Social Security Disability Attorneys in Jackson, MS

From your relationships and hobbies to your finances and ability to earn a living, suffering a disability can affect many aspects of your life. If you’ve found yourself in this precarious position, our social security disability attorneys in Jackson may be able to help.

Our SSDI lawyers can assist with all elements of the application process, such as obtaining medical records to prove the extent of your disability to handling any appeals if necessary. Call 601-487-8448 to set up a free consultation.

Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

To qualify for SSDI, you will need to prove that you have been unable to work for a year or more due your disability, or that it’s unlikely you will be able to return to work in the next 12 months. Be aware that if your medical condition is likely to result in death, this rule does not apply.

Why Was My Application Denied?

If your condition leaves you unable to work, you’re likely hoping to gain access to disability benefits to help make ends meet. However, applying for SSDI is often not as straightforward as it seems. It’s far too easy to make crucial errors that will either result in delays or lead to the denial of your claim.

Below are a few common reasons why applications are denied:

• Lack of Medical Evidence: The success of your SSDI application will likely hinge on the strength of the medical evidence you’ve provided. Keep in mind that you will not only need to demonstrate that you suffer from a debilitating injury or condition, but that your medical state also interferes with your ability to earn a living. As such, you need to produce medical records that detail how your disability impacts your home and work life. For instance, if you’ve been experiencing back pain that makes it impossible to perform some of your job functions, but you did not share this information with your doctor, it’s unlikely that your claim will be approved. Make sure to discuss how your disability is affecting you with your doctor during follow-ups. Can you still tackle household chores? Are you able to drive? Do you find it difficult to sit for long periods of time? Doctor’s notes excusing you from work may also help support your claim.

• Prior Claims Were Denied: If your previous claim was denied, you may think you’re better off starting from scratch and submitting a fresh application. However, if the assessor notices that you were denied benefits before, your new claim may get the same treatment as before. Instead, you should make use of the appeals process.

• You Already Earn Enough: Many of those with disabilities are able to do at least some work to make ends meet. However, if you earn $1,220 or more per month, you will not be eligible to receive disability benefits. Earnings exceeding this amount are classified as “substantial gainful activity” by the SSA, and those who breach this limit will be disqualified from receiving funds.

• You Failed to Follow Your Treatment Plan: As part of your recovery, your doctor may instruct you to complete certain exercises, take prescription medication, and book time off work to let your injuries heal. If it’s clear that you aren’t following your doctor’s orders, it will make it difficult for the SSA to accurately determine if your condition actually prevents you from working. It’s possible that had you adhered to your treatment plan, you may not be experiencing many of the limitations that currently impede your ability to work.

• You Failed to Cooperate: As part of the application process, you may be instructed to attend medical exams and provide additional documentation. Failing to follow through on the SSA’s instructions could result in prolonged proceedings or lead to the denial of your application. As such, you should respond to requests promptly and submit outstanding documents in a timely manner.

• You Are Too Young: Older applicants have a higher likelihood of receiving disability benefits than those who are younger. According to the SSA, most disabilities will deteriorate as people get older, and those in their fifties or sixties are often unable to adapt to a different types of work. However, the outcome of your claim will still depend largely on the severity of your disability. For instance, if you suffer from epileptic seizures, you will have a convincing case for SSDI regardless of whether you’re in your late seventies or early twenties.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Application?

Whether your claim was recently denied or you’re preparing to file a new application, you may be considering seeking legal representation. While there are many scenarios where you can comfortably handle your claim on your own, depending on the nature of your disability, you may benefit from the advice, guidance, and representation of an attorney.

At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we’ve helped many of our clients gain access to the funds they need to start paying off their medical bills and day-to-day expenses. Here are a few ways we can assist you with your case:

• Prepare Your Application: In an ideal world, completing an application would be as easy as filling out a few forms. However, in order for your claim to succeed, you will also need to provide supplementary documentation to demonstrate that your disability prevents you from working. Such evidence may include detailed medical records, IRS forms, personal information, medication history, letters from your doctor, and employment history. Our lawyers can help prepare your claim by taking steps to obtain the necessary records and other important information.

• Communicate with the Social Security Administration: Once you’ve filed your application, you may need to communicate with individuals at the SSA. For instance, representatives might request additional documentation or require you to attend medical examinations. The back-and-forth nature of the application process can be exhausting, especially as you’re likely grappling with pain and other complications stemming from your disability. An attorney can handle all correspondence with SSA, giving you the time and space to take care of yourself and those closest to you.

• Handle Appeals: If your application is denied, our lawyers can help handle any reconsiderations or appeals.

Speak to a Social Security Disability Attorney in Jackson Today

If you’ve been left unable to work after suffering a serious injury, you may benefit from discussing your SSDI application with a lawyer. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we understand the emotional, financial, and physical toll a temporary or permanent disability can take on the whole family. That’s why we strive to help victims obtain the funds they need to get their lives back on track. Call 601-487-8448 or use our Contact Page to connect with one of our social security disability attorneys in Jackson, Mississippi.