Our Baltimore SS Law Firm Encourages Workers in All Professions to Schedule a Consultation to Learn Your Disability Options
At our firm, we help workers across Maryland pursue Social Security and disability benefits. We help truck drivers, factory workers, medical professionals, veterans and others, and we encourage anyone who thinks they may have a claim to contact our Maryland social security attorneys for a free initial consultation.
Shedding Light on Social Security Disability Myths
In every profession, workers face unique challenges when it comes to obtaining Social Security and disability benefits. For example, firefighters face different hurdles than healthcare workers, and veterans face an entirely different set of challenges.
However, while each individual’s situation may be different, there are some common myths of which all workers need to be aware when pursuing Social Security and disability claims in Maryland. These myths include:
Myth #1: The Social Security Administration (SSA) Always Denies First-Time Claims for Disability Benefits.
Many people seem to have the impression that they should expect the SSA to deny their disability claim the first time they file. While the SSA does reject a large percentage of first-time claims, this can be for a variety of reasons, including claimants making mistakes on their applications. We can’t guarantee success the first time around, but with our help many clients will not receive any denials at all.
Myth #2: If Your SSD Claim is Denied, You Should Start Over Instead of Filing an Appeal.
If the SSA denies your claim, should you start over, or should you file an appeal? Many people incorrectly assume that starting from scratch will give them a greater chance of securing benefits. However, the reality is that once your initial claim has been denied, going through the appeals process will typically be far more efficient. We routinely file appeals on behalf of individuals who have had their SSD claims denied.
Myth #3: It Will Take Two to Three Years, or Longer, to Start Receiving SSD Benefits.
While the process of securing SSD benefits can easily take a year or longer no matter how good your representation is, many of our clients get benefits in under six months Additionally, under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance program, workers who have certain disabling conditions can receive approval in as little as 20 days.
Myth #4: You Cannot Work and Receive SSD Benefits.
While SSD benefits are intended to help individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition, you can work some and still qualify for SSD benefits. Each year, the SSA establishes a maximum monthly income amount that SSD recipients can earn while receiving benefits. For 2021, this amount is $1310 (gross pay). There are exceptions to this rule and different work is treated differently, contact an attorney if you are unsure.
Myth #5: If You Return to Work and Stop Receiving SSD Benefits, You Will Need to Reapply if Your Disabling Condition Returns.
This is a myth that causes many workers to experience substantial unnecessary delays in receiving SSD benefits. If you return to work and your disabling condition subsequently returns as well, you can seek an Expedited Reinstatement as long as it has been less than five years since your last SSD payment (and you meet certain other basic requirements).
When in Doubt, Contact a Disability Lawyer at Our Firm
Overall, there is a lot of incorrect information out there. Don’t try to handle this alone. Contact our law firm and let us help you eliminate the guesswork.