State of Mississippi Social Security Disability Claims
Disability benefits claims require legal support
When you suffer a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working, you need financial relief so that you can support yourself and your family. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available to help you through these difficulties. You will need to file a claim which demonstrates that you—
- Are not working
- Have a severe medical condition on the List of Impairments
- Cannot do the work you did before
- Cannot do any other type of work
In Mississippi, claims for SSDI are processed through your local Office of Disability Determination Services. Initial claims are frequently denied. Gardner Law Firm works with you to prepare your claim and appeal any denial of benefits.
Medical qualifications for Social Security disability
The basic standard for SSDI medical eligibility is succinct. To qualify as disabled, you must have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. However, the more challenging burden of proof tends to be the severity of your impairment. Social Security Administration claims investigators will ask your doctors various questions about your medical condition:
- The exact nature of your medical condition
- When your medical condition began
- How your medical condition limits your activities
- What the medical tests have shown
- What treatment you have received
Gardner Law Firm helps you work with your doctors to clearly establish your total disability.
Financial qualifications for Social Security disability
The SSDI program is funded by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax, which has likely been taken out of your paycheck throughout your employment history. If you have paid into the program by working and paying this tax, then you should be financially eligible to receive benefits when you become disabled. The Social Security Administration uses two different earnings tests to determine your eligibility for SSDI:
- Recent Work Test
- Based on your age at the time of your disability
- Duration of Work Test
- To prove that you worked long enough to qualify for benefits
Gardner Law Firm shows you how to present you work history accurately to improve your chances of an initial claim acceptance.
Get help from a lawyer with your SSDI appeal
If your application for Social Security benefits is denied, you have only 60 days to file an appeal. Otherwise you will have to start the entire process over. If you are struggling to prepare a Social Security disability claim, or if your SSDI claim has been denied, contact a Gardner Law Firm attorney right away.
