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| Many people have heard of Social Security Disability | | | | Hiring A Professional Social Security Disability Expert |
| Insurance benefits, but don't understand the actual | | | | Unfortunately, many of the people who qualify to |
| process of how to apply for these benefits or that | | | | receive benefits never even fill out a disability |
| they may be eligible. Funded by payroll taxes, Social | | | | application because of the confusing and |
| Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal | | | | overwhelming process. Others who qualify for these |
| government insurance program. SSDI benefits are paid | | | | benefits forego hiring a professional SSDI |
| to workers who cannot work due to a debilitating | | | | representative because they think their assistance will |
| illness or disability. | | | | cost them money they may not have or that their |
| Social Security Disability Applications | | | | representative will receive the majority of their |
| The easiest way to begin your Social Security disability | | | | benefits. These misunderstandings keep countless |
| application is by consulting a professional claims | | | | people with disabilities from receiving the SSDI benefits |
| services company by phone or through its Web site. | | | | they deserve. |
| Some leading companies even offer a convenient, | | | | A reputable company normally charges a one-time |
| free evaluation, which is a cost effective step that will | | | | fee that is 25 percent of the retroactive amount |
| first determine your eligibility. Filling out a Social Security | | | | awarded from the SSA, up to a maximum fee set by |
| disability application and Activities of Daily Living | | | | the SSA. The fee is below the maximum amount |
| questionnaire are the first steps in the application | | | | when the applicant doesn't receive a retroactive |
| process. By working with a professional company with | | | | reward. The most important thing to remember is that |
| vast experience, you can ensure proper completion of | | | | future monthly payments go straight to the beneficiary, |
| your forms. You also will considerably increase the | | | | not to the company assisting in the benefits process. |
| likelihood of an approval for benefits when using | | | | This makes it clear that consulting an SSDI expert for |
| services offered by professional representatives. | | | | help is worth the minimal fee and can increase the |
| After completing your application, the next step taken | | | | likelihood of receiving SSDI benefits. Many |
| is determining if a legitimate disability exists and the | | | | representatives also work on contingency and do not |
| extent the disability interferes with your employment. | | | | require any fees until you have been awarded your |
| Social Security considers many variables and details in | | | | benefits. |
| this analysis for benefits, which is why many people | | | | Requirements For Benefits |
| choose to consult professional representatives during | | | | To qualify for benefits, you must have been gainfully |
| the application process. To qualify for benefits, your | | | | employed for five out of the last 10 years, but unable |
| disability must either meet or exceed the medical | | | | to work due to an illness or disability. In addition, you |
| listings set forth by the Social Security Administration. | | | | must have become ill or disabled before reaching your |
| The Stages Of Denial And Appeal | | | | full retirement age (65 to 67). Before you can collect |
| The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies the | | | | SSDI benefits, you must meet specific definitions of |
| majority of first-time applications received. The second | | | | disability. This is why many people consult a |
| stage of applying for SSDI benefits involves asking for | | | | professional during the Social Security disability |
| reconsideration through the appeal process, depending | | | | application process. A professional also can ensure |
| on the state where you live. An SSDI representative | | | | Social Security awards you everything you are entitled |
| will compile vocational and medical records before | | | | to receive. |
| preparing the necessary documents for appeal. | | | | SSDI benefits include eventual Medicare coverage |
| If Social Security denies your appeal, you can request | | | | including medical, prescription drug and hospital |
| a hearing. If you use the services of a professional | | | | coverage; regular monthly income, and a possible |
| company, they also will analyze your case and file for | | | | 11-month extension of your COBRA benefits. |
| your hearing. Since these experts know the "ins and | | | | Professional SSDI companies also can help protect |
| outs" of these hearings, you are more likely to win | | | | your LTD (long-term disability) retirement and |
| your claim for SSDI benefits with their representation | | | | dependent benefits. As mentioned, the application |
| than by representing yourself at the hearing. When a | | | | process is not simple and can be quite confusing. |
| case is denied at the hearing, a professional Social | | | | However, by working with a knowledgeable |
| Security application representative may submit a | | | | representative, you can eliminate the confusion and |
| request for appeal to the Appeals Council for a review | | | | stress of applying for Social Security disability benefits. |