Social Security / Disability

About Social Security / Disability

If you’ve been rendered disabled after an injury and are unable to work, you may be eligible for monthly payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help cover the costs of living. Galloway Jefcoat Attorney Jason Weaver has dedicated a large portion of his practice to helping those who are disabled, with long-term or short-term disabilities, as a result of injury or chronic, disabling conditions. Whether you’re permanently disabled or facing a long rehabilitation period, we can assist you with completing and submitting a thorough application to the SSA and help you receive the benefits you deserve.

Disability benefits from the SSA can be provided in two forms: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is a need-based program that assists those that are disabled with a low income. SSDI offers benefits to those who have contributed to payroll taxes and can partially depend on how much you’ve contributed to the program throughout your work life.

In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must meet the requirements of a five-step evaluation process, which is based on the SSA’s own definition of disability. Therefore, even though your doctor may consider you disabled, the SSA may not according to their own rules.

SSA Five-Step Evaluation

Substantial Gainful Activity

In some cases, you can actually continue working while receiving disability benefits, but only if you don’t exceed the income limits set by the SSA, which is considered substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you don’t exceed these income limits, you can still receive SSA benefits.

Severe Impairment

The SSA requires that your impairment be of severe caliber, which often requires a medical evaluation and report from your doctor.

Eligible Impairment

The SSA has a list of conditions that qualify for disability according to their standards. However, there are cases when you can still qualify for benefits even when your condition is not included in this list.

Work History

After investigating your condition, the SSA will investigate your work history from the last 15 years to determine if you can or cannot perform any past relevant work in your current state of injury. If you can, you’ll likely receive a denial. However, this step can be a complicated process and will rely on the discretion of the SSA.

Work Eligibility

Even if you cannot perform any of your past relevant work, you may still be able to perform a large number of other jobs. If this is the case, the SSA will likely deny your claim. However, this step also considers factors including your age, experience, and education.

We understand the difficulties of disability and the complexity of filing claims, which is why we make every effort to help you receive the benefits you deserve. In Lafayette, Lake Charles, or Calcasieu Parish, Galloway Jefcoat can offer counsel and give you the best chance of approval. Submit a confidential contact form or give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.

No fee until settlement pertains to personal injury cases only.

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