It’s complicated trying to figure out the maze that is Social Security Disability. The entitlement to disability benefits is based on the severity of the condition and work history. You have to have worked long enough and paid into social security, to be entitled to benefits. A social security attorney Chicago will guide you through the process. People need to apply as soon as they become disabled. Sometimes, it takes months for an initial decision on your application. The agency takes certain factors into consideration when making their decision. For example, it’s important how your medical condition affects your activities. Your disability has to be severe enough to limit your ability to walk, sit and remember-basic work activities. The agency has a list of severe conditions. Sometimes your condition may be on the list, and sometimes not. The most severe conditions are those in which people have a limited life expectancy.
If you qualify for disability benefits, your spouse and minor children may, as well. Your spouse has to be 62 or older, or caring for a child under 16. If you are denied for social security disability Chicago, your attorney must file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: a reconsideration; hearing; Appeals Council Review and Federal Court Review. A reconsideration is a complete review of your claim by someone who did not participate in the initial decision. If you are denied for reconsideration, your attorney asks for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The Administrative Law Judge questions you and any other witnesses present at the hearing. Often, the agency will have a vocational expert testify. If you disagree with the Judge’s ruling, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision. The Council will reject your case, if they think the Judge’s decision was correct. If the Council decides to review your case, they may do it themselves, or return it to the Judge for further review. If the Appeals Council rules against you, filing a lawsuit in federal court is your last resort. If you’re disabled, don’t go it alone. Make an appointment with a disability lawyer today.
