MYTH: “Everyone gets denied disability benefits the first time but ends up winning when they go before a judge.”
About 47% of individuals without legal representation at the hearing level win benefits, while about 67% of individuals with legal representation win benefits. Compare this to the 85% of SSDHelpNow.com clients who win benefits.
MYTH: “You can’t work at all when you’re applying for disability benefits.”
You can work some while you are applying for Disability benefits (and while you are receiving benefits), as long as your earnings do not exceed a certain amount set by the Social Security Administration each year, called the SGA limit (“substantial gainful activity”). The SGA limit for 2016 is $1,130 per month.
MYTH: “Young people can’t get disability.”
You may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if: 1.) you’re under the age of 65 2.) you have a solid work history and 3.) you’ve been diagnosed with a severe medical condition that will prevent you from working for at least a year or result in death.
MYTH: “Certain conditions automatically qualify for disability benefits.”
The Social Security Administration has identified a list of impairments that, dependent upon severity, may quickly qualify individuals to receive Disability benefits. First, claimants must fulfill the SSA’s non-medical requirements and also have sufficient medical evidence to support their diagnosis.
MYTH: “McDonald Law Firm doesn’t have an office in my state, so you can’t help me get disability benefits.”
Our attorneys and staff can help you no matter where you live. Call us now at 855-702-9061 to talk to a member of our team.
MYTH: “Hiring a Social Security disability attorney is expensive and a waste of time.”
Legal fees are set by the Federal Government* and paid directly by the Social Security Administration from your reward. The amount is either 25% of your past-due Social Security Disability payments, or $6,000, whichever is less.
MYTH: “Everyone who applies for Social Security Disability denied the first time.”
In 2015, the Social Security Administration (SSA) approved 33% of first-time claims. So, the good news is that you have around a one-in-three chance of being awarded benefits the first time you apply; but the bad news is that you also have a two-in-three chance of having your Disability denied the first time.
MYTH: “You have to be disabled for a year before you can apply for Social Security Disability.”
The Social Security Administration’s definition of disability states that you must have an “impairment, which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months.”