Fastest Way to Get Social Security Disability Benefits

Way to Get Social Security Disability Benefits

“How do I get Social Security Disability benefits?” If you’re also upset about the same, you’re at the right place. 

Did you know that around 71.6 million people received benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) programs in 2023? But unfortunately, the approval rate is around 53% on average, according to a report in 2022. That means around 47% of applications were rejected due to incorrect completion of the application form or not meeting the SSA criteria.

To qualify for SSDI, you must prove that an injury or illness prevents you from working for at least one year or is expected to result in death. Proving this, however, can be complex. That’s why hiring a Social Security attorney in Sacramento can be a smart move; they’ll guide you through the process and help improve your chances of receiving benefits.    

How to Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Confirm Your Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years old and a permanent resident of a U.S. state.
  • You must have previously worked and earned a specific amount, as the SSA requires individuals to have a certain number of work hours to determine if they've been employed long enough to meet the standards.
  • You need to comprehend the exceptions if you are a young worker. There are several exclusions and alternative standards in SSA for younger employees. For instance, if you get incapacitated before the age of 24 and have earned six work credits in the previous three years, you are eligible for Social Security Disability.

Understand the SSA 5-Step Process

The SSA analyzes your case using a 5-step process to ascertain if you are disabled. Typically, as mentioned above, the illness must be protracted, like for one year or culminating in a fatality, hampering you from resuming your work while also preventing you from shifting to different employment. 

Consider the following questions asked by the SSA to evaluate your case:

  • Are you employed? 
  • Is your condition critical? 
  • Is your condition mentioned in the Social Security Blue Book? 
  • Can you carry out the prior work?
  • Do you have any other options to perform work?

To potentially receive disability benefits, you must be unable to work or earn income from working, including undertaking freelancing or part-time jobs. Understanding this evaluation process is key to answering your biggest question: "How do I get benefits from Social Security?"

Gather the Right Documentation

SSA doesn’t just take your word for it. You need solid medical evidence that clearly proves you can’t work. This includes -

  • Recent medical records
  • Physician reports
  • Test results
  • Treatment history

If that sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Contact a Social Security Disability attorney in Sacramento who can guide you.

Consider Unusual Circumstances

For instance, people who are visually impaired, disabled widows or widowers (cannot apply online), wounded warriors, and debilitated children will be assessed differently by the SSA.

Each of these situations is handled differently by the SSA. Knowing how to approach these unique cases can make or break your claim.

Fast-Track Your Claim Under SSA’s Compassionate Allowances List

Did you know there’s a way to skip the long waiting period for disability benefits?

It’s called the Compassionate Allowances program, and it’s designed to fast-track applications for people with severe or terminal medical conditions. 

  • If your illness is listed here, like acute leukemia, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), or certain inoperable cancers, you could qualify for approval much faster.
  • If your condition isn’t on that list, don’t panic. Do prepare for a wait. Most applicants receive their first disability payment around the sixth month after their disability began. The SSA wants to make sure the benefits go to those with long-term or permanent disabilities, not short-term injuries or illnesses.

Your Social Security Attorney can help you find out whether you qualify for Compassionate Allowances.

Apply - But the Right Way

Consider filing for disability payments as soon as you become incapacitated. You can apply in three ways -

Whatever path you take, you should have all the relevant documentation, including comprehensive information on your health and recent job history.

Takeaway

Most SSD applications are denied not because people are not disabled, but because they don’t know how to present their case the way the SSA expects. If you wish your claim to get approved, don’t do it alone. Having an experienced SSI attorney on your side is the key to success. 

Ready to Win Your Disability Claim? Contact Hadley & Fraulob!

At Hadley & Fraulob, we understand what it takes to win. We specialize in tough disability cases and are ready to help you move forward.

If you're searching for Social Security Disability lawyers in Lincoln, Auburn, Placer County, Roseville, and nearby areas, Hadley & Fraulob is here to help you get your claims approved faster.

With more than 40 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of clients receive the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve. We’re proud to share that our success rate exceeds 90%. Our team of compassionate, highly experienced lawyers is not only dependable but also deeply knowledgeable about both local and state laws.

You can call us at (800) 404-4458 to schedule a free consultation!