At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we understand you may feel trapped if you have a mental or physical condition threatening your ability to hold a job. You may worry about how you will pay your bills or support your family if you are forced out of work. You should know, a safety net may be available through the Social Security Administration.
We Can Help You Secure the Benefits You Are Entitled To
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are designed to provide financial support to individuals with a medical condition that has prevented them from continuing to work, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other serious injuries or illnesses.
Helping You Navigate Past Any Hurdles to Secure SSDI Benefits in Mississippi
The demand for Social Security Disability benefits is high, adding to the complexity of securing benefits for individuals and families in need. In fact, most requests for Social Security Disability benefits are initially denied.
Do not feel discouraged if your initial claim is denied. An experienced disability attorney in Mississippi at our firm can help you navigate past any bureaucratic hurdles. At the law firm of Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we understand you need real answers. We want to take the mystery out of securing SSD/SSDI benefits.
How to File for Disability in Mississippi
The three steps generally involved in applying for SSD/SSDI benefits include:
- Initial application: You can apply at your local district Social Security Administration office or online at https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/. You should not be discouraged if your initial application is denied. Most disability applications are initially declined.
- Reconsideration: The next step in the process is called the request for reconsideration. While you may be granted benefits during reconsideration, most requests are denied.
- Request for a hearing: This is the stage where you should contact our disability law firm. You can appeal your denied claim at a hearing before an administrative law judge. It is critical to have an experienced disability lawyer in Mississippi represent you at this hearing.
Can You Work Part-Time on Social Security Disability?
You are allowed to work part-time while collecting Social Security disability benefits as long as your income does not exceed a specific limit set by the Social Security Administration. This is known as the substantial gainful activity, or SGA, limit.
As of 2020, the SGA limit is $1,260 per month. If you work and make more than this monthly amount, the Social Security Administration will assume that you are capable of performing a “substantial” amount of work and, therefore, you will not be eligible to receive benefits. In addition, when determining whether you are eligible for benefits, the Social Security Administration will also take into account the total number of hours you work; the more hours you work, the less likely you will be eligible for benefits.
As a side note, applicants applying for Social Security disability because they are blind are subject to an SGA limit of $2,110 as of 2020. Additionally, regardless of your disability, after you begin receiving SSDI benefits, there is a “trial work period” of nine months in which you are allowed to earn more than the SGA limit.
Handling Supplemental Security Income Claims
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed to help disabled adults and children with limited financial resources. Applying for Supplemental Security Income follows the same three steps as applications for Social Security Disability benefits. If you have been turned down for SSI during your initial application and reconsideration, our disability lawyer in Mississippi can represent you during your appeal.
Contact Our DeSoto County Social Security Disability Attorney
You may feel like you have walked into a minefield trying to secure SSDI or SSI benefits. Unfortunately, securing disability benefits can be a long, difficult process. We are committed to providing you with straight answers, so you have a clear picture of the steps ahead.
Contact our disability attorneys in Mississippi for a free consultation. We will take every measure possible to help you overcome any hurdles to secure the benefits you need.
Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman helps those who have social security & disability claims throughout Northern Mississippi including the cities of Southaven and Hernando as well as the counties of DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tunica.
