People take legal matters into their own hands every day, and sometimes they lose money and property in the process. You can make a legally binding contract without using an attorney, but you are risking missing some big legal loopholes and laws you may not be familiar with that can not only make your contract invalid but can actually cost you in the end. When you are selling or purchasing real estate, tackling the creation of a will or even just loaning money to a friend, a consultation with an attorney can be a positive step. I'll show you when and why you need an attorney.
Social Security disability benefits are important for those who suffer an injury or illness that prevents them from supporting themselves. Unfortunately, many people are ill-informed about the application process, the standards applied during application review, and what they can expect when they apply for benefits. Here's a look at some of the things that you should know about what affects your chances of approval.
Are you able to or currently working?
The first thing that reviewers consider when assessing your disability application is whether or not you are currently working and earning an income. If you are, the application is typically denied on the grounds that you can work. If you are not currently working or are unable to work, your application will continue through the process.
What is your medical prognosis?
The next factor in the review of your disability application is what your medical records show. Were you diagnosed with a condition that the Social Security Administration has identified as a qualifying disability? If not, are the symptoms that you are dealing with consistent with those of a qualifying condition? This is an important eligibility marker.
Further, the evaluator must consider your estimated recovery. Do doctors anticipate that you will make a full recovery in less than a year? If so, you will typically be denied benefits. If not, whether you're expected to face a longer recovery or never fully recover, your application continues through the process.
What is your occupational history?
To qualify for Social Security disability, you must have a certain number of work credits accumulated over the last several years. The actual amount of credits you need and the applicable duration vary depending on your age, so you should check with your caseworker to find out. They can review your work history and confirm whether or not you have sufficient credits for your situation.
What is your occupational prognosis?
In addition to assessing your medical records, your occupational history and potential future apply to the evaluation, too. Will you be able to return to the industry you worked in before? Are you facing lasting effects that prevent you from working in your prior occupation? If so, is there a reasonable occupation that you could pursue with your skills and the future recovery prognosis that you face? These are all important factors that affect the determination of your application.
These are some of the most important factors that you need to consider before applying for Social Security disability. Talk with a Social Security disability attorney for more info.
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