Tuscaloosa Social Security Disability Lawyer

You’ve worked hard your entire life and paid into the Social Security system with every paycheck. And now, you find yourself unable to work and need financial help. Applying for Social Security Disability can be overwhelming when you’re injured or in ill health. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) benefits. However, many initial SSDI applications are denied. Contact a Tuscaloosa Social Security Disability Lawyer from Mezrano Law firm today.

This doesn’t mean you should give up. Often, SSDI applicants receive their benefits if they keep fighting. The Social Security Disability lawyers at Mezrano Law Firm in Tuscaloosa have decades of experience in SSDI claims. We can review your initial claim or work with you on an appeal to ensure you secure the benefits you deserve for your disabling injury or condition. Set up a consultation with our office today.

You can visit the Tuscaloosa Social Security office at 2005 University Blvd, Ste 1200, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401. Their phone number is 1-877-480-4988.

Eligibility for SSDI in Tuscaloosa

When considering your application, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will first consider whether or not your condition meets their criteria for long-term disability, using their Blue Book. A person is disabled if they are unable to:

• Engage in substantial and gainful activity due to a medical, physical or mental ailment that may result in death or has lasted, or can be expected to last, for at least one year.
• Perform the requirements of the job they held before they became impaired.
• Adjust to other types of work because of the physical or psychological impairment combined with their level of education, age, and past experience.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of debilitating conditions that make an individual eligible for SSDI benefits, also listed in the Blue Book.

• Cancer – typically most types of cancer affecting numerous areas of the body.
• Cardiovascular conditions - congenital or acquired disorders affecting the heart or circulatory system, like chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease.
• Digestive disorders - gastrointestinal hemorrhaging, chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or short bowel syndrome (SBS).
• Endocrine disorders – hormonal imbalances leading to complications in various parts of the body.
• Genitourinary problems – chronic kidney disease or related complications.
• Hematological disorders – hemolytic anemias, such as sickle cell anemia and bone marrow failure disorders.
• Immune system disorders – including HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
• Mental disorders – anxiety, depression, autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability.
• Multi-body system congenital disorders – congenital disorders affecting multiple body systems.
• Musculoskeletal conditions - joint dysfunctions, spine disorders, amputations, tarsal bone fractures, upper extremity fractures and soft tissue injuries.
• Neurological disorders – cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Respiratory conditions - chronic respiratory disorders like asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic pulmonary hypertension and lung transplants.
• Senses and speech problems - visual disorders such as statutory blindness and loss of hearing.
• Skin conditions – ichthyosis, bullous diseases, dermatitis and other chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes.

If you have a disability that doesn’t satisfy the exact requirements for one of these conditions can still be approved if the SSA decides your condition is medically equivalent to one of the impairments on this list. Your Tuscaloosa Social Security Disability attorney can help you work with the SSA to prove the severity of your disability and condition.

Types of Social Security Disability benefits

The Social Security Administration provides two types of benefits – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• SSDI benefits are available to people have worked at least five of the last 10 years and have a qualifying condition.
• SSI benefits are available to people with low income who are blind, disabled or over the age of 65.

As you can see, the major difference between the two programs is based primarily on income level.

How a Tuscaloosa SSDI attorney can help

You may file your own SSDI claim without the help of an attorney. However, even the most straightforward claim can be denied for any number of reasons – big or small. Having an experienced and competent lawyer on your side can make all the difference in whether your claim is approved or rejected.

Because of the complexity of SSDI and SSI claims, applicants can often get confused over medical terminology and complicated paperwork. Novice mistakes can result in denial of benefits – but don’t give up! The legal team at Mezrano Law Firm can help give you a better chance at approval and securing the benefits you need.

We can:

• Prepare a proper claim for benefits
• Monitor the status of your claim
• Represent you in meetings with the SSA
• Ensure you receive all of the benefits to which you’re entitled
• If your claim is denied, we build a strong appeal
• Request hearings on your behalf and move forward aggressively as necessary

If you have any questions about SSDI, feel free to get in touch with us today.

Compassionate Tuscaloosa SSDI attorneys

The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Mezrano Law Firm can walk you through every step of the process to ensure you have the best chance at success. Let us help you with your initial claim, or build a strong appeal if your claim has been denied.