Maryland Social Security Disability Lawyer & Nurse

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI benefits are available to people who are unable to work for a year or more due to a disability. You may be eligible for SSDI benefits if you are found to be disabled under the SSA definition and if you worked and paid into the Social Security system, such that you have earned a sufficient number of work credits based on your age when you became disabled. Generally, to qualify for SSDI, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the past 10 years before becoming disabled. However, younger workers may be able to qualify with fewer than 40 credits.

Our Maryland Social Security disability attorney can collect the medical evidence to support your disability claim. The condition that you claim as a disability must substantially limit your capacity to do basic tasks like standing, remembering, lifting, walking, or sitting. For each major body system, the SSA keeps a list of medical conditions that are considered so severe that they prevent someone from completing substantial gainful activity.

The SSA’s listing manual includes cardiovascular conditions, musculoskeletal problems, respiratory illnesses, senses and speech issues, mental disorders, neurological disorders, immune system disorders, skin disorders, digestive tract problems, kidney diseases and genitourinary problems, cancer, and hematological disorders. However, you do not need to satisfy the precise listing requirements for a specific illness or condition to be awarded disability benefits based on the condition. You can get disability benefits if the SSA considers aspects of your condition to be medically equivalent to the criteria in the listing or a related listing.

If your condition is not listed, the SSA will determine whether your condition is as severe as a medical condition that is listed. If it is equal, there will be a disability finding. Alternatively, you still may be eligible for SSDI if you do not meet or equal the criteria for a listing if your condition restricts your functioning so much that you cannot work. Proving a disability in this way can be relatively complex, and claimants likely will benefit from the assistance of a Maryland Social Security disability lawyer. The SSA considers the effect of your medical condition on your ability to perform routine daily tasks and work, and it analyzes whether there are any sorts of jobs that you can safely be expected to perform.

SSDI pays benefits only for a total disability. You are considered disabled if you cannot perform work that you did previously, you cannot adjust to other work due to your medical condition, and your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least a year or lead to death. It is important to apply for SSDI benefits as soon as you become disabled. It can take 150 days for the SSA to review your initial application. Moreover, valid SSDI claims are often denied at first, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make a difference to the outcome of your claim.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a federal program funded by general taxes, rather than Social Security taxes. Maryland also supplements the federal SSI benefit amount for people who live in assisted living facilities or care homes. SSI is designed to help the disabled, blind, and aged by providing funds for basic needs like shelter, clothes, and food. You may be eligible for SSI if you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and you have limited income and resources. You must be a United States citizen or national (or in a certain category of foreign national), must not be confined to a hospital at governmental expense, and meet certain other requirements.

You will need to meet financial limits on income to qualify for SSI. Your countable income must be less than the benefit amount. Certain kinds of income that you receive will not count in this calculation. However, there are circumstances in which income from another household member will count. To receive SSI, you cannot have assets that are more than $2,000 if you are an individual, or $3,000 if you are part of a married couple. Assets that will not be counted include a home, a car that someone in your household uses for transportation, household goods, and personal effects.

Social Security Disability Appeals

If you were recently denied SSDI or SSI, you can pursue an appeal with the assistance of a Social Security disability lawyer in Maryland. The request for appeal must be received within 60 days from the date of denial typed on the actual denial letter. The appeals process involves four levels: reconsideration, hearing, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court review.

At the reconsideration stage, the evidence considered in reaching the original decision and any new evidence will be considered. If you do not agree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge who did not take part in the original decision or the reconsideration. More evidence may be requested. Expert witnesses may provide information and be questioned. If you disagree with the hearing decision, a review before the SSA Appeals Council can be requested. If you disagree with the decision by the Appeals Council, or if it declines to review your case, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court.

Consult a Compassionate Government Benefits Attorney

Karen Levian understands the complexity of her clients’ medical histories and the stresses and challenges that they face in living with disabilities. Her nursing knowledge uniquely positions her to help you recover the benefits to which you are entitled. She brings compassion and understanding to each conversation and meeting. Call us at (410) 433-4040 or use our online form to set up a free consultation with a Social Security disability attorney in Maryland.