Social Security Disability Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

The Columbus Social Security disability attorneys with the Calig Law Firm welcome opportunities to help people apply and fight for federal benefits. We answer the most basic questions here but invite you to contact us for an in-depth consultation.

Do I qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

The federal Social Security Administration (https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/) lists these three basic requirements for a U.S. citizen who wants to apply for long-term disability benefits from the program:

  • Applicants must be 18 or older,
  • Not currently receiving benefits from Social Security, and
  • Unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

Parents and legal guardians of children younger than 18 can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for the boys or girls.

Qualifying to receive monthly payments is much different from applying. The SSDI program asks for extensive medical evidence to document the presence and persistence of a physical or mental disability, as well as many forms of proof that the disability prevents the applicant from working. Partnering with a Columbus Social Security disability lawyer will help an applicant determine if his or her condition is recognized as a disability for SSDI purposes. A lawyer can also assist with completing and filing application forms.

What Social Security disability benefits can I apply for?

SSDI payments come monthly and reflect the amount the recipient or the recipient’s parent has paid into the Social Security program. A second type of benefit called Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be available to a disabled individual who has little or no personal income from other sources and very few financial assets.

Consulting with a Columbus, Ohio based social security disability lawyer will help you determine if you qualify to apply for SSI and also determine how much supplemental income you might receive.

Where can I find the forms and instructions I need to apply for Social Security disability benefits?

The Social Security Administration makes all the necessary forms and instructions available online. First-time applicants can complete the entire process online, but preparing ahead of time is recommended.

This checklist lays out all the paperwork and information applicants must submit. The online application can be saved as sections are completed and filled out over time. Social Security staff can also answer questions in person when applicants schedule appointments at their local office.

What happens if my SSDI application gets rejected?

Do not panic. First-time SSDI applicants get turned down almost automatically. In fact, case reviewers can deny your claim twice before ever giving you a chance to explain your conditions to an administrative law judge. Fortunately, a Columbus Social Security disability attorney can help you respond at each appeal and represent you during a hearing.

Understanding exactly why your application got rejected can be difficult. Figuring out how to put together the additional information required to satisfy the case reviewer sometimes seems impossible. Enlisting the assistance of a Columbus disability attorney will clear up the confusion and highlight which steps to take next.

What if I cannot qualify for SSDI?

Disability attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, encounter many state government, public hospital, state university, and public school system employees who do not participate in Social Security. Since applying for SSDI and SSI is not possible for these individuals, a knowledgeable and experienced long-term disability attorney will steer them to the appropriate resources under programs like the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System or the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio.

You can schedule a free consultation with a Columbus Social Security disability lawyer by calling the Calig Law Firm at (614) 252-2300. We also take appointments online.

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