If you are currently an
applicant in the workers’ compensation system, you should also consider making
a claim for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security
disability program is a federal program, which may provide monetary and medical
benefits to recipients.
Social Security benefits are
provided through two different programs: Social Security disability insurance
(“SSDI”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”). An attorney can help
determine which, if either, of these programs you may qualify for. The
good news is that the application process for both programs is very
similar.
The application process can
be long. A large majority of people are denied for their initial application.
Many of these same people are denied after their first appeal. It is only
after the second appeal, and after a hearing before an Administrative Law
Judge, that you have your best chance to be declared disabled. This
entire process can take more than two years. However, if you are
currently within the workers’ compensation process, or if you have recently
completed it, there is minimal additional work involved for you.
There is another benefit to
applying for Social Security benefits concurrent with or soon after a workers’
compensation claim: you will already have an extensive and detailed medical
record and multiple medical evaluations with which to help prove your
disability claim. If an attorney at Mastagni Holstedt, APC is representing
you in a workers’ compensation claim, you can speak with them regarding
the possibility of filing a Social Security disability claim.
Mastagni Holstedt, APC has
extensive experience representing disabled persons in their claim for Social Security
benefits. If you are interested in applying, or have applied and been
denied, please contact Andrew Doriott at our office at (916) 491-4224.