Currently in the United States, about 10.5 million people receive Social Security Disability Benefits but for many, the path to obtaining benefits is a long and tough one. In fact, the backlog of disability cases is so long that the number of people who die while waiting for their chance in court has risen.
We have had clients die waiting for their hearing. Unfortunately, there is little that a Social Security disability lawyer in Missouri can do to speed this up. It is why it is so important to win your case the first time.
Throughout the country there are more than a million people whose names are on waitlists, hoping that their chance to argue their case before a judge will soon arrive. Unfortunately, the national average wait for each person is now nearly two years – time that many don’t have.
In 2017 alone, 10,002 applicants died during the wait for a hearing, 15% more than the year before. This increase coincides with another – an increase in the average wait time.
Although the Social Security Administration has claimed that they are attempting to address the backlog by hiring 500 new administrative law judges and support staff, the sad reality is that these changes won’t help the people who need help now.
In order to be eligible to obtain full SSD disability benefits through Social Security, applicants must:
1. Have worked for a minimum period of time. Usually, this means that out of “quarters”, 20 / 40 quarters should have been worked, which equates to 5 out of 10 years.
2. Have a combination of physical and/or mental disabilities which will prevent them from returning to work for at least a year.
3. Prove that they have the disability they are claiming. This must be done by treating with a doctor.
What Are Some Common Disabilities?
Conditions that are most commonly claimed under Social Security are:
Back Injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord impingement, fractured vertebrae and other back injuries can all cause severe pain, limit the patient’s ability to work.
Cancer: Not all disabilities are caused by an injury – illnesses can be covered as well. Cancer, which can impact any part of the body, can easily make a worker so
ill they can no longer do their job – as can the treatments required to save or extend their lives.
Heart Disease: When the heart isn’t working properly the body becomes weak and any physical labor could be impossible.
Arthritis and other Musculoskeletal Disorders: This medical condition can impact any joint in the body and the crippling pain can make it impossible to perform daily tasks.
Psychiatric Conditions: Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are all conditions that can make it impossible for a person to function at work.
Before many applicants get to the point where they are on a two-year wait list, they typically have already been through the initial application process and an initial appeal. What many don’t realize at those times is how important it is to contact an attorney.
Research shows that applicants who work with an attorney are much more likely to obtain the coverage they need. Our experienced legal team has been helping injured workers for years and we are prepared to help you. Let us guide you through this stressful time.
You can fill out a FREE evaluation form.
Free Social Security disability evaluation for Missouri and Arkansas residents.
Think you may qualify for disability in Missouri or Arkansas? Would you like a free evaluation by an experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer to know your chances? Want answers on what you can do to benefit your family?
The Krebs Law Firm LLC offers a free case evaluation if you have questions about your Social Security disability claim. Many people may be worried that they do not have the money to pay for a Missouri disability lawyer or Northwest Arkansas Social Security disability lawyer, but we only handle Social Security cases on a contingent fee basis.
In other words, there is no fee unless we are successful in getting you the benefits that you deserve. If you would like to speak to Jason Krebs simply call (417) 883-5886 or Toll Free 1 800 345-0535 for your free case evaluation or to discuss your appeal today! Do not delay as you only have 60 days to ask for a reconsideration if you live in Arkansas and 60 days to appeal in Missouri.
Please note that filing out this form does not mean my office has accepted representation and no attorney client relationship is formed by submitting this form.
Also filing out this review form is not filing your appeal and this website in no way related to the Social Security Administration.