If you have worked in Maine in the past but now suffer from a disability and are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance, the Bangor attorneys at McCue Law Office are here to help. The first two significant qualifications you must meet to be considered for approval in your disability claim are that you were employed in positions covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability. Additionally, you must have worked long enough to accrue credits that qualify you for disability benefits. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation, and as you read, we will highlight the key moments to be aware of during your disability claim process.
When to Apply
If you have become disabled or have a medical condition that prevents you from working, you should apply for Social Security disability benefits right away. According to the Federal Social Security Administration, these benefits have a five-month waiting period that begins the first full month after the date that the administration determines your disability began. In cases where your disability is a result of ALS, there is no waiting period. The McCue Law Office is a Maine law firm that specializes in Social Security Disability insurance. We offer assistance with the application process and will help you navigate the legal system to get your benefits approved.
When Benefits Begin
If your SSDI application is approved, you will have to wait five months before receiving payments, which means you wouldn’t receive your first payment until the sixth full month after the date it is determined that your disability began. If Social Security concludes that you became disabled even earlier than when you applied, it can pay retroactive benefits for up to 12 months between the end of your waiting period and when it approved your claim. If you are initially denied benefits but later win on appeal, Social Security can pay back benefits based on when you first applied, even if it exceeds 12 months.
When to Start an Appeal
If your claim for disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income was recently denied, you are entitled to an appeal of the decision. Typically, you have 60 days after you receive the notice of the SSA’s decision to request an appeal. Our team at McCue Law Office has extensive experience and knowledge pertaining to the appeals process and myriad scenarios involving the Social Security Administration. We will advise you on the best course of action and which of the four levels of appeal you should choose:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative hearing
- Appeals Council review
- Federal Court review
Once the determination on your claim is initially made, you will receive a letter outlining the decision and containing guidance on what level of appeal you should select. If you have any questions or would like a free consultation about your Social Security disability claim or appeal, contact us today!
Disability Onset Date
The date wherein you become disabled is the date on which the Social Security Administration theorizes that your disability has been such that you can no longer work. If you’re applying for benefits, you’ll need proof or relevant evidence to substantiate the date you believe your disability started. This is often referred to as your alleged onset date. This date can either be approved or adjusted before becoming your established onset date. Obtaining an accurate disability onset date is crucial because it affects your eligibility to receive benefits.
If you live in Maine and have recently become disabled or have a debilitating medical condition that prevents you from being able to work, you should consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Whether you have already applied or are considering the option, contact our Bangor attorneys today. McCue Law Office is ready to provide you with a free consultation and assist you throughout the arduous process of receiving disability benefits.