Deciphering How The Government Defines Disability To Receive Social Security Benefits

Government agencies are not lax in the decision-making process when it comes to social security disability benefits. It is easier to apply for and receive other types of government aid than it is to get disability funds. Some people spend years in the appeals process, trying to prove that they have a disability. Since you can take your claim all the way to the Supreme Court with a jury, it may be a long time before you see any money, no matter how obvious your disability may be. If you are not sure you have a qualifying disability, there are two ways you can find out.

The List

On the federal social security site there is a link to the list of qualifying disabilities. Most of them are physical disabilities, since these can be measured and proven with medical records. Mental illnesses of varying sorts also count, but you have to prove that they have a significant impact on your daily functioning. Newer disabilities are added all the time, but even if you find your diagnosis on the list, it may not mean that you automatically qualify. Every application is scrutinized intensely, and you may need legal help to prove you qualify.

The Other List

The list that the social security office does not publish is the list of non-medical requirements which they adhere to when they make your determination for benefits. This list includes how long you worked in your most recent job, whether or not you have earned enough benefit credits to receive benefits, and whether or not you have any pending felony charges or felony convictions on your record. All of these extra things can affect your benefit decision as well as your monthly benefit amount.

Social Security Disability Attorneys

These highly specialized attorneys know exactly what it takes to qualify for disability income from the federal government. A consultation is almost always free, and you can ask for as much information as you like. However, if you want the attorney to work on your behalf by collecting everything you need to prove your claim and not have to repeatedly appeal your case, then you will have pay him or her the retainer fee. Some attorneys are willing to work out the remainder of what they will charge you by asking for a portion of your benefits once you are awarded them. Since your benefits will be paid out retroactively, it is often a reasonable deal to strike. For more information about how an attorney can help you, contact a company such as Craig H Kline Law Office.