ST. LOUIS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYERS
If an illness, injury, or disability is preventing you from working, you may be worried about how you’ll pay your medical bills and provide for your family.
The government created Social Security Disability benefits to help Americans like you cover their expenses. But the application process can be complex and confusing, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies more than half of all initial claims.
At Cofman Townsley, we’re here to help people across Missouri and Southern Illinois get the Social Security Disability benefits they’re owed.
Whether you need help appealing a denied claim or applying for the first time, we’ll do everything we can to build a strong claim on your behalf. Don’t wait another day. Contact our legal team now.
Understanding Social Security Disability Claims
Social Security Disability (often called SSD or SSDI) is designed for people who have a strong work history and have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify, you must:
- Have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of a disability
- Have earned enough “work credits,” which are based on your age and how long you’ve worked
- Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to your condition
Benefits of SSDI:
- Monthly payments based on your past earnings
- Eligibility for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period
- Potential benefits for certain family members, including spouses and children
Social Security Disability Eligibility
You must meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements to receive SSD benefits. The two main factors the SSA reviews during the application process are your:
Disability
The SSA considers your condition a qualifying disability if you:
- Cannot perform the work you did before
- Cannot adjust to other work because of your condition
- Have been disabled, or are expected to be disabled, for at least one year or your disability will result in death
Common examples of disabilities that may result in eligibility for SSD benefits include:
- Severe back and spinal disorders such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis
- Mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
- Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer, particularly aggressive or late-stage forms
- Chronic respiratory illnesses such as COPD or cystic fibrosis
- Intellectual or developmental disabilities such as autism or Down syndrome
Work History
Workers pay into the SSD system with taxes from their paychecks. The SSA assigns you credits based on how much you earned while working, with a maximum of four credits earned per year. You are eligible to receive SSD benefits if you earned at least the minimum number of credits (20) within the past 10 years you’ve worked.
COMMON REASONS YOUR SSD APPLICATION MAY BE DENIED
The SSA has strict requirements when reviewing and approving applications. This means that otherwise valid claims are often denied due to minor errors and mistakes.
Some of the most common reasons for denials include:
- Errors in your application forms
- Insufficient medical documentation
- Not meeting the criteria for disability
At Cofman Townsley, we understand how confusing and frustrating the SSD application process can be. Our experienced legal team is here to give you peace of mind by taking over the process for you, allowing you to relax and focus on spending time with your loved ones.
We’ll ease the SSD application burden on you and your family by:
- Reviewing your SSD application and ensuring it’s free from errors, omissions, and delays
- Gathering evidence of your disability that proves how it’s affecting your day-to-day life
- Helping you appeal your application if it’s denied by the SSA
WHAT IS SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people who are disabled, blind, or over age 65 and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI doesn’t require a work history or prior contributions to Social Security.
To qualify, you must:
- Meet the SSA’s definition of disability (if under age 65)
- Have very limited income and assets (as defined by federal limits)
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet specific immigration criteria
Benefits of SSI
- Monthly payments determined by federal and state guidelines
- Automatic eligibility for Medicaid in most states
- Additional state-specific supplements may be available
Income Requirements for SSI
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), applicants must meet strict income and resource limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These limits are designed to ensure that assistance is provided to individuals with the greatest financial need.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for both programs at the same time. If you’re unsure which type of claim applies to your situation or if you’re eligible to receive both, our experienced attorneys can help guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you need.
Fighting for You
If you need SSD benefits, you deserve legal help from professionals who know what it takes to get your claim approved. At Cofman Townsley, we have been helping injured people in Missouri and Southern Illinois since 1973.
Contact us today. Our legal team is ready to give your case the attention it deserves.