The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to people who are unable to work due to disability. And although many people need Social Security disability benefits to survive, the process for obtaining these benefits can be confusing and difficult. Due to the complexity of the process, it is advisable that anyone seeking Social Security disability benefits obtain the services of a Michigan disability law attorney for assistance. Below is some additional information about Social Security disability benefits in Michigan.
What does the SSA consider a disability?
The SSA considers a person disabled if he or she:
- Can’t perform the type of work he or she performed prior to the medical condition;
- Can’t transition to other work due to the medical condition;
- Has a severe medical condition(s) that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year, or result in death.
Types of Social Security disability benefits
Social Security disability benefits are intended for people who can’t work due to disability, and there are several criteria that an individual must meet in order to qualify for these benefits.
For more information on these requirements, please contact a Michigan disability law attorney for assistance.
Special circumstances
Under certain circumstances, Social Security disability applicants can receive benefits without meeting the criteria described above. The following categories of people may be entitled to benefits depending on the circumstances.
The blind – Even if an individual is not legally blind, an inability to work due to severe vision problems may entitle him or her to benefits.
Widows and widowers – When a worker dies, his or her spouse may be eligible to receive disability benefits under certain circumstances.
Children – Individuals who become disabled before the age of 22 and have a parent who had accumulated sufficient work credits prior to their becoming retired, on disability themselves, or deceased, may be eligible for benefits. Further, children may also be eligible for SSI at any age, depending on their condition, but this program is also means-tested.
Veterans – Veterans suffering for disability and those injured during military service may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The SSA and the Veterans Administration (VA) provide veterans with various benefits, including disability-based benefits.
Compassionate allowance – Finally, under the compassionate allowance program, individuals with specific serious medical conditions, such as certain cancers, brain disorders, and other rare illnesses can have their disability benefits applications expedited. A list of eligible compassionate allowance conditions is maintained by the SSA, and an experience attorney can help you navigate and expedite the disability process.
Disability Law Attorneys in Michigan
If you are unable to work due to a medical condition, the skilled disability law attorneys at Disability Law Group are here to help. At Disability Law Group, our experienced Michigan attorneys will assist you with every step of the Social Security disability benefits process, from filing the initial application to appealing your denial in court if necessary. If you live in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, or elsewhere in Michigan and would like to apply for disability benefits or fight a denial, we are on your side. At Disability Law Group, disability is all we do. Please contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.
