You can significantly improve your chances of having your SSDI application accepted by hiring experienced legal representation. For over 60 years, The Terry Law Firm has helped Greeneville residents with disabilities secure the benefits they deserve. We’re a small-town firm with big-city know-how, providing personalized service and aggressive advocacy.
Contact our office today for a free initial consultation with our Social Security disability attorneys in Greeneville, TN, to learn more.
SSDI Eligibility for Injured Greeneville Workers
Greeneville workers who suffer an injury, illness, or other medical condition that prevents them from working may become eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Applicants for SSDI must meet two basic eligibility requirements. First, they must have sufficient work history to show that they have paid into the Social Security system that funds the SSDI program. Second, applicants must have a qualifying disability.
Once the SSA approves an SSDI application, an applicant will begin receiving benefits in the sixth month after the onset of their disability. However, some applicants can receive back benefits of up to 12 months before applying. Benefits continue until a recipient can return to the workforce, although some recipients may receive benefits as they transition back to work.
In evaluating whether an applicant has sufficient work history to qualify for SSDI, the Social Security Administration uses work credits to measure work history. Individuals earn a work credit when they earn a minimum amount of wages or self-employment income, up to a maximum of four credits per year. To qualify for SSDI benefits, most applicants will need at least 40 work credits, with 20 credits earned in the previous 10 years. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
A disabled applicant can receive Social Security benefits only if they have a total disability that prevents them from working. The physical or medical condition that prevents an applicant from working must have lasted or will last at least 12 months or result in the applicant’s death.
The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine whether an applicant has a qualifying disability:
- First, the SSA determines whether an applicant still works and, if so, whether they earn enough average monthly income that their work qualifies as substantial gainful activity.
- Second, the SSA evaluates whether the applicant’s medical condition significantly limits their ability to perform basic tasks, including lifting, standing, sitting, walking, or following instructions.
- Next, the SSA checks to see whether the applicant has a medical condition that is considered severe enough to qualify as a disability.
- If an applicant does not have a qualifying medical condition, the SSA will evaluate whether their condition prevents them from performing previous jobs.
- Finally, the SSA will conduct a vocational evaluation to see whether the applicant can perform any jobs that meet the applicant’s medical limitations or needs. This evaluation considers the applicant’s medical condition, age, education, past work experience, and transferrable skills.
Documenting Your Disability for a Greeneville Social Security Disability Claim
You will need substantial medical evidence to prove that you have a qualifying disability that entitles you to SSDI benefits. Examples of evidence you might use to document your disability for your SSDI application include:
- Medical records of consistent treatment and rehabilitation you have sought for your disabling condition
- Treatment notes, opinion reports, and testimony from your treating providers
- Reports and testimony from medical and vocational experts who have examined you and reviewed your medical records
- Testimony from family members, friends, and co-workers regarding the effects of your disability on your personal and professional life
Appealing an SSDI Denial in Greeneville, Tennessee
The Social Security Administration denies most SSDI applications on initial review. However, applicants have the right to appeal a denial within 60 days of receiving notice of the denial. The odds of receiving an approval through the appeals process are better – especially if you work with an experienced attorney like those at The Terry Law Firm.
First, an applicant may seek reconsideration of their application by a different claim reviewer. On reconsideration, an applicant can supplement the information supporting their application to address any deficiencies that may have led to the initial denial of their claim.
When reconsideration upholds the denial of an application, the applicant can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), where they can present evidence, testimony, and arguments to explain why the claims reviewers erred in denying the application. If the ALJ rules against them, they can further appeal to the Appeals Council, which can either dismiss the appeal or grant review. When the Appeals Council grants review, it can either issue a decision or return the case to the ALJ for further consideration.
Once applicants have exhausted the SSA’s administrative appeals process, they can file a lawsuit in federal district court to seek further review of the claim.
Why You Should Hire Our Greeneville SSDI Attorneys
Working with an experienced Greeneville disability attorney from The Terry Law Firm can make the SSDI application and appeals process more manageable and improve your chances of having your application approved. Since 1960, workers have turned to us for help pursuing the benefits they need because:
- Our team of highly qualified lawyers takes a collaborative approach to each case, using our collective knowledge and experience to develop creative solutions for our clients.
- Our lawyers and staff strive to create a caring, welcoming atmosphere where clients feel comfortable discussing their legal issues.
- Our firm has a long track record of success in disability cases.
- We promptly respond to all calls and emails, so clients never have to wait for the answers and information they need.
Talk to Our Social Security Disability Lawyers in Greeneville Today
If you’ve suffered a disability that prevents you from working, you may have the right to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Contact The Terry Law Firm today for a free consultation with our Social Security disability lawyers in Greeneville. We are ready to represent you through the application and appeals process and advocate for the disability benefits you need.