Missouri Social Security Disability Attorneys
Coping with a disability presents several challenges for an individual and their family that can be difficult to overcome. Before an individual became disabled, their family did not have to worry about how to pay for housing, food, or clothing. These hurdles can be all the more challenging for a family whose primary wage-earner becomes disabled and is unable to work, either due to a car accident, work-related injury, medical condition, or another cause. Social Security disability benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who meet certain criteria. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) establishes medical eligibility for Missourians who have filed for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If your disability prevents you from working and you believe that you have been wrongfully denied Social Security disability benefits, the disability claim lawyers can help.
Programs for Legally Disabled
The U.S. Social Security Administration manages two programs that provide financial assistance for those who are identified as legally disabled or blind. Individuals who are disabled or blind and are insured under the Social Security tax that is paid on their earnings or the earnings of a spouse or parent are provided benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Title II. For those who are disabled or blind (including children under the age of 18) and have limited income and resources, payments can be obtained through Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Title XVI. Only individuals who have a disability and meet designated medical standards may qualify for benefits under these programs. In addition, the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps eligible individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain jobs. However, in some instances, an individual who does qualify for coverage or vocational rehabilitation may be denied adequate benefits or may not receive any financial or employment assistance at all. It is important to remember that a denial of benefits isn't necessarily the end of your claim - you may want to seek advice from a Missouri social security disability attorney for help in continuing your case.
Filing a Disability Claim in Missouri
Filing a Social Security disability claim is complex. After an individual files a disability benefits claim with the SSA, the disability claim will be forwarded to DDS, a state agency under the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. DDS will then determine whether a claimant's medical condition meets the definition of a disability under Social Security law. The agency will examine an individual's age, daily activity level, past work experience, education, and medical information. In evaluating this data, DDS may contact physicians, hospitals, employers, schools, and other individuals to acquire functional information and medical records.
The U.S. Social Security Administration considers a person to be disabled if they cannot fulfill work duties they were able to before their disability; therefore making it impossible to adjust to another form of employment due to a particular medical condition. An individual may also be considered disabled if their disability has persisted, or is projected to last, for at least one year, or is expected to lead to death.
To further complicate the definition of "disability" and whether a person qualifies for Social Security disability benefits, the SSA typically presumes that working families have additional resources for support, such as insurance, savings, investments, and workers' compensation in St. Louis, to access during times of short-term disabilities. This may not always be the case; leaving an individual and their family with mounting medical bills and limited means to support themselves.
Contacting a Disability Lawyer in Missouri
To ensure that the proper paperwork is filled out correctly, that your Social Security benefits match your financial needs, and that you are given the coverage you deserve, you may want to contact a skilled St. Louis Social Security disability lawyer. Our attorneys can handle the complexities of filing for Social Security disability while you recover from your condition. If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits or vocational rehabilitation opportunities, our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation of your specific situation so that a strong case can be built on your behalf. Call today at (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation.
