities. For example, if you have panic attacks that prevent you from leaving your home, that can be considered a disability.
Applying for Disability and Social Security Benefits
If you have a disorder that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for getting disability for anxiety, you must show that your anxiety disorder is severe and that it has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months (or otherwise noted by a qualified health professional).
You must submit medical evidence of your condition, such as a diagnosis, from a mental health professional to the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for benefits, you will receive monthly payments that can help you.
If you are interested in applying for Social Security disability benefits, an attorney can help. You can get help from disability lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland.
SSDI Maryland disability lawyers can assist you with the application process and help you gather the necessary medical evidence. A social security disability lawyer in Baltimore can also help you appeal the decision if your application is denied.
The Law Offices of Terri D. Mason can help you or your loved one apply for Social Security disability benefits if you or they have a disorder. We can assist you with the application process and help you gather the necessary medical evidence. We can also help you appeal the decision if the application is denied. Contact us today at 443-948-7772 for a consultation.
Being denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) does not mean you are permanently disqualified from gaining acceptance into the program. You have the right to appeal your claim denial and convince the decision makers at SSDI that you are indeed eligible and in need of financial assistance.
Why Is Your SSDI Claim Denied?
There are multiple reasons why you get denied Social Security Disability insurance. You may feel that your need for SSDI is reasonable, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviewers may disagree and deny your claim. The reasons for denial include the following:
- Current income is over the limit of substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Cause of disability is short-term or not severe enough
- Refusal to cooperate with the SSA
- Failure to follow therapy as prescribed by your physician
- Disability is the result of drug or alcohol use
- Convicted of a felony or have committed fraud
You will get an initial denial if any of these issues apply to your situation. However, you should still learn how to appeal SSDI denial because you may still be able to get benefits or prevent your eventual SSDI or retirement benefits from decreasing.
What To Do Before You Make an Appeal
Before you appeal, talk to disability lawyers in MD and let them help you determine the reason(s) why you are in claim denial. It can take years for the disability appeal process to play out. Putting your case in the hands of a lawyer with experience in SSDI denials ultimately helps you improve your chances of getting accepted into the program.
Four Levels of the SSD Appeal Process
After your initial SSDI claim denial, you can appeal the decision through several steps. Here is what you can expect from the four levels of the disability appeal process.
Reconsideration
You have 60 days from the date of your denial to file a request for consideration. The Disability Determination Services in MD reviews your decision after you make your request, and you can have an in-person conference with the representative and your lawyer. If the representative denies your claim, you can have your lawyer request an administrative hearing in front of a judge.
Administrative Hearing
The request for an administrative hearing has to be filed within 60 days of the date of your denial letter. As part of the disability appeal process, your case will be heard by an administrative law judge. The judge reviews the evidence you want them to consider and listens to any witnesses you bring.
If you have retained a disability lawyer for the denial process, your lawyer advocates your case to the judge clearly and concisely, which helps your case. If the administrative law judge denies your appeal or does not date your benefits far back enough, you can appeal the decision to the Appeals Council.
Appeals Council Review
The Appeals Council reviews the evidence submitted to the administrative law judge but will not hear new evidence. If the Appeals Council finds the administrative law judge was in error, it will overturn the denial into approval or send it back to the judge for another decision. The Appeals Council may also confirm that the administrative law judge’s ruling was correct.
Federal District Court
Suppose the Appeals Council upheld the decision to deny your claim. In that case, your case can be appealed to the federal district court for further review and have the opportunity to correct errors made at the lower levels. A brief that explains why you are appealing your claim denial at this level is required by the court, something that your disability lawyer can do on your behalf.
Terri D. Mason is one of the top-tier social security disability lawyers in Maryland, ready to help you overcome your SSDI denial and get you on track to receive the benefits you need. Get in touch with us to learn more about how to appeal an SSDI denial, and let us review your case to find out how we can help you.
Drug addiction is a debilitating disease that affects not only the addict but also their family and friends. The person will continue their downward spiral toward drugs when it is a chronic condition. They do not consider the negative consequences.
Many people struggling with addiction also suffer from other mental health disorders. This can make a recovery even more difficult. So, the question becomes, is addiction considered a disability?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rules governing disability benefits are complex. Having a disability lawyer who can help you navigate the process of applying for and appealing for a denial of benefits is crucial.
If you are disabled, live in Baltimore, and require legal assistance, you need to contact the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason. Terri D. Mason is one of the reputable disability lawyers Baltimore Maryland, specializing in helping people with disabilities obtain the benefits they are entitled to.
