Frequently Asked Questions: Social Security Disability
What is Social Security looking for regarding my claim?
What are the eligibility requirements for applying for Social Security Disability benefits?
Can I work and still receive Social Security Disability benefits?
Are there other Social Security Disability benefits available in addition to the cash assistance?
How do I contact the Social Security Administration?
How much does it cost to hire Andalman & Flynn to handle my Social Security Disability claim?
How long does the Social Security Disability claim process take?
Why should I hire Andalman & Flynn to handle my Social Security Disability claim?
If my claim is successful, how much will my benefit be?
What can I do to help my Social Security Disability claim and increase my chances of success?
Q: What is Social Security looking for regarding my claim?
A: Social Security looks at several factors to decide your claim, including medical condition, age, education, and previous work done in the last fifteen years. Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least one year, or be expected to result in your death. If you are over 55, you generally have to prove that you are disabled from performing the work you performed in the last 15 years. If you are under 50, you have to prove that you are disabled from performing any job that exists in the national economy.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for applying for Social Security Disability benefits?
A: Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) is an insurance program. You have to pay premiums into the system, through working and paying Social Security taxes, in order to be insured. Normally, to be insured you must have earned 40 quarters of coverage (approximately 10 years of work) and worked 5 out of the last 10 years. If you are not insured and meet the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Q: Can I work and still receive Social Security Disability benefits?
A: Working and receiving benefits is possible under very limited circumstances. Generally, if your wages are not gainful, less than $800.00 gross wages per month, or your work is not substantial, then you can work and also get Social Security Disability benefits. Also, once you are found disabled you can get a trial work period of up to 9 months total (not necessarily consecutive), during which you can try working while still getting Social Security Disability benefits.
Q: Are there other Social Security Disability benefits available in addition to the cash assistance?
A: After receiving Social Security Disability benefits in the form of monthly cash assistance for 24 months, you are eligible to be enrolled in the Medicare health insurance program. If you win Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you get Medicaid.
Q: How do I contact the Social Security Administration?
A: Call the Social Security Administration’s national toll-free hotline at 1-800-772-1213, visit the Social Security Administration’s website, or visit your local Social Security office.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Andalman & Flynn to handle my Social Security Disability claim?
A: In most cases we only get paid if you win. Generally our fee is 25% of past-due benefits with a maximum fee set by SSA which is currently $6,000.00 through one hearing by an Administrative Law Judge. You will have a written fee agreement in every case. Whatever the fee agreement is, all attorney fees must be approved by the Social Security Administration.
Q: How long does the Social Security Disability claim process take?
A: We recognize that the application process for Social Security Disability can be long and frustrating. Typically it takes three to four months to get a decision on the initial claim. If denied, it often takes another three to four months to get a decision on the request for reconsideration. If denied on reconsideration, you then must file a request for a hearing. It currently takes about twelve months to get a hearing. Be mindful of the specified deadlines to appeal a Social Security Administration decision. Appeals generally must be filed within 60 days.
Andalman & Flynn represents claimants at all stages of their Social Security Disability claim. If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, please contact us for a consultation to discuss your appeal rights and to evaluate your case.
Q: Why should I hire Andalman & Flynn to handle my Social Security Disability claim?
A: Andalman & Flynn has an array of attorneys with over 30 years of experience in representing individuals in their claims for Social Security Disability benefits. We know how to evaluate the medical evidence, fill in the missing pieces, and work with your doctors to best present your claim for disability. We take the time to regularly follow-up on the status of your claim to ensure that it does not get lost in the system. If you have to go to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Andalman & Flynn will prepare you to testify. Simply put, we can help maximize your chances of winning your claim. If you are interested in more information about Andalman & Flynn’s Social Security Disability claims services, please contact us either online or at 301-563-6685 to schedule a consultation.
Q: If my claim is successful, how much will my benefit be?
A: Your benefit amount depends upon how much you paid into the Social Security system. Benefit amounts range on average from approximately $500 to $1,900 per month. If you have dependent children under age 18, you will likely be paid an additional 50% of your benefit amount for your children’s support. You will not get paid for the first five, full months of disability. You cannot get paid back benefits dating more than one year prior to your date of application. Therefore, it is important that you not delay in submitting your application for Social Security Disability benefits. If you wish to discuss your case with an experienced disability attorney, please contact us.
Q: What can I do to help my Social Security Disability claim and increase my chances of success?
A: These are medical claims. You need to be in treatment with a doctor, psychologist, or other medical provider. Make sure to tell your doctor about your symptoms. If your doctor does not know, then this important information won’t be in the doctor’s records collected by the Social Security Administration. Also, try to keep copies of everything Social Security sends you, and all the documents that you submit. Finally, get a lawyer to help you. Everyone can afford an experienced attorney on Social Security Disability claims.