Social Security Disability Lawyer in Selma

A disability can create financial and emotional challenges that affect every aspect of your life. If you cannot work because of a disability, a Selma disability lawyer can help you seek benefits.

The team at Wettermark Keith has over 50 years of combined legal experience. A Social Security Disability lawyer in Selma can take on your case and help you obtain compensation for your disability.

Why Hire a Selma Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Getting approved for disability benefits can be challenging. A Selma Social Security Disability lawyer can increase your odds by:

• Assisting with your application: A lawyer can help ensure that your application forms are completed accurately and submitted with the proper supporting documentation.
• Collecting medical evidence: A lawyer can gather medical records, physician statements, and other evidence necessary to demonstrate the severity of your condition.
• Communicating with the Social Security Administration: A lawyer can handle correspondence with the SSA and respond to requests for additional information.
• Preparing an appeal: If your claim is denied, a lawyer can develop a strategy for challenging the denial and gather evidence to strengthen your claim.
• Providing guidance: A lawyer can explain your options, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions throughout your case.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability?

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that:

• Prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity
• Is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Prevents you from performing your previous work
• Prevents you from adjusting to other available work

Short-term injuries and temporary medical conditions typically do not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. A Selma Social Security Disability attorney can assess your situation and explain whether you are eligible for benefits.

Common Medical Conditions That Qualify for Benefits

Many physical and mental impairments can potentially qualify you for disability benefits. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Back injuries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain disorders
• Heart disease
• Stroke complications
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Blindness
• Hearing loss
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The Social Security Disability Application Process

While every case is different, most disability claims follow the same general path:

1. Submit your application: You must provide information about your medical conditions, treatment history, work history, education, medications, and daily limitations.
2. Provide supporting documentation: The Social Security Administration will review your medical records and other evidence that supports your claim.
3. Participate in additional evaluations: In some cases, Disability Determination Services may ask for additional records or require you to attend a consultative medical examination.
4. Receive an initial decision: After reviewing the available evidence, the SSA will either approve or deny your claim.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Benefits?

The time it takes to apply for Social Security benefits and then receive them varies from case to case. The SSA often takes several months to process your initial application. If an appeal becomes necessary, the process may take significantly longer. 

Once you are approved, you must wait five calendar months from the date your disability began to receive your first payment from the SSA.

What Types of Medical Evidence Do You Need?

Medical evidence serves as the foundation of a strong disability claim. The Social Security Administration relies on documentation from healthcare providers to evaluate the severity of your condition and its impact on your work abilities.

Helpful types of evidence for your disability case may include:

• Medical records
• Physician treatment notes
• Hospital records
• Imaging studies
• Laboratory test results
• Surgical reports
• Mental health evaluations
• Functional capacity assessments

A Selma lawyer for Social Security Disability can help gather medical evidence that supports your claim.

Why Do Claims Get Denied?

The SSA denies disability applications for various reasons, including:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment
• Incomplete application forms
• Failure to cooperate with requests from SSA
• Earning income above the allowable limits
• Lack of proof regarding your work-related limitations

A denial does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for disability benefits. Many claims are rejected for reasons that can be corrected during the appeals process.

Types of Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration offers two disability benefit programs:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI provides benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn sufficient work credits. Eligibility is primarily based on your work history and earnings record.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI provides benefits to individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a qualifying work history.

How to Get Approved for Disability Benefits

While approval for Social Security benefits is never guaranteed, you can improve your chances by:

• Seeking regular medical treatment
• Following your doctor’s treatment plan
• Keeping copies of important records
• Documenting your symptoms and limitations
• Responding promptly to SSA requests
• Attending all scheduled examinations
• Submitting complete and accurate information
• Consulting a Social Security Disability attorney in Selma before you file your claim

Speak to a Social Security Disability Attorney in Selma

If you have been searching for a Selma Social Security Disability lawyer near me, Wettermark Keith is here to help. An experienced attorney from our team can help you navigate the process of filing your claim and give you the best possible chance of getting approved.

Book a free consultation to learn about how you can obtain disability benefits.