If you are living with a disability that is preventing you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. However, it isn’t as simple as applying. Social Security Disability is a type of insurance provided by the US government. SSD insurance provides monthly payments to those who qualify.  The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) website provides filing information for SSDI, but some states may have additional steps that can be important to consider. In Connecticut, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) evaluates eligibility for SSDI benefits. Because of the additional red tape involved, working with an experienced disability attorney can be vital to getting approval for your case.

Generally, your qualification is determined by overviewing detailed documentation that establishes that you fit the government’s definition of a disability. You will also have to show that you worked long enough and recently enough to qualify. To be considered disabled for Social Security Disability, you must be disabled, and recovery is not expected for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration has to make the determination. Usually, the local SSA office for your state or county will make the determination. For Connecticut, the DDS works with the SSA office to make the decision.

Because the application is complex and up to a case worker’s interpretation, it is recommended that you work with an experienced disability attorney. Your attorney can help provide a better chance of approval. The SSDI application process can take months. Because of this, most individuals who rush through the process can end up getting rejected. By working with an experienced disability attorney, you can limit your denial risk. Your attorney can work with you and your medical care team to help improve the chances of a positive result.

From the start of your application process through potential appeals, you will want an experienced disability attorney to help you. There is a substantial amount of paperwork you must undertake to make a successful claim. Most people fail to fill out all the paperwork properly and on time by themselves. The process for applying for SSDI is incredibly complex, and usually requires experience with navigating the paperwork to get it done right,

The D’Agostino & Associates team does more than just file your application forms. It is our goal to act as your advocate in your time of need. Our goal is the best outcome possible for you and your family. We educate our clients about every step of the application process. Our team keeps you in the loop every step of the way. When you work with D’Agostino and Associates, our whole team is on the case. Our team can help with:

• Proper documentation of all appropriate medical forms
• Tracking vital medical evidence
• Explaining our process and hearing expectations
• Following case developments closely
• Answering all of your questions about the case
• Returning phone calls promptly
• and more.

Over 90% of all applications for SSD insurance are rejected. Most filings aren’t seen by a judge. Rather employees of the state’s SSA office will make the decision. In Connecticut, the state’s DDS office may also deny a claim. This office also may not go directly through a judge for most claims. After a claim gets denied, you will have 60 days to request reconsideration. If the reconsideration is also denied, your attorney can file for a hearing with a Social Security Judge. Then, the judge could assess the case and conduct a hearing to review it.

If your SSDI claim is rejected, it is not over. Your attorney can fight for you. Our team can help identify valid reasons to overturn an unfavorable decision.

D’Agostino & Associates can help you sort through all the details and understand what you are entitled to. We fight to get you what you deserve. If you are applying for SSDI in Connecticut, schedule a free consultation with our disability insurance attorneys.