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Springdale Social Security Disability Lawyers

Springdale Social Security Disability Lawyers

Springdale Social Security Disability Lawyers

Social security benefits can be difficult to obtain, even though Americans have paid into the program.

Social security benefits can be difficult to obtain, even though Americans have paid into the program. Due to the many rules and regulations for qualifying, it can be difficult to understand how to qualify, when, and what you need to prove to get benefits. This is why it makes sense to discuss your situation with a qualified and knowledgeable social security disability benefits attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. HatfieldIt is important to know that each case is unique. The circumstances of each case can vary. No two applicants will receive the same outcome for the same disability. Your social security disability benefits attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield can outline what is applicable in your unique case. You deserve your benefits when you need help. We fight for you to get them.

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The Social Security Disability Program

Social security disability is a massive program in size and scope. In 2020, benefits were paid to over 9.5 million Americans. This number includes awards to disabled workers, accounting for 89 percent of all awards to disabled beneficiaries. In 2020, payments totaled almost $11.6 billion, and benefits were ended for 892,811 disabled workers. Employees accounted for the largest share of disabled beneficiaries at 85 percent, and the average age of those beneficiaries was 55. The biggest group of those receiving benefits were diagnosed with connective tissue and musculoskeletal issues, with an average monthly benefit of $1,277.05.
Statistics about Social Security Disibility
Man with amputated leg working at jobsite

Defining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social security disability insurance is accessible to disabled workers under 65 who have gained many work credits by working. SSDI offers those eligible monthly benefits that can be used to pay for life’s daily overhead, including transportation, food, and utility bills. The process of qualifying for SSDI is not easy, and numerous Social Security Administration often initially denies claims. (SSA) This is why it is often best to discuss your case with an experienced social security disability attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield. With our assistance and persistence, your chances of being approved for SSDI can dramatically increase. We will help guide you and ensure the right documentation is submitted on time.

What You Should Know About Social Security Disability

Steps to Take When Applying for SSDI in Arkansas

Depending on an individual’s circumstances, a claim could have initially been denied. It’s important to remember that denials can happen at any stage of the process.

Without denials, typical steps for applying for SSDI in Arkansas include:

1. The initial application for SSDI.
2. A request for reconsideration.
3. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing.
4. Review by Appeals Council.
5. Federal court.

Every step of the process has a different denial rate.The first two stages typically have poor approval rates. These claims may be approved at the ALJ stage or later.

In Arkansas, the SSDI approval and denial rates are:

An initial application for SSDI
Approval rate is approximately 30.3 percent. Denial rate approximately 69.7 percent.

Request for reconsideration
Approval rate approximately 8.7 percent. Denial rate approximately 91.3 percent.

ALJ hearing
Approval rate approximately 49.6 percent. Denial rate approximately 50.4 percent.

SSDI Qualifications in Arkansas

SSDI applicants must meet specific standards that can be difficult to comprehend. This is because the definition of disability, as outlined by the SSA, is:

The Definition of Disability

 You cannot be gainfully employed.
• You are disabled due to a severe medical injury/disease.
• The disability is expected to last or has been ongoing for at least a year.

Per the definition of what constitutes a disability, the SSA has an evaluation process to determine if an applicant is disabled. The 5 SSDI questions asked include:

1. Are you working or engaged in a substantially gainful activity?
2. Is your physical and/or mental condition severe?
3. Does your medical condition meet the severity of a listing?
4. Can you do any of your past relevant work?
5. Can you adjust to do other work?

Determining what evidence needs to be presented, which forms are required, and what deadlines need to be overwhelming for most people. A social security disability attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield can help you sort things out and get you on track with an SSDI application.

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Causes of workplace accidents in Arkansas

SSDI Definition of Work Categories

SSDI vocational guidelines fall into five activity categories:

Sedentary work: you can lift 10 pounds occasionally, and sit for 6 to 8 hours a day.

Light work: you can lift 10 pounds often and 20 pounds occasionally, and stand and walk for 6 to 8 hours a day.

Medium work: you can lift 25 pounds often and 50 pounds occasionally, and stand and walk for 6 to 8 hours a day.

Heavy work: you can lift or carry 100 pounds and often 50 pounds.

Very heavy work: you can lift 100 pounds and often lift 50 pounds or more.

Conditions the SSA Reviews for SSDI Applicants

There are no conditions that automatically qualify a worker for disability benefits. However, the SSA does review the following types of applications for SSDI:

  • Mental disorders – such as depression, anxiety
  • Cancer – such as malignant abnormal tissue mass diseases
  • Immune system disorders – such as lupus, inflammatory arthritis
  • Endocrine disorders – such as thyroid and/or pituitary gland disorders
  • Congenital disorders – those that affect multiple body systems
  • Neurological disorders – such as brain tumors, epilepsy
  • Cardiovascular system disorders – such as chronic heart failure
  • Cardiovascular system disorders – such as chronic heart failure
  • Digestive system disorders – such as liver dysfunction, IBD
  • Genitourinary disorders – such as diseases affecting genital, urinary organs
  • Hematological disorders – such as blood and blood-forming diseases 
  • Skin disorders – such as burns, dermatitis
  • Musculoskeletal disorders – such as joint injuries, spine injuries
  • Special senses and speech – such as blindness or visual disorders
  • Respiratory disorders – such as asthma, chronic bronchitis

The Two Different Types of Social Security Disability in Arkansas

There are two types of social security disability in Arkansas: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Social Security Income (SSI). These two programs are different.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an entitlement program. It is for disabled individuals who paid into the Social Security system for at least ten years. The benefits are based on the amount of your lifetime earnings before you became disabled. You must also have a qualifying disability.

Social Security Income (SSI) is a “needs-based” program. To qualify, you must have limited assets and income. SSI requires recipients to have less than $2,000 in assets for a single person and $3,000 for a couple. It is complicated and based on countable income. Your social security disability lawyer can explain.

Contact the Springdale Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

Are you unsure if you have a case? Are you unsure what to do or how to prove you qualified for SSDI benefits? You are not alone. Reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield by calling 479-361-3575. Our dedicated Springdale team of social security disability lawyers are here to help. Call us today for a free initial consultation. Find out what you can expect for a filed SSDI claim. We know you have questions, and we are here to answer them. Call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield today at 479-361-3575.

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