Social Security Disability FAQ

Attorney Ryan Montgomery is committed to providing clients with the answers and advice they need to make informed decisions about their disability benefits. When you work with Mr. Montgomery, you can expect straightforward advice and skilled representation at every stage of your case.

For a free consultation to get personalized and tailored answers to your questions, contact the law firm of Ryan Montgomery, Attorney at Law, LLC, in Greenville, South Carolina.

What Is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability benefits are provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help individuals who are unable to work due to a disability or chronic condition. There are two types of Social Security Disability benefits.

First, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps individuals who have a qualifying disability and who have worked a certain number of hours to pay into the Social Security system. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, provides benefits to those with limited income and resources.

What Injuries Entitle Me To Benefits?

To receive either type of Social Security Disability, you must have a qualifying condition. The SSA maintains a long list of qualifying conditions. However, any impairment can qualify so long as it is equal in severity to a condition on the list. Common impairments that generally qualify for disability benefits include:

Heart problems
Cancer

Digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease
Autoimmune disorders such as lupus
Endocrine disorders such as diabetes
Psychological and mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder

These are just a handful of the many types of impairments and conditions that can qualify for disability benefits.

Do I Need A Lawyer?

The process of obtaining SSDI or SSI benefits can be confusing and complex to those who have not handled these types of applications before. In fact, only about one-third of all Social Security Disability applications are approved every year.

To avoid the common pitfalls and errors that others make, you should work directly with an attorney who understands the process.

What If My Application Is Denied?

Even if your application is denied, do not lose hope. A lawyer can help you appeal your denied claim by seeking reconsideration. At the reconsideration stage, it is important to have your attorney coordinate with your doctor to ensure that your medical records are complete for the SSA and reflect the full extent of your impairment.

If you are still denied benefits after reconsideration, you and attorney Ryan Montgomery can pursue further levels of appeal. No matter the stage in the process, Mr. Montgomery can act as your advocate for the benefits you need when you are unable to work.

When Can I Expect To Receive Payments?

When your application is approved, you can expect to receive payments the sixth full month after the date your disability began. This date is determined by the SSA.

If you are approved after the sixth full month, your benefits should arrive the following month. Also, you will be entitled to the benefits you would have received if your application had been approved on time. This means that if your application and appeals take a year, you can expect to receive monthly payments going forward and back payments for any months you missed following the sixth full month after your injury.

How Much Compensation Will I Get?

The amount of money you will receive will depend on how long you worked prior to your injury. The more you worked and paid into the Social Security system, the more benefits you can expect to receive.

Social Security Disability is a government program that is in place to provided disabled people with compensation so they can live a substantive life. Not everyone can qualify for Social Security Disability. To qualify, you must have been a working citizen and paid Social Security taxes for a particular time period before you became disabled and unable to work.