How to Qualify for Social Security Disability in Columbus
Even if you have a serious health condition, you won’t win benefits if you don’t meet the SSA’s specific criteria.
You need to show that:
- Your health problems have stopped you from working.
- You can’t switch to another job or career field.
- Your health issues will last 12 months or more.
You won’t qualify for disability in Columbus if it looks like you’re suffering from a temporary health setback and can get back to work in a few months.
One of the biggest challenges is proving you can’t work another job. If Social Security thinks you could do something less demanding than your current or most recent job, it’s tough to get approved for benefits.
A claims examiner will look into your background to see if there’s any way you can switch gears and earn a living in another way.
They’ll look at your age and education level. They’ll take the physical requirements of your recent jobs into account and see if you could do something less taxing.
If it looks like your health issues only prevent you from doing your most recent job, not any job, you could be denied benefits.
Our Social Security Disability lawyers help Columbus residents strengthen their claims so it’s clear that their health problems are serious and switching jobs isn’t an option.
You should also know there are two main types of disability programs that you can qualify for.
The first is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is for people who have been working and paying into Social Security.
Your monthly benefits will be calculated based partly on your past income, and you can qualify for Medicare coverage after a 24-month waiting period if you get approved for disability.
Then there’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a need-based program you could qualify for even if you don’t have much of a work history.
For SSI, you need to stay under a certain asset limit ($2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples) to continue qualifying and receiving your monthly benefits.
If you need health care coverage, you can also receive Medicaid once your SSI application has been approved.
Getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits can take months or even longer, but our disability attorneys will support you the whole time.
The team at Silver & Archibald will help you figure out if you qualify for SSDI or SSI, then we’ll help you argue for approval.
When Should I Talk to a Columbus Disability Attorney?
If you live in Columbus and you think that you might qualify for disability benefits, contact Silver & Archibald right away.
Once you realize you can’t work, the sooner you apply the better. Don’t wait to see if you recover enough to work. The disability benefits process is long, and the earlier you start the more back benefits you could win in the end.
Some lawyers will tell you to apply for benefits on your own and come back to them only once you get denied.
That’s not how our Columbus disability attorneys operate. We support your application from the very beginning.
A local disability lawyer can:
- Identify important evidence that can help you back up your claim
- Help you fill out SSA forms completely and accurately
- Meet with you and take the time to really understand your disability claim
- Help you get the medical evidence you need from providers like St. Francis – Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Columbus Regional, and other local health centers
- Keep you updated on the progress of your claim
- Stay on top of important deadlines
- Answer any questions you have about this process
- Support your appeal if your initial claim gets denied
Getting SSDI or SSI benefits is hard. Let a Columbus Social Security Disability attorney assist you.
Columbus has a welcoming community, great outdoor spaces, and affordability that’s hard to find in Atlanta and other places. Life here can be fulfilling. But health and money worries make it hard to enjoy.
The team at Silver & Archibald has helped thousands of hardworking Georgians find peace in difficult times.
According to the government’s own numbers, Silver & Archibald wins more disability benefits for our clients than any other disability law firm based in Georgia.
Get to Know Silver & Archibald Disability Attorneys
Legal cases involving your health struggles are highly personal matters. When you’re looking for help, you want someone who treats you with the personal care, respect, and dignity this moment requires.
Answers to Common Questions About Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a huge program with a vast set of rules. As a resource for you as you sort out your disability claim, the disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald have prepared answers to some of the most common questions people have.
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