The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for reviewing disability applications and granting disability benefits. In order to qualify for these benefits, the SSA requires that you have previously worked at jobs covered by Social Security and that you have a condition that meets the Administration’s definition of a disability. The SSA has a list of mental and physical conditions that meet its definition of a disability. These conditions include cardiovascular conditions like chronic heart failure, mental conditions like anxiety disorder, respiratory conditions like asthma, and a whole range of other conditions. The SSA bases it acceptance or rejection of an application on proof of a disability and not on financial need. However, people who apply for Social Security Disability benefits may be rejected because they do not have experience with the SSA and therefore do not know what information to provide the Administration in order to establish their claim.
Recent statistics show that each month there are a high number of Social Security Disability applications. In April 2013, there were almost 217,000 applications for Social Security Disability benefits. In the same month, the SSA approved 77,000 applications and awarded the applicants the benefits they deserved. In December 2011, the Wall Street Journal reported that the depressed economy has been fueling an increased number of people applying for Social Security Disability benefits. The article described the results of two studies which found that there is a correlation between unemployment benefits running out and an increased number of applications for Social Security Disability benefits. One of the studies found that “jobless individuals are significantly less likely to apply” for Social Security Disability when unemployment insurance is extended by Congress.
The new Social Security Disability infographic is intended to provide important statistics. The more applicants and potential applicants know, the more likely they will be able to provide the SSA with the information needed for approval. To learn more visit our Social Security Disability webpage and view the infographic: Social Security Disability Infographic.
If you or a loved one has been denied Social Security Disability benefits, you should consider your legal options. A Social Security Disability attorney with experience in this area can help you gather the information you need to appeal the rejection of your application. The law firm of d’Oliveira & Associates is ready to speak with you regarding your disability, and there is no legal fee until you win the disability benefits you are entitled to receive. Please call our law firm’s toll-free, 24 hour, phone line at 1-800-992-6878.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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