Having a chronic condition like lupus means you will experience symptoms and long-term challenges. If you’re facing that, you could qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, and our New Martinsville lupus disability lawyers can explain how. We go over how your condition fits the Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements and file your claim for you.
Our New Martinsville Social Security Disability lawyers don’t give up if your initial application is denied—a common occurrence. Instead, they can prepare a case for your appeal. Although the process can be time consuming, Berger and Green’s disability benefits lawyers won’t leave your side.
Our Disability Benefits Attorneys Offer Lupus Disability Representation for All Steps in the SSD Process
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits requires preparation, patience, and perseverance to get through all the steps. What you may not realize is just how much our lupus lawyers can do to make those steps easier. Acting as your New Martinsville Social Security Disability lawyer means we:
- Teach: We share our SSD knowledge that we’ve gained with 40-plus years of experience.
- File: Our lawyers will fire your application for benefits.
- Plan: As SSA processes your application, we think ahead.
- Compile: If you receive a claim denial, we will meet the 60 day appeal deadline.
- Represent: You can count on us to prepare you for your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
- Fight: Our attorneys will diligently work to get your Social Security disability benefits approved.
Don’t Talk Yourself Out of Going After What You Deserve
Maybe you think you need to wait until you’ve been completely out of work before you can even consider applying. You may convince yourself that your lupus symptoms aren’t that bad. The dense technical jargon is off-putting, and you may have heard that all initial applications receive denials.
In reality, you can apply as soon as you realize your symptoms will affect your work.
If you have been denied benefits, do not give up. It’s imperative that you file your appeal before the 60 day deadline. We encourage you to call to discuss your claim. Although SSD benefits can feel out of reach, our lupus attorneys serving New Martinsville can help you.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationOur New Martinsville Attorneys Spell Out the Lupus Disability Requirements
According to the SSA, getting approved for lupus depends on if the following is true:
- You were diagnosed with lupus, which SSA lists in its Blue Book listing of impairments.
- Your lupus is severe enough to negatively affect your ability to work at your current job, a past job, or another job that could accommodate you.
- You cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) based on how much you earn each month.
With government programs, it’s tempting to think in black and white—if you don’t meet every little requirement, you’re out of luck. Despite the listed requirements, the SSA recognizes not all people with disabilities are the same.
Additionally, as the Mayo Clinic explains, lupus can cause each person to have a different experience depending on what their immune system attacks. We encourage you not to make assumptions about how your experience translates into eligibility. Check with our lupus disability attorneys about your New Martinsville case to find out how to present your case on your application.
Why Lupus Is Considered Disabling
Lupus, an autoimmune disorder, has no cure and can worsen over time. That is part of why the SSA considers it a disability—you must have a condition that will either affect your ability to work for at least a year or ultimately cause your death.
Lupus also takes time to diagnose. Because you may have had a long journey to get that diagnosis, you shouldn’t wait any longer to apply for benefits.
What Lupus Qualifies You to Receive
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one type of benefit offered by the Social Security Administration. We look at your work history to see if you earned enough work credits and paid into Social Security. If you meet the work and medical requirements, you can apply for SSDI.
Another benefit available is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is for people with lupus who are unable to work and who have a low income. If that sounds like your situation, we can assess your income and assets to see if you meet the requirements.
In some cases, you can apply for both SSDI and SSI. This varies on a case-by-case basis, so check with our team.
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpThe Path of Your Lupus Disability Claim and How We Prove Your Eligibility
The application process might make you feel like a lot is out of your control, especially once we file it for you, but Berger and Green’s legal team ensures you’re prepared for what happens and aware of all your options.
After You Apply
It can take months for the SSA and Disability Determination Services to process your benefits claim, so be patient. If your lupus symptoms worsen while your application is being processed, we can take steps to get you the help you need.
After a Denial
Since this is a common response from the SSA, we are ready to represent your appeal as soon as you receive a denial.
The first step is reconsideration, followed by a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). We can represent you in this hearing and help prepare you for any questions you might face.
After the Hearing
If the Administrative Law Judge denies your claim, we can request the Appeals Council to review it. Even if you receive a denial at this stage, we still have the option of filing a lawsuit in federal district court.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationOur New Martinsville Lupus Disability Lawyers Can Help You Pursue SSD Benefits – Call Us Today
Applying for Social Security Disability is probably new to you but not to us. Our lupus disability lawyers serving New Martinsville have decades of experience getting results for our clients, and we want to do the same for you.
Call us today for a free consultation to go over your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.