Social Security Disability Benefits Are Critical To Your Well-Being
Receiving the Social Security Disability Insurance/Supplemental Security Income (SSDI/SSI) benefits you need is crucial. Unfortunately, it is not an easy process to do on your own. With a lawyer’s help, however, you can increase your chances of getting the benefits.
Talk to attorney Daniel B. Scott in Bristol to learn how he can assist you. Daniel has more than 30 years of legal experience. In addition, he is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, which educates attorneys and advocates for people seeking benefits. You can trust his experience and knowledge in this area of law. For a free consultation with him, call his Bristol office at 860-838-7208.
The SSDI/SSI Process
Most people who apply for SSDI/SSI are initially denied. It is also common to be denied at the reconsideration stage. Daniel knows how to review denied claims and determine the reason for the denial. He can help you include the information the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires.
He can also help you with the hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). If necessary, he will represent you at the appeals council review. He thoroughly understands the process and will ensure that appeals deadlines are met.
To receive SSDI/SSI, your injuries must prevent you from working for at least a year. You may receive SSDI/SSI benefits for numerous physical and mental health conditions, such as:
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Amputations/loss of limb
- Head and brain injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorder
- Diabetes
- Heart disease and stroke
- Neurological disorders
- Cancer
- Arthritis
Some people are eligible for SSDI/SSI benefits and workers’ compensation benefits. It is important that you work with an attorney who knows how to obtain the maximum benefits from both programs.
What You Need To Know About Social Security Disability
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits often raises many questions. The process can feel complicated, but it is natural to feel uncertain about the next steps. Below, Daniel answers some of the most frequent questions residents in Bristol have about their SSD case.
What’s the difference between SSDI and SSI, and which might I qualify for?
SSDI provides benefits to people who have a significant work history. You earn these benefits by working and paying Social Security taxes over the years. On the other hand, SSI is a needs-based program for disabled adults and children with limited income and resources. Your work history does not determine SSI eligibility.
How long does the disability claim and appeals process typically take in Connecticut?
The SSD claim process in Connecticut currently takes about seven to eight months for most applicants to receive an initial decision. This waiting period can feel frustrating, especially when you need financial support for medical bills and daily expenses. If the SSA denies your first application, filing an appeal adds at least six more months to your timeline. Daniel understands these delays create hardships for families and works to build complete, compelling applications that increase your chances of early approval.
I was denied benefits – should I appeal or start a new application?
Receiving a denial letter is disheartening, but it is not the end of the road. In almost all situations, you should appeal the decision rather than start a new application. Appealing preserves your original application date, which is critical for securing past due benefits you may be owed. If you file a new claim, you lose that original date and could forfeit thousands of dollars in back pay.
Getting Benefits Takes Time, So Start Today
To set up your free consultation, simply call Daniel B. Scott Attorney at Law in Bristol at 860-838-7208 or contact the firm online. Daniel represents people throughout Connecticut.