Disabled individuals have disability benefits programs available to help if they meet certain requirements. Often, people assume when they’re injured or ill that these benefits are their right because they’ve paid into the federal Social Security program, but this isn’t always the case. Hiring a Social Security benefits lawyer in Stockton is something one should do if they’re thinking of applying for SSD benefits.
Qualifying for SSD Benefits
In order to qualify for benefits, the applicant must meet two requirements. They must have paid into the system through income tax deductions from an employer or by paying self-employment tax. They must also have a recognized and qualifying medical condition. The condition isn’t determined by one’s doctor, but by claims specialists at Social Security Administration (SSA).
Applicants can apply for benefits for a physical condition or a mental condition. Each condition has a set of conditions that must be met or the claim will automatically be denied.
Applying for Benefits
Applying for benefits is easy and convenient to do since the SSA now takes applications over the phone, in-person at a local SSA office, or online. However, one should be careful about applying for benefits without the assistance of a benefits lawyer. Applying for benefits is a process one wants to go through right the first time. No one wants to go through the hassle of dealing with an appeal and a hearing. While hiring a lawyer doesn’t guarantee one’s application will be approved, it significantly improves the chances.
To hire a Social Security disability benefits lawyer in Stockton, contact Pena & Bromberg online.
