Schaffer & Associates LPA’s LaSalle social security disability attorneys provide the compassionate, strategic legal counsel that you require to:
- Verify that you meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of “disability”
- Obtain the proper records and proof to support your claim
- Navigate the multi-step appeals process, which most applicants must endure
We have over three decades of experience helping residents in LaSalle receive the benefits that they desperately require to remain financially independent.
You may be unable to work, but you can receive benefits to help you pay for your mortgage or rent payment, food, clothing, transportation, and other bills.
Contact us to schedule a call with one of our attorneys.
What Can a Social Security Disability Attorney Do for You?
Completing an initial application with the correct documentation is often overwhelming. More than half of all claims are denied the first time. We aim to reduce this risk for our clients.
As your attorney, we can help in many ways:
- We have decades of experience handling the claims process for clients and will use it to help strengthen your original claim.
- Our team will ensure your case moves through the steps as quickly as possible.
- Help you gather the medical documentation and paperwork necessary for your claim’s approval.
We’ll meticulously analyze your specific circumstances and gather the documentation needed before submitting your application.
Our LaSalle Social Security disability attorneys can help you through the claims and/or appeals process. One of our most important jobs is advocating for you if your case goes to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
We’ll even keep in close contact with the SSA and update you on your claim. We’ll do anything we can to speed up the process, reduce the risk of rejection, and strengthen the claim with medical proof.
What are the Income Limits for Social Security Disability?
The Social Security Administration will not approve a disability claim if it deems that you earn enough income under what is known as substantial gainful activity (SGA). A person who is receiving benefits cannot earn more than the SGA, which increases annually, and in 2024 is:
- $1,550 per month for someone who is non-blind
- $2,590 per month for someone who is blind
If your income exceeds these amounts, you will not be eligible for disability benefits.
Which Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits?
The SSA maintains a listing of impairments (also known as the Blue Book) that qualify for disability benefits, which include but are not limited to:
- Musculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine or lower/upper extremities and impact the function of the musculoskeletal system
- Special senses, including vision loss and abnormalities of the eyes
- Genitourinary diseases that result in chronic kidney disease
- Respiratory illnesses that restrict or obstruct the lungs and impair breathing
- Cardiovascular conditions that negatively affect the heart or circulatory system
- Endocrine disorders that create hormonal imbalances
- Hematological conditions that impact the development of red & white blood cells
- Mental impairments, which include 11 sub-categories of related conditions
- Immune system conditions that impair one or more components of the immune system
- Various types of cancer & malignant neoplastic diseases
- Neurological conditions that impact motor function and communication skills
- Skin disorders that affect the development of healthy skin, whether congenital, hereditary, or developed through other medical conditions
What happens if your condition doesn’t meet the Blue Book’s exact requirements? The SSA will use your medical records to perform a severity level match to a similar impairment. If there’s a match, then you may be eligible for SSD.
A residual functional capacity evaluation (RFC) can also be performed to help determine whether your physical and/or mental limitations prevent you from being able to work.
No matter the type of disability, when applying for LaSalle Social Security disability benefits, you must provide medical evidence documenting the impairment and its severity.
How is Eligibility Determined for Social Security Disability?
In order to be eligible for SSD, applicants must both have enough work credits and meet the medical criteria of disability.
To receive disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition, which states that an individual is disabled if they cannot work due to a severe medical condition that is fatal or has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.
The impairment must prevent you from doing the work you did previously and from adjusting to other work.
In other words, in addition to meeting the definition of disability, you must also have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify.
Workers can earn up to four credits per year. Credits are base income that was taxed by Social Security. The amount of income you need to earn a work credit changes each year. In 2024, you must earn at least $6,920 to earn all four credits.
Most applicants will need 40 credits to be eligible for benefits, and 20 of those credits must have been earned within the last 10 years ending the year they became disabled. Younger workers may qualify for benefits with fewer credits.
Without extensive knowledge and experience regarding the SSD system, it can be challenging to determine whether you’re eligible. An experienced SSD attorney can help you understand your eligibility and walk you through the claim process.
Get Help from a Social Security Disability Attorney Near LaSalle
If a disability is preventing you from returning to work, you may qualify for SSD benefits. At Schaffer & Associates, we understand how overwhelming it can be to go through the application process. When you need SSD benefits, there’s little time to lose.
Our compassionate and experienced attorneys can help you navigate the process of applying for LaSalle Social Security disability benefits.
We have been assisting clients for years.
