Denver Social Security Disability Attorney

Disability benefits provide a lifeline for millions of disabled Americans. In fact, the Social Security Administration reported almost eight million disabled workers and 1.142 disabled adult children receive these benefits over the course of a year. 

Sadly, this is just a small percentage of the people who actually applied for Social Security disability income. In fact, data from 2010 to 2019 shows only 21% of applicants initially received benefits upon applying and only 31% were awarded benefits in the end. A narrow definition of disability and a complicated application process prevented many more people from qualifying. 

If you need disability benefits, you need a tough Denver Social Security Disability attorney on your side fighting for you. Daniels & Scriven, PC can help. With more than 40 years of experience, our legal team understands what it takes to help you get approved for the benefits you both need and deserve. 

Give us a call today at (720) 863-6006 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you.

Types of  Denver Social Security Disability Benefits

There are different kinds of Social Security disability benefits that you may be entitled to receive if you are too impaired to work due to illness or injury. They include:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits: You must earn a certain number of work credits to qualify for these benefits. Work credits are earned by doing a job and paying Social Security taxes on income. The number of credits you need depends how old you are when you become disabled. You can earn up to four work credits per year, with the amount you need to earn one changing over time. If you have earned enough work credits, you can qualify for SSDI no matter what your household income or financial resources are and benefits will be based on your earnings while working. 
• Supplemental Security Income. No work credits are required for these benefits, and you receive a set monthly amount of income from SSI that’s often well below the amount SSDI pays. These benefits are means-tested, which means they are available only to people with low incomes and limited household resources. Disabled, elderly, and blind individuals with limited financial resources can qualify for SSI. 

The requirements are similar for both programs in terms of how disabled you must be to qualify, so you should talk with a Denver Social Security Disability benefits lawyer to find out which is best for you. 

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits in Denver

Not everyone who is disabled can get Social Security Disability benefits. You must meet a specific definition of disabled, as defined by the Social Security Administration. 

To start, your disability typically must be included on the Listing of impairments. This is also called the “blue book” and it’s a long list of disabling conditions and the symptoms you must exhibit to be classified as disabled based on each particular impairment. If your condition isn’t listed in the blue book, you’ll need to show it is at least as impairing as those that are included.

You’ll also need to show you aren’t engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is determined based on whether you are earning too much from working. And you will need to demonstrate that your condition has or will last a year or is likely to be terminal, and that it prevents you from doing your past job or any work you are qualified for.

You’ll need medical evidence and a solid application, which an attorney can help you put together. An attorney can also help you to appeal if your benefits claim is initially denied. 

Getting Help from a Denver Social Security Disability Attorney

If you can’t work, you deserve the Social Security disability benefits that are designed to help you in this situation. Daniels & Scriven, PC can offer you the support you need to get the benefits you earned by paying taxes throughout your working life. Call (720) 863-6006 to speak with a Denver Social Security Disability insurance lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you.