Fredericksburg Social Security Disability Lawyers

Social Security Disability Insurance & Supplemental Security Income Claims

Filing for Social Security disability (SSD) can be a complicated, time-consuming process. Whether you are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits after sustaining a disability that has prevented you from returning to work, or you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to limited income and resources, you may find yourself facing any number of challenges.

At Reinhardt | Harper | Davis, we understand how confusing the SSD system can be—and we want to help. With over 100 years of combined experience, our Fredericksburg Social Security disability attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of the law, as well as extensive experience navigating all types of SSD matters on behalf of clients throughout Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, and all of Virginia. We have earned a reputation for providing a high level of service, as well as for winning the results our clients need to move forward with their lives.

Whether you need help filing an application, or your SSD claim has already been denied, contact Reinhardt | Harper | Davis at (804) 294-2966 to learn how we can help.

How Does Social Security Disability Work?

Social Security disability (SSD) is a federal government program that provides monetary benefits to qualifying individuals. There are two separate SSD programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Although they are often confused, SSDI and SSI are different. They have different qualification requirements and provide different benefits to eligible individuals. Generally speaking, SSDI provides wage replacement benefits to individuals who cannot work due to a qualifying disability and who have worked recently enough and earned enough taxable income. SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program that provides supplemental benefits to individuals who meet the appropriate eligibility requirements and who have limited income, resources, and means.

Social Security disability benefits are relatively modest. However, for many people who are unable to work due to a disabling medical condition, these monthly disability payments are absolutely critical. At Reinhardt | Harper | Davis, our Fredericksburg SSD attorneys understand the importance of ensuring you receive the full benefits you are owed in as timely a manner as possible.

In some cases, you may also be entitled to other state or federal benefits, as well as privately funded benefits such as workers’ compensation. However, receiving additional benefits could affect your eligibility for Social Security disability and/or the amount you can receive. We recommend that you contact our firm to learn more about how the law may apply to your specific case during a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability?

There are different sets of requirements when it comes to qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

To qualify for SSDI, you must:

• Be Disabled, as Defined by the Social Security Administration: To be considered a “disability,” your medical condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and it must meet the SSA’s strict definition of a “disability.” To determine whether your medical condition is a “disability,” the SSA reviews a range of factors, including the severity of your condition, whether or not you are working, whether you are able to complete the work you did before you had the medical condition, whether you are able to perform any type of work, and whether your condition is found in the list of impairments (or is comparable to one of these conditions), among others.
• Have Worked Long Enough and Recently Enough Under Social Security: In addition to having a qualifying disability, you must also have worked recently enough and long enough under Social Security to qualify for SSDI benefits. This means you must have earned the appropriate “work credits.”Work credits are earned based on annual wages or income gained through self-employment, with a maximum earning of four work credits per year. The amount of income you must earn to receive a work credit changes each year, and the amount of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age at the time your medical condition begins.

Our Fredericksburg SSDI attorneys can review your case and determine whether you are eligible for SSDI benefits. If you need help filing your initial claim, or your SSDI application has been denied, our team can assist you in taking the next steps.

Qualifying for SSI is different. You do not need to have any work credits to be eligible for SSI benefits. This means that people who have never worked, or who have not worked in recent years, may still qualify for benefits.

To qualify for SSI, you must:

• Be 65+, Blind, or Disabled: SSI benefits are available to people over the age of 64, regardless of whether or not they have a disability. These benefits are also available to people who are legally blind or have a qualifying disability, regardless of their age.
• Have Limited Income and Resources: In addition to proving that you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, you must also demonstrate that you have limited income and resources to qualify for SSI. The amount you can earn and remain eligible for SSI changes each year.

Some people may qualify for both SSDI and SSI benefits, depending on the specific details of their situation. Our Fredericksburg SSI attorneys can review your circumstances, answer your questions, and provide personalized information regarding your case, your rights, and your legal options.

Can You Appeal a Denied SSD Claim?

Not only can you appeal a denied claim, but it is strongly recommended that you do file an appeal if your claim is denied, rather than restart the application process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies the majority of first-time SSD claims. Statistically, your best chance of overturning the SSA’s decision and receiving benefits is by filing an appeal.

It is extremely wise to work with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney, like those at Reinhardt | Harper | Davis, when appealing a denied SSD claim. The process involves several critical steps, including attending a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). Our Fredericksburg Social Security disability attorneys can help you navigate this process and prepare for all necessary procedures.

With more than 40 years in practice, our firm has earned a reputation as one of Virginia’s leading Social Security disability law firms. Local attorneys and firms often turn to us for advice and assistance on SSD matters, and our clients have come to recognize us for our commitment to personal service and unwavering support throughout the legal process. We encourage you to get in touch with our team today to learn how we can help you with your Social Security disability claim.

Call (804) 294-2966 or contact us online for a free consultation. Hablamos español.