Did You Know These 4 Winchester, TN SSD Facts?

Social Security Disability (SSD) continues to be one of the most confusing issues for Tennesseans, mainly because of the misconceptions and misinformation disseminated about the subject. As a result, many people make decisions based on inaccurate presumptions and beliefs, which can prevent them from getting the SSD money they need.

Below are four SSD facts that will help guide anyone searching for factual information for themselves or a disabled family member.

1. You can make a first-time SSD claim on your own.

Although it can be a time-consuming process, you can make a first-time SSD claim without outside representation. Simply visit the Social Security Administration’s website to begin your application. You’ll need several pieces of information on hand, but you can save an online application if you don’t have everything at once. Additionally, after you’ve submitted an SSD claim, you can check its status through the same secure web portal for ease.

2. Most SSD claims aren’t approved the first time around.

Did you make an SSD claim only to hear that you’re not approved by the government? It’s not surprising, even for professionals like those who are part of our well-trained SSD services legal team. Fortunately, it’s also not the end of the process or your opportunities. According to the United States government in a 2014 report, only about one-quarter of claims make it to approval the first time around. This means that many more receive a “yes” decision on reconsideration, at a hearing, on appeal, or via federal action. Therefore, anyone who hears “no” at the start doesn’t necessarily have to go without SSD, because the “no” may become a “yes.”

3. Your SSD benefits could extend to loved ones.

Are you already getting SSD? You might be able to extend your benefits to cover the needs of your spouse age 62 or older, child under 18, or disabled child of any age if the disability happened prior to the child’s turning 22. This offers a financial safety net that can allow you to comfortably live as a household despite your disability. However, be aware that SSD does put a cap on the amount you can receive in benefits, which will likely be less than what you would be earning if you could work full-time.

4. Disability can happen to anyone.

As the Social Security Administration explains, the 56 million estimated Americans who have disabilities aren’t all older, such as Baby Boomers or representatives of the “Silent” Generation. Younger people can and do become disabled, leaving them in difficult circumstances if they do not get the SSD they need. Consequently, anyone whose disability has lasted–or is expected to last–at least a year, and who cannot perform other work, should consider SSD as a viable option.

Interested in learning more about SSD facts? The best advice comes from a lawyer who can help you assess your situation. Contact the Law Offices of John R. Colvin for a free initial consultation to discuss your SSD application or appeal.

With nearly 25 years of serving disabled individuals in Tennessee and Alabama, attorney John R. Colvin welcomes new clients interested in learning more about their SSD rights and choices.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advise for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.