Social Security Disability Can
Provide Relief from Financial Burdens
If you develop a medical condition which prevents you from working, you may qualify for social security disability benefits. However, the application process can be complicatedand many applicants are initially denied benefits.
An attorney can walk you through the process…
Social Security Disability Lawyer
Understanding Disability Benefits From Social Security
A serious injury or medical condition can prevent you from working and earning the money you need to support yourself.
If you have a total disability, Social Security provides disability benefits which can take the pressure off you and your loved ones.
Unfortunately, a large percentage of claims are denied.
*According to the Legislative Auditor General of Utah
You may ask: How do I get the benefits I need?
A Social Security Disability ATTORNEY CAN HELP
Knowing your rights and understanding the system can make applying for disability easier. A Social Security disability lawyer can help you through the process to improve your chances of approval.
At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we are dedicated to helping our clients throughout Utah receive the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Whatever stage you are in the Social Security process, whether you are filling out your initial application or planning a second appeal, we can help.
Initial case evaluations at our office are free of charge, so you can learn more about how we can help without a commitment.
So How Do You Know if You Qualify?
Social Security has very strict requirements for disability benefits and only offers these benefits to people who have a total disability, rather than a partial or short-term disability.
To qualify, you must:
- Have had a job which paid into Social Security
- Have worked a minimum amount within the last 10 years
- Meet their basic requirements for a disability
In general, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will ask five basic questions to determine if you have a disability which qualifies for benefits.
THESE FIVE QUESTIONS DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Are You Working?
Employees must meet a set limit of average earningsto be considered disabled. In 2018, if your earnings average more than $1,180 per month, you are generally do not qualify as disabled.
Is Your Condition Severe?
A severe condition is defined as one which limits your ability to do basic lifting, standing, sitting, walking, or remembering, and has lasted or is expected to last at least one year.
Is Your Condition on the SSA List?
The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that they consider severe enough to prevent an individual from earning a sufficient wage. If your condition appears on this list, you are considered disabled by Social Security.
Can You Do Your Work?
Per the SSA requirements, a disability prevents you from performing the work you did previously.
Can You Do Any Other Type of Work?
To qualify for disability benefits, your condition must also inhibit you from all other types of work, based on your age, education, past experience, and transferable skills.
Exceptions
AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The SSA recognizes several special situations which require different criteria. If you are blind, have low vision, or are a veteran, your case may involve a separate process.
It is important to discuss your options fully with an attorney so you know your rights.
*According to the Social Security Administration
Your Benefits Are Based
ON YOUR LIFETIME AVERAGE EARNINGS
Your disability benefits will depend on how much money you earned on average during the years you paid into Social Security. The SSA has a range of tools to help you estimate your benefits.
Other government benefits, such as workers’ compensation, public disability benefits, or your pension, may affect your Social Security payments.
Our team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you assess expected disability benefit payments.
SOCIAL SECURITY ALSO PROVIDES:
Medicare
After two years of receiving disability benefits, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare. The SSA will enroll you in both hospital and medical insurance.
Family Benefits
Certain members of your family may also qualify for benefits on your record, including your spouse and children. Each family member may be eligible to receive up to 50 percent of your disability benefit amount.
Work Incentives
If you go back to work while on disability, you may qualify to keep your cash benefits and Medicare for a certain amount of time. These incentives can help you get back to work.
You may be wondering what the application process looks like…
THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS COMPLEX BUT WE CAN HELP YOU GET RESULTS
THEY CONTINUED TO FIGHT…
“Small team, huge impact! They’re only just now starting to expand because of their success, but they give you & your case the utmost attention and are relentless in getting you the best results. There were times I felt they “did enough”, but they continued to fight and then actually helped double the outcome when I didn’t think it was possible. I couldn’t recommend them anymore.”