When to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Nashville

Knowing when to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be tricky for those applying (otherwise known as the claimant) because of the many factors involved. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has to establish that a person is totally disabled, not part-time or partially disabled, and unable to work. But timing can be everything in these cases, and having a sense of when to apply can mean the difference between a three-month process and a two-year one.

When Should I Apply?

If a claimant applies at the wrong time – for instance, if he or she applies when a condition just begins and they can still work – the application will be denied. As the disability worsens and the claimant can no longer work, he or she will still be stuck in the lengthy appeal process since the original application was denied.

At Larry R. Williams, PLLC, our attorneys have experience helping disabled parties in Tennessee earn SSI benefits. We advise the perfect time to apply for benefits and help claimants understand the rules the SSA abides by in determining disability. Our attorneys know how to satisfy all of the documentation and evidential requirements, and we can stand up for your rights as a disabled citizen in court.

When Should I Stop Working?

Unless you are likely to sustain an injury, continue working until your disability won’t allow it. Even if you have to move to part time employment instead of full time, continue work for as long as you can. If you have a physically demanding job, consider other, less strenuous options you might qualify for. These are all considerations the SSA will bring up if you apply for SSI benefits before your disability has completely rendered you unable to work and after they’ve denied your request.

See a medical professional about your condition and document what he or she says about you. If the doctor believes your current condition makes you unfit for work, or that working will further your physical or mental impairment, you can be reasonably certain the SSA will come to the same conclusion. If the doctor believes you can work for a longer time, you can assume the SSA will say you aren’t disabled.

The SSA uses a list of disabling impairments to judge if your condition is a total disability. You can cross-check your condition with this list, and see if you’d be an automatic approval. If your condition isn’t listed, it doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for benefits. It just means the SSA representative will have to take other measures to determine disability.

Once you believe you can attain the right documentation and evidence that your condition makes you completely unfit for any type or amount of work, you can apply for benefits online. Expect a response to reach you within three to six months of applying. If your application is initially declined, you can resubmit it for reconsideration, which may or may not result in a hearing. If you’re denied SSI benefits and want to place an appeal, contact Larry R. Williams, PLLC, right away for professional help.

When Should I Hire an Attorney?

If you’re physically or mentally unable to perform your job duties in your current state, but the SSA denied your request for SSD benefits, our attorneys can help you understand this decision. You have rights to appeal your case and get monthly income supplement if you can’t perform your job duties due to a disability. To discuss your unique case, call us at (615) 256-8880 to schedule a meeting in our Nashville office.

For help securing Social Security Disability benefits, contact our team for a free consultation about your case. Our small, family-owned business has been advocating the rights of the disabled in Tennessee for over 35 years, specializing in Nashville civil law.