Social Security Disability/SSI

Social Security Disability:

If you have a physical or mental condition severe enough to prevent you from working for a period of 12 months or more, you may qualify for a benefit program for disabled workers covered by Social Security known as "Social Security Disability." You are eligible for this program, which provides monthly benefits for the duration of your disability, potentially up and until retirement age if:

1. You have contributed to Social Security by wage withholding for a specified period of time (usually five of the last 10 years) and you meet the Social Security Administration's definition of "disabled"; or
2. You are the disabled widow, widower or divorced spouse of a Social Security wage earner.

Generally, to meet the definition of "disability" for Social Security, you must have a physical or mental impairment that is severe enough to keep you from working full time in any regular paying job for at least 12 months. A combination of impairments, for example a back injury plus depression, may also qualify you. The Social Security regulations are also "age skewed" so that the older you are, the more likely that you will qualify for benefits if you suffer from a "disability."

SSI:

SSI is a program with the same "disability" rules as stated above. However, SSI provides a lower amount of benefit available to low income and/or low resource individuals who are not eligible for Social Security Disability due to lack of and/or insufficient work history that would qualify them for benefits under the Social Security Disability requirements.

Did You Receive a Denial?

Typically, clients contact us after they have received an initial denial from the Social Security Administration. Claimants need to be aware that it is very typical that you will be turned down for benefits on your initial application, no matter how strong a case you have. This is to be expected, even in the strongest of disability cases. There is an appeal process, which at the initial level is called a "reconsideration." If that is denied, the next step in the process is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Why Hire Counsel if You Are Denied for Social Security or SSI?

It is important to understand that being denied is just part of the process. Statistically, Social Security denies over 90% of initial and reconsideration claims. So don't give up if you sincerely believe you cannot work. You do, however, need experienced help. Social Security cases are often won or lost based on the medical documentation presented. These cases require a thorough knowledge of the complex rules and regulations regarding Social Security Disability and gives claimants who are represented a clear edge. At the Law Firm of Campbell & Clark, we have represented hundreds of clients in connection with pursuing these types of disability claims. Our fee is contingent, meaning there is no payment unless we win your case for you.

For legal assistance from an experienced attorney, contact Campbell & Clark. The evaluation is free and without obligation. To contact us for more information or for scheduling a free consultation appointment, go to the contact button on the home page or contact our office at (530) 244-6286.