When it comes to disability, there are two different types of federal benefits you can receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will provide you and your family with monthly benefits only if you have worked long enough and previously paid enough Social Security taxes. There are exceptions if you are a disabled adult, child, or widow. In this case, the SSA looks at the earnings of your parent or deceased spouse. The other type of benefit is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides benefits based on your financial need regardless of previous work history and tax payments. However, you still must meet disability guidelines if you are younger than full retirement age.
Upon receiving your application for either of the programs, the SSA will collect financial information to determine whether you are eligible to apply for either program. Once they decide you have met the non-medical requirements to apply, then medical information will be gathered to determine if you meet the medical requirements for disability. If you do meet the financial requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then this is when you should talk to Merry Jones about helping you ensure you collect all of the SSI benefits you are entitled to.
Merryl can help you organize your case to improve your chances of being approved and ensure you collect any “back pay” benefits you deserve. Furthermore, if yours is one of the many cases that gets denied upon first application, you can and should file an appeal. If you are denied, working with an experienced SSI attorney like Merryl Jones, Second Chance Lawyer, can be beneficial and help make things much easier.
1. Improve Your Chances
Do you meet the non-medical criteria for SSI but were still denied by the SSA? Merryl Jones, Second Chance Lawyer, can help. Even if something goes wrong with the initial claim, that’s not the end of the road. There’s an appeals process, and this is actually where the majority of SSI benefits are handed out.
2. Collecting All the Necessary Evidence
Many people don’t realize just how much evidence and supporting documentation is needed for a successful SSI appeal. You’ll need a huge range of personal documentation, medical records, police reports (if applicable), and more. A great lawyer will have more resources to obtain these records, more quickly, and ensure they’re handled properly throughout.
3. Representation at Your Hearing
You need a great SSI attorney who knows how to advocate on your behalf, in front of a judge, to have the best chance of receiving your benefits. If you’ve received a hearing date from the Social Security Administration, it’s very important to be prepared.
Merryl Jones, Second Chance Lawyer, will use her knowledge and experience to:
- understand your impairments
- analyze your Social Security file
- prepare your case
- obtain important evidence such as medical records
- prepare your testimony
- make helpful legal arguments before and during the hearing
- question witnesses
- cross-examine any medical and/or vocational experts who testify at your hearing
- file appeals in a timely manner (if necessary)
- represent you at each stage of your claim
Don’t risk attending your Social Security hearing alone. Merryl Jones, Second Chance Lawyer, will meet with you before the day of your hearing to help prepare you for your hearing. The Social Security Administration’s statistics show your chances of winning increase if you’re represented and prepared by an attorney.
The Second Chance Lawyer
Merryl Jones, Second Chance Lawyer, is Waco’s expert in navigating the SSI appeals process. We will fight alongside you during your appeals process and do everything legally possible to get you the benefits you deserve!
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