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Social Security Disability: The Right Time to Apply for Benefits

Applying for Social Security disability benefits is something that is a fearful but necessary process. Without these benefits, many families fail to obtain the financial support they need after the person who provides the primary source of income becomes devastatingly injured or ill. Unfortunately, many Social Security disability applications are filed at the wrong time and are denied as a result. If you have considered utilizing this fund to assist you and your family in the financial support that you truly need, it is in your best interests to talk with a lawyer before moving your case along any further.

While you may be tempted to apply for benefits instantaneously after becoming injured or ill, you are advised to speak with an attorney first. Many applications for Social Security disability, or SSD, benefits are denied the first time because the applicant failed to prove that the disability or medical condition has kept him or her from working for at least 12 months. Some cases will be permitted in which a condition is projected to keep an individual out of work for at least 12 months as well. One of the main reasons that many applications are denied before a year has passed since the date of disability is because the Social Security Administration may believe that the condition could heal.

Applying for these benefits as soon as possible may be a good strategy, but it truly depends on your unique case. By working with a skilled Oklahoma City Social Security disability lawyer, you can understand more about your specific situation and how it will affect the outcome of your case. Even if you have been denied benefits, you still may be able to file an appeal or pursue SSI benefits. At the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote, the legal team works with families who are in need of immediate financial relief due to a disability. The firm has extensive experience and an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Call an attorney at this office today for more information about filing your claim for benefits.

Intentional Delays for Social Security Disability Applications

Social Security Disability benefits are available for individuals who suffer from major illnesses or serious injuries which make it impossible for them to work for a year or more.  When you need SSD benefits, you need them now.  The process of claiming benefits typically takes anywhere from a few months to over a year, which can be an uncomfortably long time to wait without any substantial source of income.

Adding insult to injury, the Federal Government has recently learned that Social Security Administration staff in many offices around the country have actually been intentionally delaying applications.  A recent investigation conducted by the Office of Inspector General at the request of the House Committee on Ways and Means revealed that certain SSA employees were “sandbagging” by delaying applications at the end of one fiscal year in order to report higher production levels in the following period.  You may be asking, “Why would a public servant from the Social Security Administration do this?”  The reason was to secure performance bonuses.

Not only is this a waste of taxpayer money, it also makes the SSD applicant wait longer than necessary for much needed benefits.  This type of corruption is only one example of why it is in your best interests to work with a Las Vegas social security disability lawyer when you need to file an SSDI claim.

The team at Disability Action Advocates is ready to begin work on your claim immediately.  They have more than 15 years of experience representing individuals from all walks of life in the difficult and often frustrating process of applying for benefits from the Social Security Disability program.  Beyond helping you prepare your application, they will also perform any necessary follow-up to track the progress of your claim and expedite any unnecessary delays.  An attorney from DAA can even represent you in court if it becomes necessary to appeal a denial of your application.  The DAA team will fight to help you receive the benefits you and your family need and deserve.