Michigan Lawyers Debunking Common Myths About Social Security Disability Insurance
Unless you know someone who has applied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you probably don’t know very much about the program or the rules governing it. Because the program is not well understood, some of what is commonly known is actually misinformation.
In order to learn the facts and avail yourself of knowledgeable guidance, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced attorney like ours at Bahrie Law, PLLC.
Our lawyers have been advocating for Michigan clients seeking disability benefits for more than 40 years. We have argued a SSD case in front of the United States Supreme Court. From offices in Lansing and Livonia (Metro Detroit), we represent clients throughout the state of Michigan.
On this page, we have addressed some of the most common myths and misconceptions we hear from prospective clients.
Myth 1: You Cannot Apply For SSD Benefits Until You Have Been Disabled For At Least One Year
The eligibility criteria specifies that your disabling condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or to result in death. There is no rule requiring you to wait until you’ve had the condition for a year.
On the contrary, it is wise to start applying for benefits as soon as you receive a prognosis from your doctor. The application and appeals processes can be lengthy, and waiting to apply could cause an unaffordable delay.
Myth 2: There Is No Returning To Work After Getting Approved For SSDI Benefits
Many people with disabling conditions will never be able to work again. However, some people on SSDI will improve with time and may be able to go back to work. Moreover, it is possible to earn a small income even as you collect SSDI benefits. To ensure you are compliant with rules and laws, you should consult an attorney.
Myth 3: The Initial Application Does Not Matter Because Everyone Gets Rejected
This is a myth, but it is based on a staggering true statistic. Approximately 70 percent of first-time applications are rejected by the Social Security Administration. This is discouraging, to be sure, but it is important to remember that a significant percentage of initial claims are accepted.
Even if your disability claim is rejected, the initial application still matters. It sets the groundwork for how your claim will need to improve when you appeal. Bahrie Law, PLLC can help you apply for disability benefits or pursue an appeal if your claim has been denied.
Myth 4: You Are Entitled To Benefits If You Can Prove That You Have A Qualifying Disability
Unfortunately, disability alone is not enough when seeking Social Security Disability benefits. The other half of the equation is your work history.
As with regular Social Security, working Americans all pay into the system with payroll deductions. You must have a sufficiently long and recent work history in order to qualify.
Myth 5: You Can’t Afford To Hire An SSDI Attorney
You may be surprised how affordable it can be to hire an SSDI lawyer. Our firm offers free initial consultations and takes all SSDI cases on contingency. That means we don’t charge any legal fees unless we help you recover money.
By law, the most that an SSDI attorney can charge is 25% of the amount of the first benefits check, up to a fee cap currently set at $7,200. In many cases, fees are much lower than the cap.
Contact Our Lansing Or Metro Detroit Offices To Discuss Your Legal Options For Free
Bahrie Law, PLLC, has offices in Lansing and Metro Detroit, and we serve clients throughout Michigan.
To take advantage of a free initial consultation about your eligibility and application for Social Security Disability Insurance, call us at 888-473-1289 or reach out online.