How to Apply for Social Security Disability in Spokane & Coeur D’Alene

The first step is to file your initial claim with the Social Security Administration. While you can take this first step on your own as you may win benefits, more people win benefits with the help of disability lawyers than without.

There are many ways to apply:

• Online at SocialSecurity.gov
• By mail
• Over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213
• In person

We recommend setting up an appointment at the Social Security office closest to you and filling out the paperwork in person with a qualified claims representative. They’ll help make sure your application is accurate and filled out correctly. More information about filing an application is available by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Five factors used to determine if you are considered disabled:

1. Are you working?

If you worked this calendar year and averaged more than $1,220 a month in earnings, you can’t be considered disabled. We can help you determine whether this is the case.

2. Is your condition severe?

To qualify as disabled, your condition must interfere with the basic activities required for your previous job. Proper documentation and evidence are crucial for this step. We’ll work with you and your doctors to prove the severity of your condition.

3. Is your health problem found on the list of medical conditions that qualify?

If your health problem is not on Social Security’s list of impairments, you may not quality for disability. However, you might still be able to prove you’re disabled if you have the proper medical records, and an attorney who can properly submit and support that your medical records to show an impairment that should meet or equal an impairment listing. Contact us today to find out if your condition qualifies.

4. Can you do the work you did previously?

If necessary, an expert will testify at your hearing regarding your ability to work. Eric Penar will cross-examine this expert to show how your condition limits your ability to do your previous job.

5. