Has an Injury or Illness Left You With a Severe Disability That Keeps You Out of the Workforce?
If so, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. Seek knowledgeable legal guidance about the disability benefits available from the Social Security Administration. Contact Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., for a free case evaluation with an Arlington social security disability lawyer.
Why Choose Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C.?
For decades, the Arlington personal injury attorneys at Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., have advocated on behalf of disabled workers who were seeking Social Security disability benefits. Disabled workers choose us because:
- Our legal team has over 45 years of experience representing clients throughout the Arlington–Fort Worth region. Our staff members have worked at our firm for an average of 25 years.
- Our attorneys and staff strive to create a friendly, compassionate atmosphere to help clients feel supported throughout the disability benefits application process.
- Our lawyers do everything they can to get our clients the benefits they deserve, even when that means pursuing the administrative appeals process or going to court to challenge a denied SSD claim.
- We handle Social Security Disability cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing for our legal services unless we successfully secure benefits for the client.
What Can Social Security Lawyers Do for Me?
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be confusing and time-consuming. Fortunately, you do not have to pursue this process alone. Let an Arlington Social Security Disability attorney with Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., help you seek Social Security disability (SSD) benefits by:
- Evaluating your eligibility for each of the Social Security disability benefits programs
- Helping you gather supporting medical and financial information for your application
- Completing and submitting your application with you
- Communicating with SSA representatives throughout the application process and furnishing supplemental information as needed
- Analyzing how Social Security Disability law applies to your medically diagnosed disability and guiding you through the appeals process if needed to challenge a denied claim
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Do I Qualify for Arlington SSD Benefits?
The Social Security Administration manages two disability benefit programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income.
SSDI provides benefits to workers who become disabled after working and paying Social Security taxes long enough to qualify for benefits. A person can qualify for SSDI if they earn the required number of work credits. The number of credits needed depends on a worker’s age. Most workers must have at least 40 work credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the 10 years before the onset of the disability.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides financial benefits to disabled individuals with little or no income and assets, regardless of the individual’s work history. The SSA counts an individual’s or married couple’s sources of income, including employment, unemployment compensation, disability benefits (including workers’ compensation or disability insurance), and pensions. Applicants must earn less than a certain income to qualify for SSI.
Applicants for disability benefits must have a diagnosed disability. The SSA defines “disability” as a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:
- Results in the inability to perform substantial gainful activity and
- Has or will last 12 or more months or will result in death
Applying for SSD Benefits in Texas in 3 Steps
Seeking SSD benefits in Texas involves the following three steps:
- Gather documentation: You will need various documents to support your SSD application, including medical records to document your disability, work history records, and other records to establish your benefits eligibility.
- File an SSD application: You can apply for benefits online or by calling the Social Security Administration to schedule an appointment. A disability benefits attorney can also prepare and submit an application on your behalf.
- Provide supplemental information: During the application review process, the SSA may request additional information to help determine your eligibility. The Social Security Administration may ask you to undergo an independent medical examination to assess your physical condition. You will need to cooperate with this request.
If the SSA denies your application, you can pursue an administrative appeal. You will need legal representation for the best chance of a favorable outcome. A Social Security disability attorney at Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. can present your appeal to an administrative law judge.
What Arlington SSD Benefits Will I Receive?
The amount of disability benefits you receive will depend on numerous factors. The SSDI program calculates benefits based on your income while you worked and how much money you’ve paid into the Social Security system.
Rules About SSD Claims
Individuals who receive Social Security disability benefits must comply with various rules to establish and maintain eligibility for benefits, including the following:
- An applicant must have had their disability for at least 12 months, or their treating physicians must expect the disability to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
- Applicants or benefits recipients may not earn more than a specific amount of monthly income while drawing disability benefits. However, the SSA has programs that allow benefits recipients to attempt to return to work without jeopardizing their benefits for a period of time.
- The SSA may periodically reassess benefits recipients to determine if their physical condition has improved to the extent that a recipient can return to the workforce.
Talk to Our Arlington Social Security Disability Attorneys
If you have a severe disability that prevents you from earning a living in Texas, contact Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., today for a no-obligation consultation with an experienced Social Security disability insurance lawyer. Our attorneys are ready to discuss your legal options for pursuing the SSD benefits if you are eligible.
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