If you are unable to work due to a disabling medical condition, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. The process of applying for disability benefits can be complicated. Many Kentuckians with valid disability claims receive denial letters initially and need legal help to pursue SSD benefits.
Our Kentucky Courage attorneys have helped many disabled people who were denied disability benefits pursue successful appeals. Let us put our Kentucky Courage to work for you. Contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today for a free initial consultation with an SSD lawyer in Paducah, KY.
We look forward to getting to know you and finding out how we can help you.
What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration has two programs that provide disability benefits – the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. While both programs have the same medical requirements, they serve different groups of applicants.
SSDI benefits are intended for individuals who have worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system but can no longer work because of a significant disability. The Supplemental Security Income program is designed for low- or no-income disabled applicants, regardless of their work history.
Who Qualifies for SSDI in Paducah, Kentucky?
Social Security disability provides financial payments to individuals who are suffering from a qualifying disabling medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or is a terminal condition. Some examples of medical conditions that can qualify an individual for SSD benefits include:
- Cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure
- Gastrointestinal and digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease or hepatitis
- Endocrine disorders such as thyroid disorders or endocrine-linked obesity
- Disorders of the urinary system and reproductive organs, including renal failure
- Blood disorders such as anemia or sickle cell disease
- Immune system diseases, such as lupus or HIV
- Cancer
- Musculoskeletal disorders or injuries, such as degenerative disc disease or rheumatoid arthritis
- Neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis
- Respiratory conditions such as chronic lung infection
- Vision or hearing loss
- Mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to be considered insured by the Social Security system. Individuals qualify by having enough work credits. Most workers need at least 40 work credits to qualify, at least 20 of which must have been earned in the past 10 years.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
You can apply for Social Security disability benefits in one of three ways:
- Online at the Social Security Administration website
- Over the phone by calling the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213
- By making an appointment to fill in an application in person at your local Social Security office
When applying for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to provide information such as:
- Medical records related to your disabling condition, including names of your healthcare providers and your treatment records
- A summary of your work history, including where you worked and the kind of work you performed
- Your most recent W-2 or 1040 form
- Proof of marriage, if your spouse is also applying for benefits
- Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for any other family members who might also qualify for benefits under your application
Many applications for disability benefits are denied on initial review. Fortunately, you have the right to pursue an administrative appeal of a denial of your application. That may allow you to submit additional medical information supplementing your claim.
Our attorneys can review the reason your claim was denied and help you seek further evaluation by a specialist if needed to add more information to your medical file about your disabling condition. We understand the types of medical information that the judges who hear disability appeals are looking for in order to approve benefits.
What You Need to Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits
If you are approved for Social Security disability benefits, you will begin receiving benefits in the sixth month following the onset of your disability. You can start receiving benefits immediately if you suffer from ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Disability benefits will be paid as long as your medical condition does not improve to the point that you can go back to work. You are required to notify the Social Security Administration if you experience any change in your ability to work, your medical condition improves, or you return to work. You can request a trial period of up to nine months, during which you can try working while you continue to receive disability benefits.
How Much Do You Get for SSD in Paducah, Kentucky?
The amount of money you receive under the SSDI program will depend on the income you paid Social Security taxes on prior to becoming disabled.
Social Security disability recipients also receive small cost-of-living adjustments every January based on inflation.
What Other Benefits Can You Get with Social Security Disability?
If you qualify for Social Security disability, you may be entitled to apply for other benefits such as:
- Medicare, once you have been disabled for at least 24 months or you suffer from permanent kidney failure or ALS
- State assistance with Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses if you have few or no assets or income
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps
How Is the Amount of Social Security Disability Benefits Calculated?
The Social Security Administration calculates your SSDI benefit by using your average indexed monthly earnings for up to 35 years of your work history and your primary insurance amount.
This formula incorporates the total of three percentages of your averaged indexed monthly earnings:
- 90 percent of the first $1,024 of your monthly earnings
- 32 percent of monthly earnings between $1,024 and $6,172
- 15 percent of monthly earnings over $6,172
The formulas are complicated. But our attorneys have handled many disability claims and appeals. We are ready to help you pursue the full benefits available to you by law.
You also may be awarded back payment of SSDI benefits depending on when you applied for SSDI and the date when the Social Security Administration decides that you became disabled.
Paducah Social Security Disability Lawyers Fight for Your Benefits
If you need help seeking Social Security Disability benefits or appealing a denied claim, contact the Kentucky Courage attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to each prospective client. We can be reached online or by phone at (877) 809-5352. Our Paducah Social Security disability lawyers look forward to assisting you.
