Memphis Social Security Disability FAQs – SSD Lawyer Dunlap
If you were or are disabled and seeking social security benefits or long-term disability benefits, you may have many questions regarding the SSA process for SSD benefits. It is important to note that, unfortunately, applying for benefits is known as being incredibly complex and long. Before applying, it is highly advised to speak with your local Memphis SSD lawyer.
With over 20 years of experience, attorney John E Dunlap has helped numerous individuals apply and appeal for benefits. If you have a question about your case, you can call our law office at (901) 320-1603 for a free consultation.
Below you can find the answers to the most common questions we encounter:
Should I apply for SSD or SSI benefits?
One of the most common questions we receive at the Law Office of John E. Dunlap, PC, is, “What’s the difference between SSD and SSI benefits?” Fortunately, the answer is quite simple. SSD benefits are generally reserved for individuals who have accumulated a number of work credits from the past working history.
SSI benefits, on the other hand, are generally best for low-income individuals who have not worked before or earned enough credits to qualify for SSD.
What are the approval chances for SSD?
The most common statistic to remember regarding SSD benefits applications is that almost 70 percent of all initial applications get denied. At the same time, however, upwards of 50 percent of cases that are heard by Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) are approved.
How long for the SSA to make a decision?
In the Memphis area, there are many individuals applying for disability benefits. In general, due to the steep rise in applicants, the process has become quite long. At the same time, some cases can be won in as little as 30 days, while other cases can take upwards of a year.
Some of the most important factors that may determine the length of the decision process include the possibility of a hearing, the strength of the SSD claim, and the backlog at the local SSA.
What do I do after my claim gets denied?
After waiting, if your claim gets denied, it can feel quite frustrating. However, based on the high rate of application denials, it is important to continue moving forward after the SSA denies your claim. The first step you should do is request an appeal as soon as possible. A disability is perhaps the best option for helping complete and file the appeal.
Is there a time limit to request a disability hearing?
Yes. In Memphis and throughout Tennessee, if you had your SSD claim denied, you only have 60 days from the date of denial to request an appeal in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
Contact Memphis SSD Lawyer John E Dunlap For More FAQs
The social security disability process can be quite extensive and notoriously complex. As such, it is understandable that you have several questions regarding the application and, if applicable, the appeal process. Fortunately, Memphis SSD attorney John E Dunlap offers free consultations to anyone within the Western Tennessee area, and if you have any questions regarding your disability and the possibility for benefits, you can call our law office today at (901) 320-1603.2