Filing Your Disability Claim: Common Questions
By Jessica M. Friedman of Friedman Law Firm, P.C.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Many people ask whether we’ll file initial applications for them, and whether it’s important to have our help. Most disability lawyers do not file initial applications; at Friedman Law Firm, we do. We believe that if we can help you get Social Security benefits earlier, then we should. Also, if an appeal is needed, we can be sure that we have established a strong foundation for your claim since we have worked on it from the beginning.
Here are some questions to help you understand the initial Social Security Disability application process.
Q: What do you think is the biggest problem with getting the right information to file an initial application?
A: The biggest step is getting enough medical evidence to prove disability. We need documentation to prove the conditions. Sometimes it’s a challenge to get all the information together, and it’s hard to remember where you've been treated. But gathering this information is crucial because ultimately that’s how you’re going to win the claim.
Q: What do you think is the most important thing that people find out when they file an initial application?
A: Which kinds of benefits they’re eligible for. We can help you figure that out based on your work history and what assets you have.
Q: What are the two disability benefits that are available from Social Security?
A: The first is Social Security Disability, which is based on work credits -- how long a person has worked and what they have earned. The second is Supplemental Security Income, which does not require having worked, but is limited by how many assets one has cars, house, property, etc.
Q: So the medical requirements are the same, but the other non-medical requirements are different?
A: That's correct. For either benefit, your medical conditions have to make you unable to perform any substantially gainful employment.
Q: What if a potential client does not have all the information that you would like to have at the very beginning?
A: We do not need all the information at first. Once we have enough to think your claim is viable, we can file your application. Then we will work with you to collect the evidence supporting your claim. It can be a long process, and the sooner you can get your benefits, the better.
At Friedman Law Firm, we have extensive experience in all parts of the Social Security Disability process, from your initial application to receiving your benefits. When you work with our firm, you get the focus your case deserves. Call us at 205-879-3033, or reach out to us via our Contact page, and schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.