Social Security benefits and claims are incredibly complex and can be overwhelming. When dealing with Social Security Disability claims, it is imperative that you secure a skilled and knowledgeable Social Security Lawyer in Northern Michigan. We invite you to spend some time with us looking at some facts that may help you.
Do I qualify?
The Social Security and Supplemental Security income disability programs are offered by the Social Security Administration to those who qualify. The question that most people have when dealing with illnesses or injuries and facing financial distress and loss of work is whether or not they qualify. Both programs have different requirements however, unless you have a disability and meet the medical criteria, you will not receive benefits.
To find out whether or not you qualify, the Social Security Administration has created a tool to assist you. This tool called the BEST or the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool is an online too which presents questions to you and based on your answers, determines whether or not if you may be eligible for benefits. While BEST is NOT an application for benefits and is not the final say, it is a way to start the process. The BEST tool will screen possible candidates for Medicare, Social Security Disability, Social Security Retirement, Social Security Survivors, Special Veterans, Supplemental Security Income or SSI.
In Michigan, if you are applying for Social Security, the Disability Determination Services office will determine if you meet the basic requirements to qualify. Some of the things they will consider is what treatment you have received, how your condition limits your activities, what test results have shown as well as what your condition is and when it began. They will then use a five step process to decide if you are disabled including:
- If you are working
- Is your condition severe
- Is your condition on the List of Impairments which qualify
- Can you do the work you did before
- Can you do other work
While the basics are quite straightforward, there are sometimes things which make the decision more difficult and you may disagree with the ruling. If you disagree with a Social Security Disability ruling, it is imperative that you contact a Social Security Lawyer in Northern Michigan right away.
If you are facing a medical or emotional limitation that has caused you to be unable to work and would like to start the application process or have been denied, contact us. When it comes to your benefits, there is no dumb question. We are here to help you. If you need a qualified and skilled Social Security Lawyer and live in Northern Michigan, contact APKH&C for your free consultation today. Call us at 1.877.732.2491 or contact us online here.