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At NST Law, we are dedicated to helping injured individuals and their families get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Mr. Trotz has handled personal injury cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Each and every day, Mr. Trotz represents those who have been injured through no fault of their own, and many of his clients have sustained traumatic, catastrophic and life-altering injuries.
The application process for Social Security Disability is complex. An experienced Little Rock Social Security Disability lawyer can help you gather the required information, ensure your medical documentation meets Social Security guidelines, and correctly complete your disability application.
As of August 31, 2022, more than 7.7 million American workers were receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, according to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These benefits are available to some workers who cannot work due to one or more medical conditions.
The approval rate for benefit applications is low, but our experienced Little Rock personal injury lawyers can ensure your application meets the requirements necessary to obtain approval.
At NST Law, we call ourselves champions for the injured because our attorneys are passionate about getting results for our clients. Our lawyers know what it takes to get approved for Social Security Disability.
When you have NST Law advocating for you, you can count on us to take care of the important details and give you the best chance of success. We will complete the following steps for you:
We will keep you informed through every stage of the process. We know the type of documentation the SSA accepts, and we will make sure every aspect of your application meets all requirements.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both forms of disability offered by the SSA. The differences between these programs are described below.
Social Security Disability Insurance is awarded to disabled individuals who have earned enough work credits. The award amount is based on the salary earned by the worker. Award recipients receive monthly payments until they turn 65, at which time the benefit is converted to retirement benefits, usually in the same amount.
Supplemental Security Income is awarded to disabled individuals whose income and assets fall below the annual specified limit. Attaining the age of 65 is a qualifying disability. Recipients may receive disability or retirement at the same time as SSI up to the income limit. Work credits are not required or considered for SSI.
If you do not qualify for SSDI, you may qualify for this program. An SSI disability lawyer at NST Law can help.
The SSA does not offer a short-term disability program. The Social Security rules assume workers’ compensation, employer-provided short-term disability benefits, or other supports will be available for short-term disability.
You may qualify for SSDI if you have any condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity that is expected to last at least a year or result in death. Terminal and other severe conditions may result in an expedited application process.
The SSA maintains an extensive list of severe conditions that automatically trigger an expedited process. These are known as Compassionate Allowances. The SSA also utilizes a computer program to screen applications to identify applicants with the highest approval odds.
To file a claim for SSDI, you must complete the following steps:
The SSA’s average application processing time is three to five months for an initial application.
During the application process, you must not be engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA is any work for which you are compensated an amount that reaches or exceeds the SSA’s maximum monthly amount, which is adjusted annually.
Your SSDI claim will be processed through the Little Rock field office to check your non-medical information, including your work credits, the accuracy and completeness of your application, and whether you are engaged in SGA.
If your application meets initial criteria, the field office sends it to Disability Determination Services (DDS). These are state agencies responsible for investigating medical evidence and making a final determination on whether you have a qualifying disability.
DDS will conduct a detailed investigation of your medical records. This includes reviewing the documentation you sent and requesting information directly from your health care providers.
If DDS is not satisfied with the results of your investigation, it could deny your application or require you to undergo a Social Security physical examination.
If your benefits are denied, the determination is not final. You have the right to appeal.
The SSDI appeals process begins with a request for reconsideration by someone in the SSA who was not part of the initial determination. If your application is still denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. If you are denied at this level, you can request an appeals council review.
The final option is a civil lawsuit in which you ask a federal court to review your application. With the exception of reconsideration, the appeals process can take considerably longer than the initial application process due to the need to wait for the hearing to be scheduled.
The SSA allows you up to 60 days to appeal, commencing on the date you receive your denial letter.
If you have become disabled and are no longer able to work, you likely need to start receiving disability benefits as soon as possible. The lawyers for Social Security Disability at NST Law have more than 32 years of experience helping clients receive the benefits they need and deserve.
Contact our Little Rock Social Security attorneys today to get started.
Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive.
The Social Security Disability application process is complex. The majority of cases are denied on the initial application, and approvals are even less likely on appeal. This is most commonly caused by incorrectly completed applications and inadequate documentation.
An attorney can ensure your information is correct and that your medical information will satisfy the SSA’s definition of disability.
The SSA limits lawyer fees to 25 percent of your back pay or $6,000, whichever is less, plus costs.
Our attorneys at NST Law provide a contingency fee arrangement, which means you do not pay for services unless we win.
Your SSDI benefits are based on your earnings prior to the disability.
Work credits are used to determine eligibility, but they do not impact the amount of your benefits.
Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.
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