Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the addition of 52 new medical conditions being added to the Compassionate Allowances Program, according to Insurancenews.net. The Compassionate Allowances Program provides vital assistance to individuals whose conditions meet the qualifications necessary to receive Social Security disability benefits, and more than 60,000 disability claimants received fast track-assistance through this program in 2011 alone. The program was created in 2008 to more quickly identify initial disability claims that qualify for Social Security benefits based on a predetermined list of medical conditions and diseases.

The new medical conditions added will officially take effect in August and include a variety of diseases, but cancers, rare diseases, and neurologic disorders are primarily covered. Several of the newly added conditions may also affect children who may also be receiving disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Annually, an estimated 3 million people apply for Social Security disability benefits, and those with conditions which fall under the Allowances Program benefit from this latest effort to speed up their claims through the disability review process.

Understanding the guidelines and qualifications for Social Security Disability can be difficult, and the application process can be frustrating. With assistance from a Baltimore social security disability attorney, the process can be made quicker and much simpler for a claimant. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is committed to helping those seeking disability benefits receive the assistance they need and will be by their side throughout the entire process. To discuss your disability claim, please call our offices at (877) 228-4878.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits in Maryland can become very complicated. In the simplest terms, a person qualifies for Social Security Disability Income/Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they have held a job or jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA), in fact, has several detailed requirements that a person must meet if they are to qualify for benefits.

If you have become disabled and cannot work, and plans to apply for Social Security disability in Maryland, a knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for benefits and also work with you through the application process. However, having general knowledge of the requirements will be beneficial, even if you speak with an attorney. A person qualifies for Social Security disability under the following circumstances:

• They have a mental or physical condition that prevents them from working, both their current or any past jobs;
• Their condition is expected continue for at least 1 year, or result in death;
• They are less than 65 years of age; and
• They have, generally, worked 5 out of the last 10 years as of the determined “start date” of the disability. Age is a factor and may alter the number of work years required.

The above represent only the “general” qualification requirements. There are a number of exceptions and/or special circumstances that may alter a specific person’s prerequisites and one who is ill or injured and cannot work does not have the time to analyze the SSA’s “fine print.”

Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is an experienced Baltimore Social Security disability attorney and can help you through the Social Security disability claim process so that you receive the benefits you deserve as soon as possible. Contact Mr. Heisler at 877-228-4878 today so that he may answer any questions you may have.