If you live in Missouri and you have a disability that has caused you to be unable to work, you may wonder whether you’re entitled to disability benefits, and if so, how to go about pursuing them. Without question, these benefits can help significantly to reduce financial stress and provide stability during a difficult time. Knowing more about eligibility for benefits and how to pursue those benefits can provide peace of mind and optimism about the future. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.

What Benefits Should You Pursue?

Depending upon your particular situation and the circumstances that led to your disability, you may be able to pursue various disability benefits. If you are a veteran who was injured in the course of service, you may be able to pursue veteran’s disability benefits. If you work for an employer who has a short or long-term disability policy, you may be able to pursue those benefits. If you were injured at work, you may be able to pursue workers’ compensation benefits.

And regardless of whether or not you qualify for any of the foregoing benefits, you may be able to pursue disability benefits from the Social Security Administration if you meet the qualifying criteria. The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits to individuals depending on their particular qualifications. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). benefits.

To pursue either type of benefit, the applicant must have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled for one continuous calendar year or more. SSDI benefits are intended for individuals who are “insured.” To be insured, an applicant must have worked at a job for a sufficient length of time, during which they regularly paid part of their salary in taxes into the Social Security system. To receive SSI benefits, by contrast, an applicant may not be insured, but does need to have income and resources below a specific limit established each year by the Social Security Administration.

How to Pursue Benefits

Depending on which type of benefit you ultimately decide to pursue, certain steps will differ from one type of benefit to the other. However, many steps are the same for all types of benefits. These include:

• Finding the right attorney: The importance of this first step cannot be overstated. Having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference between a smooth process and a stressful one. An attorney who knows and understands the law will be able to offer advice regarding your particular situation and ensure that you’re doing all you can to protect your rights and pursue the benefits you need and deserve.
• Gather evidence: No matter which type of benefit you pursue, you must have medical evidence substantiating your claim. This can include records from doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and others. It will be important to show your condition, its accompanying symptoms, and its effect on your everyday life.
• Completing the paperwork: Depending on the type of benefit you are seeking, different paperwork will be required, but all claims will require completing necessary paperwork and filing it with the appropriate authorities. Your attorney can offer advice on your particular type of benefit and what paperwork you need.

• Wait for a decision: Depending upon the type of benefit you are pursuing and how busy the agency involved might be, a decision on your claim can take anywhere from a couple of months to several months. Most types of benefits offer a way to check the claim status online, or you can follow up with your attorney on the status of your case at any time.

As noted, these steps may vary from one type of benefit to the other, but it can still be helpful to understand the process as you move forward with whatever type of claim you intend to pursue.

What if My Claim is Denied?

This is a commonly asked question, and it’s important because claims, at least those for Social Security disability benefits, are often denied on the first attempt. If your claim is denied, it doesn’t mean that you’ll never be approved for benefits. It simply means that you may need to continue to pursue your claim by filing a request for reconsideration, or a later stage of appeal if necessary. If you find yourself in this situation, a knowledgeable and experienced attorney can help you assess the reasons for the denial and put together a strong appeal to support your case.

Call Muse Disability Today

At Muse Disability, we know that being disabled can be stressful in so many ways – and the last thing you need when you’re in a stressful situation is to add more stress. You don’t need to worry and wonder about whether you’re doing all you can to pursue the benefits you need and deserve. At Muse Disability, we’re here to help. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we’ll fight for you every step of the way. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.