Colorado Springs Social Security lawyer helping disabled people obtain the benefits they deserve
If you are unable to work because of illness or injury, you may be thinking about applying for Social Security disability benefits, or perhaps you have already applied. As a dedicated Colorado Springs disability lawyer, I would like to offer my help.
Dealing with a huge government agency like the Social Security Administration is a challenge for anyone. But when you have significant health problems, it is especially daunting. Social Security laws and regulations are complex and the application and appeals process is confusing.
I have prepared this website to clear up some of your confusion and answer your most urgent questions. I hope you find my videos and articles informative and helpful.
If you have further questions, please contact me at the Law Office of Stephanie J. Stevenson. At my Colorado Springs disability law firm, you can expect straight talk and legal services with a personal touch. Let my staff and me guide your claim through the process so that you can concentrate on taking care of yourself.
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- You must not be engaged in
- You must have a severe “medically determinable impairment” that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. A “medically determinable impairment” is a condition that can be established through medically acceptable diagnostic techniques.
- You must be unable to do your “past relevant work.” Past relevant work has a complicated definition, but, put simply, you must be unable to do the easiest job you have done in the past 15 years.
- You must be unable to do other jobs that exist in the national economy considering your age, education, and work experience.
What does it take to qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
This is the question my Colorado Springs Social Security clients most often ask. The answer is complicated and depends on your age, work experience, and the nature of your disability.
You have to have worked in jobs covered by Social Security for a sufficient period of time. And you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability:
To qualify for benefits, most claimants will need to show that they are unable to do a full time job. That means they cannot work for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, at a satisfactory pace and quality. The rules are somewhat easier for older claimants and claimants with limited education.
For more information on qualifying for benefits, watch my video Are You Likely to Qualify or read The sequential evaluation process.
If you meet the disability criteria, you will be entitled to a monthly cash benefit. You will also be eligible for Medicare 29 months from the date your disability began.
Your disability benefits will usually continue until you are able to return to work on a regular basis. Special rules, called work incentives, provide continued benefits and in some cases health care coverage while giving you a chance to attempt to return to work.
Should I appeal if my claim is denied?
This is another question I frequently hear from my Colorado Springs disability clients. Although you may feel discouraged if your claim is denied, you should not give up. The majority–about two-thirds, in fact–of all claims are denied initially.
By appealing a denial you can improve your chances of qualifying for benefits. Over half of all claimants who appeal are ultimately successful.
The initial decision on your claim is based entirely on the documents in your file. The decision maker never meets you. But, after you appeal, you will have a hearing before an administrative law judge.
The judge can observe you and listen to your testimony about your pain and other health problems. The judge will hear from your witnesses about how your medical condition has affected your life. And, you will have help from your Colorado Springs disability lawyer. Your lawyer will lay out your case for the judge, cross-examine vocational and medical experts, and make arguments to help the judge reach a favorable decision.
To learn more, watch my video How the Judge Determines Disability. For information and tips on appealing, see Advice for appealing.
Personalized, compassionate assistance from a Colorado Springs disability attorney
Assistance from an experienced Colorado Springs Social Security lawyer can improve your chances of success with your initial application or with an appeal. Helping people get benefits. It’s what we do all day long. And we’re ready to help you, too.
If you would like an evaluation of your case, please describe your claim using the form to the upper left of this page, and I will respond promptly. Or you may contact me at:
Stephanie J. Stevenson
Colorado Springs disability lawyer
Santa Fe Building
985 Pico Point
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
