Disability Lawyer in Selma

Most initial disability applications get denied. If you are planning to file one, a Selma disability lawyer can assist with the paperwork and help maximize your odds of approval.

The lawyers at Wettermark Keith have over 50 years of combined legal experience. If you are eligible for disability benefits, a disability lawyer in Selma can help you put together a strong claim and file it with confidence.

The Role of a Selma Disability Lawyer

The process of applying for disability benefits is often more complicated than people expect. Our Selma disability lawyers can help by:

• Evaluating your claim: We can determine which disability benefits you are eligible for based on your medical condition, work history, military service, or family circumstances.
• Preparing your application: We can help you complete paperwork accurately and ensure all required documentation is submitted.
• Collecting evidence: We can obtain treatment records, physician opinions, diagnostic testing, and other evidence that supports your case.
• Communicating with government agencies: We can respond to requests for additional information and monitor your claim throughout the review process.
• Appealing denied claims: If your claim gets denied, we can help prepare appeals, submit additional evidence, and represent you during hearings.

Types of Claims We Handle

Every disability program comes with its own eligibility requirements and procedures. We can help if you need a:

• Selma Veterans Disability Lawyer: If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability, you may qualify for monthly compensation. We can help prepare your claim and pursue the benefits you earned through your military service.
• Selma Social Security Disability Lawyer: You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you cannot work because of a qualifying medical condition. We can assist with your application and help gather strong supporting documentation.
• Selma SSDI Denial Lawyer: Receiving a denial does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for disability benefits. We can assess your denial letter and help you build a strong appeal.
• Selma SSI Denial Lawyer: Disability claims are frequently denied because of financial eligibility issues or incomplete medical evidence. We can address these types of issues and help you file an appeal.
• Selma SSDI Reconsideration Lawyer: The reconsideration stage allows you to submit additional evidence after an initial denial. We can help strengthen your case before it is reviewed again.
• Selma SSI Reconsideration Lawyer: Many disability applicants get approved in the reconsideration stage. We can help you gather updated medical records and submit a thorough reconsideration request for your claim.
• Selma Disabled Adult Child Benefits Lawyer: Certain adults who became disabled before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security earnings record. We can confirm your eligibility and help prepare your application.
• Selma SSI Lawyer for Child Disability: Children with serious physical or mental disabilities may qualify for disability benefits if they meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) eligibility requirements. We can help your family prepare an application and pursue benefits for your child.

What Types of Disability Benefits are Available?

Each disability benefit program serves different groups of individuals. 

Available programs include:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI provides monthly benefits to workers who have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes and who can no longer work because of a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI provides financial assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, eligibility for SSI is based on financial need rather than your work history.
• Veterans disability benefits: Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for monthly compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The amount of compensation you are eligible for will depend on the severity of your disability and your assigned disability rating.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits: Adults who became disabled before age 22 may qualify for Social Security benefits based on a parent’s Social Security earnings record if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
• Benefits for children with disabilities: If you have any children with significant physical or mental disabilities, they may qualify for SSI provided their medical condition meets the SSA’s disability standards and your household meets the financial eligibility requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Disability?

It typically takes about six to eight months to receive an initial decision on a disability application from the SSA. 

That said, this waiting period can vary from case to case based on factors like the completeness of your application, the complexity of your medical condition, whether additional medical evidence is needed, and whether you must undergo any medical examinations.

Once your application is approved, you must wait 5 calendar months from the date your disability began to receive your first benefit payment.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Numerous physical and mental health conditions may qualify you for disability benefits if they limit your ability to work. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Back and neck injuries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes (with serious complications)
• Epilepsy
• Blindness
• Hearing loss
• Lupus
• Fibromyalgia
• Intellectual disabilities
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A Selma lawyer for disability can evaluate your case and determine whether you are eligible for benefits.

What Happens If My Claim is Denied?

If your disability claim gets denied, you have the right to challenge the decision.

Here’s how the appeals process typically works:

1. Reconsideration: A different reviewer evaluates your claim, including any new evidence you have submitted.
2. Administrative hearing: If reconsideration is unsuccessful, you may appear before an administrative law judge.
3. Appeals Council review: The Appeals Council reviews whether legal or procedural errors occurred during the hearing.
4. Federal court review: In some cases, you may be able to seek a review in federal court after exhausting administrative remedies.

Consult a Disability Attorney in Selma

If you have been looking for a Selma disability lawyer near me, Wettermark Keith is ready to help. A Selma disability attorney from our team can collect evidence for your claim, respond to requests for information, and help you obtain the benefits you are entitled to.

Book a free consultation to get help with your claim.