Grand Prairie Social Security Disability Lawyer

Attorney for Social Security Disability Benefits in Grand Prairie, Texas

Social Security disability benefits can be a crucial form of support for people with serious illnesses or injuries that prevent them from working. However, the procedures followed when applying for these benefits are not always easy to understand, and people who are already dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of a disabling condition may worry that they could make mistakes that could affect their ability to receive the assistance they need. In these situations, understanding the criteria required to qualify for disability benefits and the procedures used to evaluate claims is essential. The team at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd is here to provide guidance and support throughout this process, ensuring that people with disabilities will have the best possible chance of receiving the benefits they need.

Our attorneys help clients in Grand Prairie, Texas understand and meet the requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding disability claims. From the initial application to the appeals process, our lawyers can provide invaluable assistance by ensuring that the proper documentation is submitted accurately and on time. We can help clarify the often-confusing legal language and procedures, working to make the process more manageable for applicants. Our goal is to provide our clients with the compassionate, detail-focused legal representation they need to navigate this challenging process successfully.

Criteria for Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits

An applicant must demonstrate that they have a disabling health condition and are eligible for financial assistance. These criteria will assess the severity of the disability and the applicant's work history. The key requirements include:

• Medical Condition: The applicant must have a serious physical or mental impairment that will affect them for at 12 months or more, or the condition must be terminal. The condition must place significant limitations on the person's ability to complete work-related tasks and maintain employment. The SSA has created a detailed list of impairments that are considered to be disabilities, including the specific criteria that apply to each condition. However, if an applicant's condition is not included in these listings, it may still qualify as a disability if they can demonstrate that they have significant limitations that affect their ability to work.
• Work History: When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), an applicant must have worked long enough to qualify for these benefits. This determination will be based on a person's work credits, which are accumulated over time as they earn income throughout their career. A person who works full time will earn four work credits per year. Generally, an applicant will need to have 40 work credits, and 20 credits must have been earned in the last 10 years. For people who are younger and have limited work experience, fewer credits may be required. People without enough work credits to qualify for SSDI may be able to receive disability benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides assistance to applicants with limited financial resources.
• Inability to Perform Past Work: The SSA will evaluate whether the applicant's disability prevents them from performing tasks required in positions they had held in the past. If the applicant can no longer perform their past work, the SSA will then assess whether they can adjust to another type of job.
• Inability to Adjust to Other Work: The SSA will consider the applicant's age, education, work experience, and skills to determine if they should be able to find gainful employment that fits within the limitations they face due to a health condition. If the SSA determines that the applicant cannot adjust to other work due to their disability, they may be eligible for benefits.

Procedures for Evaluating Social Security Disability Claims

The evaluation of Social Security disability claims follows a multi-step process designed to determine whether an applicant meets the SSA's strict criteria. This process includes:

• Initial Application Review: After submitting an application, the SSA will conduct an initial review to ensure that the basic eligibility requirements are met. This includes verifying that the applicant has enough work credits and that the disability has lasted or will last for one year or more or that a condition will be terminal.
• Medical Evidence Review: The SSA will review the applicant's medical records, and if necessary, additional information may be requested from healthcare providers. This evidence is used to determine the severity of the applicant's impairment and its impact on their ability to work.
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment: The SSA may consider medical evidence and other information to provide an idea of what types of work the applicant should be able to perform despite their disability. This assessment considers a person's physical and mental limitations to determine whether they have the capacity to maintain gainful employment.
• Consultative Examination: In some cases, the SSA may require the applicant to undergo an examination by an independent medical professional. This examination is intended to provide additional information about the applicant's condition.
• Decision: Based on the information gathered, the SSA will make a decision on the claim. If the claim is approved, the applicant will begin receiving benefits. If the claim is denied, the applicant may take steps to appeal the decision.

Contact Our Grand Prairie, TX Social Security Disability Attorneys

The team at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd in Grand Prairie, Texas, is here to help address concerns related to Social Security disability benefits, and we can assist with the application process or help appeal claims that have been denied. We are committed to providing the support you need to secure disability benefits. Contact our firm by calling 972-671-9922 and setting up a complimentary consultation.