What Is ADA and What Does It Protect?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law created in 1990 to protect disabled individuals and their rights.
The ordinance forbids discrimination against people with disabilities. It includes all areas of public life, such as employment, education, transportation, and access to public facilities. Also, the ADA establishes standards for designing and constructing public accommodations and commercial facilities to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
What Is a SUD?
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental health disorder characterized by an individual’s chronic use of alcohol or other drugs and can vary from mild to severe.
Other mental health disorders often accompany them, such as anxiety or depression. It is difficult for a person to stop on their own. SUDs can lead to several problems, including financial difficulties, relationship problems, and legal troubles.
Can a Person With SUD Get Benefits?
A person with drug addiction or SUD can be considered disabled at a certain point but not at all times.
Under the ADA rules, people with drug and alcohol addiction can get behavioral health benefits. They might qualify for paid benefits if they suffer from irreversible conditions due to their addiction.
However, if you file for disability while still using drugs, the Social Security Administration (SSA) might deny your application.
Trying to navigate the system can cause confusion and frustration. That is why it would be wise to contact Terri D. Mason, one of the SSDI Maryland disability lawyers.
What Are the Benefits of Drug Addiction Disability?
To increase the chances of getting paid benefits, SSA will suggest individuals with SUDs take advantage of behavioral health benefits services, which might include the following:
- A psychologist can help identify the root cause of someone’s substance abuse and develop a treatment plan. They can also provide support to family and friends who are affected by someone’s SUDs.
- A licensed professional counselor can work with those who have SUDs to understand their disorder. They can help them develop coping skills to manage triggers and cravings. While providing support and motivation, they can help connect people with resources like 12-step programs or sober living houses.
- A psychiatrist will work with other members of the treatment team to develop a treatment plan that meets the needs of the individual. Medication management and therapy help those with SUDs cope with their symptoms and recover from addiction.
Filing for Disability With a Drug a Drug Addiction Diagnosis
It is unlikely for SSA to grant you disability benefits purely for having a drug addiction. The administration will verify if the applicant’s illness directly results from using drugs. They also will want to know if the person ceases using; will the condition be reversed?
If SSA determines your health issue is unrelated to drug use, you might not receive benefits. SSA requirements in this matter can be confusing for applicants. The best thing to do is work with a social security disability substance abuse attorney.
How a Social Disability Lawyer Baltimore Can Help
When someone can no longer work because of a disability, they may be eligible for social security disability benefits. Unfortunately, applying for these benefits can be challenging and lengthy. You will need an attorney who can guide you through the process.
Working with an aggressive attorney can help increase your chances of approval. Whether you qualify for benefits or want to know if drug addiction is a disability, an attorney can review your case and let you know your options.
As a social security disability substance abuse attorney, Terri D. Mason has over 25 years of experience. She can help those who need or were turned down for disability benefits prove their case. Call us today to schedule a consultation and know how you can proceed to process and deal with your disability.
Social security can confuse many people, especially those not close to retirement age. It seems that the rules continue to change each year, and now those eligible for maximum social security benefits must wait until they are 67 years old before retiring, but only if they were born in 1960 or later. How long are payments received? Payments received from Social security are for life, but things can get quite a bit different when talking about social security disability benefits.
SSDI benefits are monitored much more closely and have different rules. It may be confusing to understand, so you may need a top social security disability lawyer Baltimore that can offer you help. The Law Offices of Terri D. Mason can do just that, and we will break down when payments begin, how long they last, and what to expect when enrolled in the program.
When Do SSDI Payments Start?
While a disability is likely to cause you to be unable to work immediately, Social Security disability benefits will not begin for the first five months. In most cases, payments will start during the sixth month of disability, with one exception.
If someone has been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), then payments will begin immediately due to a new law passed in 2020. Other diseases are included in this program, known as “Compassionate Allowances,” as conditions are guaranteed not to improve. An applicant will need payments immediately due to a lifelong inability to work.
SSDI payments are given out each month, and the day you receive them depends on your birth date. These payments can be made electronically or via check; sometimes, taxes must be paid on benefits. Unlike retirement benefits, SSDI payments are not guaranteed to be paid out for the rest of your life unless you have reached full retirement age.
How Long Does SSDI Last?
There is not a predetermined amount of time that SSDI payments will last. Those receiving payments are subject to review to determine if their disability is still causing them to be unable to work. Those not expected to improve their condition will only be subject to review every seven years.
