If you are contemplating applying for social security disability in Tulsa OK, it’s important to understand what to expect during this process. For starters, you need to clearly understand the benefits you are entitled to, which will depend on your age, employment history, and the period for which you’ve been out of work.
What to expect from a disability lawyer in Tulsa OK
Disability benefits are awarded to workers who have attained a certain number of work credits over the years. That’s why the first thing disability lawyers in Tulsa OK often do is to evaluate their client’s employment history. This would give them a proper understanding of the kind of benefits you qualify for before they can proceed with your application.
Another important aspect of the initial evaluation done by a disability lawyer involves understanding the illness or injury that is keeping you out of work. The SSA will have to review your medical documents to determine if your application is medically eligible. The eligibility of your application is based on federal rules and regulations, which experienced disability lawyers understand inside and out.
Will you qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits?
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have made contributions to the social security system for the required number of years. Additionally, you must have received a medical diagnosis for a physical or medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one whole year or lead to death. Dependents of individuals who are suffering from terminal conditions or long-term illnesses that have kept them off work can also qualify for SSDI benefits. They include spouses and children of insured workers.
On the other hand, SSI benefits apply mostly to those who do not have enough work credits either because they have never been employed or haven’t worked long enough to qualify for SSDI benefits. SSI is also ideal for those who have limited assets and need financial support to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing after a disability.
Are there other options to receive benefits?
Another option that the best disability lawyers in Tulsa OK also explore is the employers’ worker’s compensation insurance. This type of coverage is designed to ensure anyone who becomes permanently or temporarily disabled and is unable to perform their work duties can also qualify for benefits to cater for medical care if they’ve suffered a work-related injury. Temporary benefits will often cover lost wages for a short period.
In Oklahoma, employer’s worker’s compensation insurance is no-fault insurance, which simply means that individuals covered will benefit regardless of who caused the work-related injury. Workers compensation insurance typically doesn’t cover any injuries or illnesses that are not work-related.
By hiring experienced disability lawyers in Tulsa OK, you can get help to maneuver this somewhat complex process of applying for disability benefits. Your lawyer will explain the difference between SSI and SSDI benefits and recommend a suitable approach that will allow you to get the most benefits.
Contact us today if you have any questions regarding SSI or SSDI
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