The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits to those unable to work due to a qualifying medical condition. Unfortunately, applying for and receiving these benefits can be complex and confusing. That’s where a Little Rock SSDI lawyer from Bailey & Galyen can help.
Our law firm has decades of experience navigating the SSDI claims process, ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your disability. If you are having trouble with your SSDI claim, contact our compassionate SSDI attorneys to learn how we can assist you.
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Little Rock SSDI Guide
- Why Choose Our SSDI Lawyers in Little Rock?
- What Are the Eligibility Requirements To Receive SSDI in Little Rock, AR?
- What Disabilities Qualify for SSDI Benefits in Little Rock, AR?
- How Can a Little Rock SSDI Lawyer Help Me Secure Benefits?
- Who Can Receive SSDI Benefits in Little Rock?
- What If I Don’t Have Work Credits for SSDI Benefits in Little Rock?
- How Long Does It Take to Get SSDI Benefits?
- How Do I Receive Payment When My SSDI Benefits Are Approved?
- Do I Have To Pay Taxes on SSDI Benefits?
- Little Rock SSDI Lawyer FAQs
- Trust a Little Rock SSDI Lawyer From Bailey & Galyen To Secure Your Financial Future
- Our Practice Areas
Why Choose Our SSDI Lawyers in Little Rock?
Bailey & Galyen has represented thousands of clients in SSDI cases and has a successful track record in securing the vital benefits our clients need.
Never underestimating your disability and its impact on your life, our team of lawyers will work tirelessly to build a strong case that proves your eligibility for SSDI benefits.
Our network includes medical experts and vocational specialists who can provide additional evidence to support your claim. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the benefits you deserve, and we will fight for your rights in front of administrative law judges if necessary.
We have a convenient office location serving Little Rock and the surrounding communities, and our team can help in English or Spanish. Unable to make it in due to your disability? We provide comprehensive and compassionate legal support online or by phone, or we can even come to you.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements To Receive SSDI in Little Rock, AR?
The main criteria for receiving SSDI benefits in Little Rock, AR, include:
- Having a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Under the age of 67
- Proof of employment for five of the last ten years
Additionally, claimants must be able to show that a licensed medical professional has diagnosed, documented, and approved Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.
Even if you don’t think you meet the requirements, consult an experienced SSDI lawyer who can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action. Often, individuals don’t realize they qualify for benefits or that they have a better chance of obtaining benefits with an attorney’s help.
What Disabilities Qualify for SSDI Benefits in Little Rock, AR?
The SSA has a strict definition of what qualifies as a disability. Having one or more of the following may qualify you for benefits:
- Hemophilia or blood disorder
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic heart failure
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Vision or hearing loss
- Coronary artery disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Mental disorder
- Immune disorder
- HIV/AIDS
- Lupus
- Kidney disease
- Amputation
- Diabetes
- Gastroparesis
- Avascular necrosis
- Depression – Bipolar
- Cancer – Sarcoma
- Inflammatory arthritis
- COPD
- Peripheral artery disease
Failing to have a qualifying condition for SSDI benefits is one of the main reasons why claims are denied. That’s why having an experienced lawyer who can help gather all the necessary medical documentation and evidence to support your claim is essential.
How Can a Little Rock SSDI Lawyer Help Me Secure Benefits?
Navigating the SSDI claims process is often overwhelming, especially when dealing with the trauma of a disability. An SSDI Lawyer in our Little Rock office can help ease the burden by:
- Assessing your case and determining eligibility for benefits
- Gathering all necessary medical evidence and documentation to support your claim
- Filing the initial application and any necessary appeals on your behalf
- Representing you in front of an administrative law judge if your claim is denied
- Negotiating with the SSA to ensure you receive the maximum amount of benefits possible
Without a lawyer, your chances of being approved for SSDI benefits are significantly lower. Statistics show that individuals represented by an attorney have a much higher rate of success in securing benefits.
Don’t risk missing out on the support to which you’re entitled. Contact one of our Little Rock SSDI lawyers to learn how to secure your benefits.
Who Can Receive SSDI Benefits in Little Rock?
Those living with a disability aren’t the only ones eligible to collect SSDI benefits. In some cases, spouses and dependents may also qualify for benefits based on a loved one’s disability.
A spouse may qualify for SSDI spousal benefits if they’ve been married for at least 1 year and meet one of the following conditions:
- Age 62 or older; or
- Serve as the primary caregiver for a child under 16; or
- Serve as the primary caregiver for a disabled child of any age.
In addition, former spouses married for a decade or more and certain recognized domestic partners and other non-married legal relationships may qualify.
In general, unmarried children may qualify if they are under the age of 17 or have been disabled since before the age of 21. In certain circumstances, other children, stepchildren, adopted children, and grandchildren may also qualify.