A disability where it is unclear whether there will be improvement will be reviewed around every three years, while disabilities that are expected to improve can be checked anywhere from six months to 18 months.
A person receiving SSDI payments will be notified when their review is approaching, giving that person time to arrange medical paperwork and provide proof of income if they have been working. A social security office representative then decides whether or not benefit payments will continue.
There are some instances where SSDI payments can be terminated without improving the condition. Those that have returned to earning a monthly salary of at least $1,310 are subject to having their SSDI payments end (for those who are legally blind, the amount is more than doubled at $2,260 per month). That is unless that person was simply trying to see if they could work for a couple of months.
If their disability prevents them from returning to their old duties permanently, payments will not stop. Those arrested and sentenced to over 30 days in jail will see payments terminated.
Note: Those still receiving SSDI payments when they reach full retirement age will have their disability payments converted into retirement benefit payments.
Need a Legal Help from a Disability Lawyer in MD?
Suppose you need social security disability payments. In that case, an attorney can complete your application on your behalf while gathering the proper documents, such as medical records, to ensure your benefits continue. These applications can be complicated and filled with minor details that are easy to overlook.
Our attorneys will ensure that every last detail is correct so that the social security office does not cut or stop your benefits. If you need assistance getting your full benefits — contact the top Social Security disability lawyers in Maryland at the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason today for a free consultation.
Realizing that you can’t work any longer is a difficult time. You may wonder how you’ll pay your bills and make ends meet. Basic life needs can be hard to take care of without an income. People with a work history may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. You must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years and with enough work credits to qualify. Paying your FICA taxes will reward you with work credits. Attorney Terri D. Mason team is ready to help you with your SSDI case. Contact us to hire the best law firm in the country for SSDI. Our professionals know how important it is to get the benefits you’re entitled to. Having an SSDI lawyer comes with perks to ease your SSDI application.
Understand Compassionate Allowance List
The process for filing SSDI is complex because you have to outline all of your medical conditions and fill out the application. Making sure that everything is accurate is imperative because this can directly impact the application’s outcome.
For people with conditions appearing on the Compassionate Allowances List, including completely accurate condition names is critical. The automated system will flag applications that have those conditions so they can move through an expedited process.
Obtain Essential Evidence
Showing how your disabilities limit your ability to work is one of the most important factors in an SSDI case. We can obtain medical evidence, including getting opinions from doctors, that clarifies how limiting your condition is.
Representatives of the SSA and Administrative Law judges don’t always realize how medical conditions can impact workers. We, SSDI lawyers, can present the facts of your case in a way that makes it easier for them to understand exactly why you qualify for SSDI.
One thing that some people don’t think about when they’re filing for SSDI is that the medications they’re taking can also have an impact on their ability to work. We don’t focus only on the medical condition you have. We also show how the treatments for it are making it impossible for you to earn a living wage.
SSDI Attorney Fees are on a Contingency Basis
You don’t pay SSDI lawyer fees upfront. All social security disability lawyers in Maryland work on a contingency basis, so they only get paid if you get benefits. There are limits to how much they can earn, and their payments will come directly from your benefits check. In 2022, the limit for pay is the lesser of either 25% of the retroactive benefits or $6,000.
Unless you’re awarded retroactive or past due benefits, there isn’t a payment for the attorney. You will sign a fee agreement ahead of time to know how much you’ll have to pay.
Handle Appeals
Many people who file for disability benefits are denied at first. Having experienced SSDI Maryland lawyers on your side, you can have them handle the appeal for you. Making sure that you have everything included for the appeal is critical.
Sometimes, an appeal may require getting medical documents or other information. Instead of spending time doing this, your social security disability lawyer can get it all for you. This frees up your time to take care of yourself.
Your Attorney Will Represent You at Disability Hearings
An Administrative Judge oversees hearings for Social Security Disability Insurance. SSDI Maryland disability lawyers representing you at a hearing can make a big difference because they can explain things about your case. We also know the applicable laws and regulations, so we can point those out when necessary.
Part of representing you also involves helping to prepare you for the proceeding. We can discuss the questions the judge might ask and the information they’re looking for. Knowing what to expect can help to reduce your stress, making it easier to deal with the process.
You don’t have to wonder when to hire a disability lawyer another second. Instead, give us a call and let SSDI lawyers at the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason show you how we can help you to get the SSDI benefits you qualify for.