Exposing A Few Myths About Social Security Disability

Posted on: 25 May 2016

Being unable to work and support yourself can be a terribly stressful experience for a person to go through. While Social Security Disability is designed to help individuals that are in this situation, there are many people that have little to no knowledge or experience with this program. As a result, it can be extremely easy for these individuals to fall victim to a few of the more common myths concerning disability benefits.

Myth: Disability Is Only Available To Those With Physical Impairments

Disability can take many forms, but it is common for individuals to assume that disability benefits are only available for those with clear physical impairments. While these individuals may qualify for these benefits, you should be aware that there are a number of mental and emotional conditions that can qualify a person to receive these benefits. However, it may be more difficult to prove emotional or mental disabilities without experienced legal guidance. As a result, it is particularly important for individuals suffering from these conditions to retain the services of an attorney as soon as possible.

Myth: It Is Too Expensive To Hire An Attorney For Your Disability Claim

Sadly, some individuals may make the critical mistake of assuming that they will be unable to afford the fees that an attorney would charge. Luckily, disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Under this billing arrangement, you will only be responsible for paying for these services if the attorney is able to get you approved for disability benefits. Once approved, you will be charged a set fee that can automatically be deducted from your first disability payments, which can allow you to retain these services regardless of whether you are unable to pay out of pocket for this representation.  

Myth: Your Doctor's Opinion Is The Only One That Matters

In order to prove that you are suffering from disability, it will be necessary for you to undergo an evaluation from a number of doctors. This will be in addition to the examinations and treatments provided by your personal physician. This is necessary for the courts to verify that you qualify for these benefits. In most cases, you will be requested to forward a copy of your medical files to the Social Security Administration where it will be assigned to a caseworker. The caseworker will refer you to the appropriate physician to determine if your condition meets the requirements for being classified as disabled. During this evaluation, you may be given an assortment of tests and asked questions about your lifestyle and family medical history. At the end of this evaluation, the physician will prepare a formal recommendation that will be sent to the Social Security Administration and your attorney.

For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://toddeast.com/.

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