These additional benefits are a crucial source of financial support for families facing disability challenges. Having an experienced SSDI attorney can help you understand your options and maximize the benefits your family may deserve.
What If I Don’t Have Work Credits for SSDI Benefits in Little Rock?
If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may still be able to receive assistance through Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources.
Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require work credits but does have strict income and resource limits. A knowledgeable lawyer can help determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for SSI and assist you in applying for benefits.
How Long Does It Take to Get SSDI Benefits?
A Little Rock SSDI lawyer will work diligently to expedite the process and get the benefits you need as quickly as possible. However, the exact timeline for securing SSDI benefits can vary depending on:
- The completeness and accuracy of your application
- The severity and complexity of your disability
- Whether or not additional medical evaluations are required
It can take several months for the SSA to render an initial decision on an SSDI claim. Once it approves your claim, you might see your first payments within a month or two. There is a five-month waiting period from the time your disability starts, so your first payment will arrive no sooner than the sixth full month after your disability began. You may qualify for some retroactive payments—perhaps as much as 12 months’ worth, depending on when your disability began and when you applied for benefits.
This timeframe highlights the importance of filing your claim as soon as possible, especially if you are experiencing financial strain due to your disability. The longer you wait, the longer it may take to receive your benefits.
How Do I Receive Payment When My SSDI Benefits Are Approved?
Once your SSDI benefits are approved, you will receive monthly payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Payments come via check or direct deposit on Wednesdays according to the following schedule:
- The second Wednesday of the month if your birthday is between the first and 10th
- The third Wednesday of the month if your birthday is between the 11th and 20th
- The fourth Wednesday of the month if your birthday is between the 21st and 31st
If you have questions about receiving payments or need assistance with any other aspect of your SSDI case, our lawyers are here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation to see how we can assist in securing the benefits you deserve.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes on SSDI Benefits?
Arkansas does not tax SSDI benefits, but you may still be required to pay federal taxes depending on your total income based on the following metrics:
- Zero percent tax liability if your total income is less than $25,000 for individuals and $32,000 for married couples filing jointly
- 50 percent tax liability if your total income is between $25,000 and $34,000 for individuals and $32,000 and $44,000 for married couples filing jointly
- 85 percent tax liability if your total income exceeds $34,000 for individuals and $44,000 for married couples filing jointly
Our attorneys can connect you with financial experts who can explain any potential tax liability resulting from your SSDI benefits.
Little Rock SSDI Lawyer FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a Little Rock SSDI lawyer?
During your free consultation, we will discuss our contingency fee structure. This means we will not charge you legal fees unless we can secure benefits for you. This ensures you can receive professional legal representation without worrying about upfront costs that take away from an already limited income.
What if my SSDI claim has already been denied?
Our Little Rock SSDI lawyers can help you appeal the decision and fight for your right to receive benefits. Our team will thoroughly review your case, gather additional evidence if necessary, and represent you in front of an administrative law judge or appeals council.
Can I receive workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to receive workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits simultaneously. However, both programs have different eligibility requirements and can affect each other in terms of income and potential offsets. It is essential to consult with a lawyer who can help navigate the complexities of receiving benefits from both programs.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI benefits?
While both programs provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, the main difference between SSDI and SSI is that SSDI is based on work credits, while SSI is a needs-based program. Additionally, SSDI benefits are typically higher than SSI benefits. It is important to consult with an experienced lawyer who can help determine which program you may be eligible for and assist you in applying for benefits.
I am worried that it is taking so long to get my SSDI benefits. What can I do?
If you are experiencing financial strain while waiting for your SSDI benefits, our lawyers can help expedite the process and potentially secure expedited payments if your situation meets the required criteria.
Trust a Little Rock SSDI Lawyer From Bailey & Galyen To Secure Your Financial Future
Having a disability doesn’t mean that you have to struggle financially. With the help of an experienced Little Rock personal injury lawyer from Bailey & Galyen, you can secure the benefits you deserve and need for your daily expenses and future financial stability.
You can schedule a free case evaluation with an SSDI lawyer from our team online or at (501) 596-6253. We are available 24/7 to hear your story.
Our Practice Areas
Practicing law isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. Contact us now for a free case evaluation in any of the following practice areas:
- Medical Malpractice
- Wrongful Death
- Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Brain Injury/TBI
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Nursing Home Injuries
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Slip & Fall
- Dog Bite Injuries
- Workers’ Comp
- Social Security / Disability
- Family Law & Divorce
- Estate Planning
- Bicycle Accidents
Regardless of your legal issue, our award-winning legal professionals will work hard to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Little Rock Office
2200 Brookwood Dr # 100
Little Rock, AR 72202
Phone: 501-596-6253
