Attorney David J. King

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Applying for SSD is a complicated endeavor

On Behalf of | Aug 15, 2019 | Firm News

Suffering a serious injury or having a condition that qualifies as a disability can make life more difficult for you. Though you may do your best to act independently and live life as best as possible, you understand your limits and know that your inability to work can cause financial issues.

If your condition is a relatively recent development, you may not have considered your options for Social Security Disability benefits yet. However, you may now feel the need to look into assistance programs and your possible chances of qualifying for such benefits.

Applying is complicated

Though you and many other South Dakota residents undoubtedly wish the process of applying for SSD was quick and easy, that is not the case. You will need to go through many steps to apply for benefits, and gaining information on the process may be the first step you take. Some information that could help you better understand what to expect includes the following:

  • You can request an appointment to apply for benefits, and the Social Security Administration will send you a starter kit with information.
  • If you would like to speed up your process, you can begin before your appointment by filling out the application for benefits and your disability report online.
  • During your appointment, you will go through an interview with an SSA representative, and this interview may take place in person at a local office or over the phone.
  • Even if you already receive disability benefits from another program, you are not automatically qualified for SSD.
  • Even if a medical professional declares you disabled, that information is not enough for you to qualify for SSD.
  • The SSA will determine your eligibility for benefits by looking to see if you are unable to perform any substantial work as a result of your condition and to see if your disabling condition will last or has lasted at least one year or will prove terminal.
  • On average, it will take three to five months before the SSA makes a decision regarding your application. However, it could take more time if there are delays in obtaining your medical records or other information.

Unfortunately, it is not unlikely for your SSD application to be denied, especially on your first attempt. If this happens to you, you do not have to feel out of luck.

Having help

Because of the importance and the complex nature of applying for SSD, you undoubtedly want to complete the process correctly and provide the right information. In efforts to ensure that you take the right steps, you may want to work with an attorney experienced in this process. Your legal support can help with your initial application as well as with any issues that may stand in your way, such as an application denial.

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