How Can You Strengthen A Disability Claim In Mississippi?

Tips to Build a Strong Disability Claim in Mississippi

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If you live in Mississippi and you have a disability that is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may be considering whether or not you should file a claim for disability benefits. If this is the case, you probably want to do all you can to present your claim in the best possible light. After all, being unable to pay your bills can be stressful – so doing all you can to put forward a strong claim for benefits is smart. Let’s take a closer look at the types of benefits available and what you might be able to do to strengthen your claim.

What Types of Benefits are Available?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to seek disability benefits from a variety of sources, including short or long-term disability insurance policies, workers’ compensation benefits, veterans’ benefits, and others. One of the more commonly sought-after types of benefits, however, are Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration administers two types of disability benefit programs. These include:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance: SSDI benefits are benefits that the Social Security Administration pays to individuals who have a disability that has caused them to be unable to work for one continuous calendar year or more, and who are “insured.” To be “insured,” in the eyes of the Social Security Administration, the applicant must have regularly paid employment taxes from a job for a sufficient length of time into the Social Security system.
  • Supplemental Security Income: Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, those who seek SSI benefits do not need to be “insured.” Instead, they must have income and resources below a certain limit established annually by the Social Security Administration. They do, however, have to have a condition that the Social Security Administration considers to be a disability, and which has caused them to be unable to work for one continuous year or more.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to seek either of these types of benefits. This is known as receiving “concurrent” benefits. Regardless of whether you seek one or both types of benefits, there are steps you can take to make your case stronger.

Strategies for Strengthening Your Claim

It is important to understand, before even filing a claim, that approval is never guaranteed. In fact, the Social Security Administration often denies claims on the initial attempt, with some states having more than 60% of initial claims denied. The good news is that there are appeal options available, and a denial doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t continue to pursue your claim.

Nevertheless, putting your best foot forward the first time is important, and there are many ways to do so. Some of those ways include:

  • Presenting ample medical evidence: The importance of this element of a claim cannot be overstated. When the Social Security Administration is considering a claim, one of the very first things it will seek to determine is whether or not the applicant has a disability. In making this determination, the Social Security Administration often consults its listing of impairments, commonly known as the Blue Book. This guide covers a wide range of conditions and their associated symptoms. If you can establish, through sufficient medical evidence, that you have one of these conditions, you will typically increase your chances of approval.
  • Be careful and thorough in your application: You don’t want technical errors or accidental application omissions to result in a denial of your claim. When you are completing your application, it’s important to be careful and thorough. Be certain that you sign where you’re supposed to sign, give thorough answers to every question asked, and provide all information that is requested.
  • Seek assistance from a knowledgeable and experienced attorney: The importance of this last tip cannot be overstated. Legal matters can often be complicated and confusing – and disability claims are no different. You don’t want to overlook your chance to assert important rights, and you don’t want to make unintentional errors that can be costly down the road.

These are only a few of many ways you might strengthen your claim for disability benefits. Obviously, every claim is unique, and there may be additional ways that you can strengthen your particular claim. Consulting with an attorney is always helpful. At Muse Disability, we’re here for you.

Call Muse Disability Today

At Muse Disability, we know that when you’re struggling with a disability that has caused you to be unable to work, disability benefits can be tremendously helpful in relieving financial stress. That’s why we know how worried you may feel about making sure you do everything possible to present the best claim you can. The good news is, you don’t have to worry and wonder alone. We’re here to help. Our knowledgeable and experienced team of attorneys understands every aspect of the disability claims process, and we’ll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started today, give us a call. We look forward to helping you soon.

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