Injury & Accident Attorneys Serving Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman & All Of Oklahoma
Many people associate Social Security benefits with growing old. But, in addition to the Social Security retirement benefits available after age 62, those who are unable to work as a result of disability may be entitled to benefits irrespective of age via the Social Security Disability Insurance system.
SSDI benefits are administered at the federal level. As such, the rules for applying are intimidating. But you’re not alone: Contact Johnson & Biscone, P.A. at 405-232-6490 to speak to an experienced Social Security benefits attorney in Oklahoma City. Our law firm serves clients in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and all of Oklahoma.
What Is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits provide financial assistance to qualified applicants with a “total disability.” Total disability is a condition that prevents you from performing your prior job and poses challenges for doing other work. Benefits are not available for applicants with what the Social Security Administration (SSA) terms a “partial disability” or “short-term disability”; your disability must last or be expected to last for at least 1 year.
Generally, a person who has worked a good portion of his or her life, paid into the Social Security system, and then becomes unable to work due to injury, illness, or disability is eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The SSA also maintains a list of conditions and impairments that automatically qualify an applicant as disabled. These include:
- Amputation, joint dysfunction, select fractures of bones in the arms and legs, soft tissue injury, and other musculosketal trauma and conditions
- Vision, hearing, and speech loss
- Respiratory disorders
- Chronic heart failure and other cardiovascular issues
- Disorders affecting the digestive system
- Chronic kidney diseases
- Bleeding and bone marrow disorders
- Chronic skin conditions and infections
- Hormonal imbalance stemming from endocrine system disorders
- Multi-system congenital disorders
- Brain tumors, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological disorders or trauma
- Mental illness and intellectual disability
- Certain cancers
- Immune system disorders
In some cases, an applicant doesn’t need to be a worker in order to be eligible for benefits. Babies born with a birth defect or disability that prevents them from working are possible candidates for SSDI. Benefits are also transferable to one’s spouse under select circumstances.
The only way to know for sure if you or someone you love is eligible for SSDI benefits is to apply. And, in most cases, your initial application is just the beginning.
How Long Does a Social Security Disability Insurance Claim Take?
It can take three to five months for an SSDI claim to be approved. This has to do with how quickly evidence, such as medical records, can be reviewed by the SSA. However, if your claim is denied and an appeal is timely filed and heard, it can take up to two years for benefits to be won.
What Type of Evidence and Documentation Will I Need for My SSDI Claim?
Evidence that may be needed to establish your claim includes:
- All related medical records
- Information about any settlements or workers’ comp benefits related to the injury
- Pay stubs from before the accident
An award letter from the SSA can also serve as documentation in an SSID claim.
It can be difficult to gather all of the documentation required by the SSA for an SSDI approval. We are here to review your case, free of both cost and obligation, to help ensure you understand the process of collecting SSDI benefits.
Why Is It Important to Speak With an Attorney Before Pursuing Your SSDI Claim?
Only 22 percent of SSDI applications are approved on their initial filing. The SSA reports that a full 63 percent of applications are initially denied. Often, this has to do with insufficient evidence, missed deadlines, or incorrectly filled out forms.
Having a lawyer on your side helps to guard against both common and complex mistakes, which can help increase the chance of approval. Talking to an attorney is free. It is also the best way to gain a full understating of your rights, your options, and the scope of your claim.
Will Injury Settlements Impact My SSDI Claim?
It may. Often times, a workers’ compensation settlement or award will affect SSDI benefits. There are some instances where a portion of a personal injury settlement may impact your claim. If you have received a personal injury or workers’ compensation settlement, we would be happy to review the details and help you determine if it may impact your SSDI payments. It is important to have a knowledgeable attorney involved early and often.
Why Choose Johnson & Biscone, P.A. for Your SSDI Claim
The government denies approximately 85% of first-time SSDI claims. If your claim is denied, you will receive a letter stating why you were denied. The letter will include a deadline for you to appeal the decision.
Once you receive the denial letter, contact Johnson & Biscone immediately. You do not want to enter the appeals process without an attorney.
Many lawyers claim that they handle SSDI claims, but the vast majority of them are dabblers in the field. Johnson & Biscone, P.A. maintains a strong focus on SSDI. Together, our attorneys have decades of experience in SSDI claims, and we bring the full force of our knowledge and skills to help clients through the application or appeals process and pursue the full benefits they need.
What People Say About Us!
"Emily Biscone fought for me like a warrior. Soldiers defend, and warriors bring war. I was found fully favorable, and it wouldn’t be possible without her excellent work."
Click here to read more reviews.
Free Social Security Disability Insurance Claim Review
Call Johnson & Biscone at 405-232-6490  or use our online contact form today for a complimentary, no-obligation evaluation of your SSDI case. Whether you’re thinking about applying for benefits for the first time or your application was denied, our attorneys help you with all aspects of SSDI.
Our law firm is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We serve clients throughout the OKC area and statewide, including communities like Edmond, Norman, and more.