Streamlined Process for Social Security Disability Claims
Navigating the Social Security process involves handling numerous forms, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. At Social Security Lawyers of Nevada, we manage all the paperwork and follow up on your medical progress, ensuring that no unnecessary delays are added to your case. Our primary goal is to expedite the process and secure an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, where most individuals are awarded benefits.
Meeting with Your Attorney Before the Hearing
Before your ALJ hearing, you will meet one-on-one with the attorney who will represent you. Our team of skilled attorneys at Social Security Lawyers of Nevada ensures that you meet with the specific attorney assigned to your case. During this meeting, we will discuss who will be present at the hearing, the types of questions that may be asked, and provide an overview of the relevant laws. We will also clarify what the judge can and cannot consider during the hearing.
Preparing for the Most Critical Hearing
On the day of your hearing, we will meet with you to address any final questions and ensure that you are as prepared and comfortable as possible. We understand that this hearing can be the most significant event in your life, and we strive to make the experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.
Common Concerns About the Appeals Process
The appeals process does not involve multiple court visits or depositions. In rare cases, the judge may request additional hearings or consultations with doctors, but these are exceptions. We handle any additional requirements as they arise, minimizing the need for extra trips to our office.
Preparation: In-Person vs. Phone Meetings
While many aspects of case preparation can be managed over the phone, we prefer in-person meetings for final preparations whenever possible. If transportation or medical issues prevent you from coming to our office, we can conduct meetings over the phone as needed.
Types of Social Security Benefits in Nevada
In Nevada, there are two types of disability benefits:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Also known as SSD benefits, these are based on the contributions you’ve made to the Social Security system through your work history. It functions as an insurance program that you’ve paid into over the years.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This is an entitlement program designed for individuals with very limited income and assets who are also disabled. SSI benefits are welfare-based and are not contingent on prior contributions.
Eligibility for Both Types of Benefits
While some individuals may qualify for both SSDI and SSI benefits, most people qualify for only one type at a time. Generally, receiving SSDI benefits can disqualify you from SSI due to income limits. SSI payments typically do not exceed $680 per month. We assist clients in obtaining both SSDI and SSI benefits when possible.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Social Security Disability Claim
Be cautious of companies owned by insurance firms that advertise widely on TV and cable. These companies often promise a lot but may not provide the personal attention you need. It’s crucial to hire a representative or attorney who is accessible and local, someone you can meet face-to-face and who will actively work on your case.
Many of these other companies may sound convincing at first, offering phone support but lacking personal interaction with an attorney. Often, you won’t meet a lawyer or have their direct involvement in your hearing. Choosing a local attorney with a nearby office ensures that you get personalized attention and direct involvement in your case.
Attorney Fees for Social Security Disability Claims in Nevada
A significant advantage of hiring an attorney for your SSD claim is that they typically do not charge upfront fees. Most attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Their fee is usually 25% of your first disability check. This arrangement helps ensure that legal support is accessible to those who may not have the financial means to pay upfront.
Key Factors in a Social Security Disability Claim
For a disability claim to be viable, the claimant should be under medical care for their condition. It’s important to demonstrate that physical or mental limitations due to the condition prevent the ability to perform work-related activities. These limitations can include difficulties with lifting, carrying, walking, sitting, maintaining concentration, or interacting appropriately with others.
Duration of Disability for SSD Benefits
To qualify for SSD benefits, your disability must either have lasted for at least one year, be expected to last a year or more, or lead to death. Common qualifying conditions include back injuries, heart problems, and lung issues.
SSD Claims and Work-Related Injuries
Social Security Disability does not require the disability to be work-related. Whether your condition arises from an accident, job injury, disease, or general degenerative changes over time, it can still qualify for SSD benefits. This includes single or multiple impairments that prevent you from maintaining full-time employment. Even if you are capable of part-time work, you may still be eligible for SSD if full-time employment is not feasible.
Understanding SSD Qualification
You don’t need to be physically incapacitated, bedridden, or in a wheelchair to qualify for SSD benefits. The essential criterion is that your condition must prevent you from maintaining full-time employment. Whether the impairment results from a car accident, job injury, or other causes, the focus is on your ability to work consistently and fully.