Ensuring Accurate Calculation of Benefits

One of the primary ways a Social Security Disability lawyer can help is by ensuring that your benefits are calculated correctly. The SSA uses your work history and average lifetime earnings to determine how much you are eligible to receive. A lawyer can:

• Review Your Work History: Your lawyer will verify that your work credits and income history are accurately reflected in your records. Any discrepancies or missing information can result in a lower benefit amount.
• Double-Check SSA’s Calculations: Lawyers can review SSA’s calculations and challenge any errors. If your benefits were calculated incorrectly, they can request a correction to ensure you’re receiving the correct amount.

Maximizing Your Monthly Benefit Amount

The amount you are awarded in Social Security Disability benefits depends on your work history, but a Social Security Disability attorney can help you optimize the amount you’re entitled to by ensuring that all factors are taken into account.

• Additional Sources of Income: If you have had periods of high earnings or worked in jobs with specialized benefits, an attorney may be able to help make sure these are accounted for in your benefit determination.
• Maximizing Work Credits: A lawyer can help identify if there’s any missed work credit, ensuring your benefits are as high as possible according to the SSA’s formula.

Identifying and Securing Supplemental Benefits

In addition to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you might also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which can increase your overall disability benefits. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you determine if you qualify for SSI in addition to your SSDI benefits, increasing your total monthly income.

• SSI Eligibility: Attorneys can assess your financial situation to see if you qualify for SSI, which is based on need rather than work history. They can assist you in applying for both programs simultaneously, maximizing your potential benefits.
• Exploring Other Benefits: An attorney may also explore other federal or state benefits you could qualify for, such as Medicare or Medicaid, which can reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and improve your financial situation.

Challenging Denials and Increasing Your Chances for Maximum Benefits

A Social Security Disability lawyer can also be instrumental if your claim is initially denied. Often, claims are denied due to technical errors, lack of medical evidence, or insufficient proof of disability. By handling the appeals process, your attorney can help secure the maximum benefits you are entitled to.

• Appealing Denials: If your claim is denied, your attorney will help you file an appeal and gather the necessary documentation to ensure that your disability is clearly demonstrated and that the SSA fully understands your situation.
• Requesting Reconsideration: A lawyer can guide you through the reconsideration process, ensuring that any missing medical records or documents are added to support your claim for the highest benefits.

Helping with Back Payments

If your claim is approved after a period of waiting, you may be eligible for back payments to cover the months you were unable to work. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney can help ensure that the SSA accurately calculates these back payments.

• Ensuring Full Back Pay: If your benefits have been delayed or calculated incorrectly, your attorney will advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive all back payments you’re entitled to, which can be a significant lump sum.
• Fighting for Retroactive Benefits: Lawyers can also assist in securing retroactive benefits for periods before you filed your claim, helping to make up for lost income due to the lengthy disability process.