Social Security disability benefits provide financial assistance to those who are unable to work, or work substantially, due to disability. And although these benefits are available to a high percentage of disabled individuals, confusion abounds regarding the application process. If you are unable to work due to a medical condition, please review the information below and contact our disability law attorneys as soon as possible to begin the application process.
Social Security disability cases usually last for years
Many people believe that Social Security disability cases take years to complete. And while it can take up to two years to receive disability benefits after an initial application is denied, this isn’t a common situation. Every Social Security disability case is different, with timelines ranging from a month to a few years. Don’t let the fear of a long process keep you from applying for the benefits that you deserve! An attorney who specializes in disability benefits can help you understand what may be needed for your disability case to help things move along smoothly and as quickly as possible.
Social Security will deny your case three times before your case is approved
Another common misconception is that once you apply for benefits and are denied, you should just keep applying over and over again to be approved. Again, whether a claim is denied depends on the facts of the case at hand. Nevertheless, there are appeal rights listed on a denial of disability benefits as well as a deadline to file an appeal. Applicants who decide to re-apply, rather than appeal a denial of disability benefits, could risk losing out on months or years’ worth of benefits. In fact, re-applying for disability benefits could even preclude an individual from eligibility altogether. Most applicants are denied at the initial level, regardless of how many applications they submit. If a claim is denied, it’s important to consult with an experienced disability attorney who can help you appeal and fight your decision, protecting the benefits you are owed.
If a doctor says that a claimant is disabled, he or she will automatically receive benefits
While images such as x-rays, MRI’s, and CT scans along with treatment notes, surgical reports therapy visits, and other medical records are reviewed during the disability benefits application process, approval and denial decisions are made exclusively by the Social Security Administration Commissioner. Therefore, while a doctor’s opinion that a patient is disabled is helpful, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she will receive benefits. Social Security must evaluate an opinion, or medical source statement, by an acceptable medical source (such as your treating physician), considering its persuasiveness – or how well the opinion is supported and consistent with the records overall.
Substance abusers can’t receive disability benefits
While the rules and regulations have made it more difficult for applicants who have substance abuse problems to qualify, an individual may be eligible to receive disability benefits so long as they have a disabling condition. However, the applicant must demonstrate that their substance use disorder does not more than minimally impact their disabling condition(s). Therefore, if you have a disability but also suffer from a substance abuse problem, you should immediately contact a Michigan disability law attorney to help you get started with the Social Security disability benefits application process.
Get the facts from our Michigan disability law attorneys
There is a lot of misinformation out there about Social Security disability benefits. If you want to alleviate this confusion and begin the Social Security disability benefits application process, the skilled disability law attorneys at Disability Law Group are here to help. At Disability Law Group, our experienced disability law attorneys will assist you with every step of the disability benefits application process. So, 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, Disability Law Group is on your side. Remember, at Disability Law Group, disability is all we do. Call us today for your free consultation to see how we can best help you obtain your Security disability benefits as quickly as possible.
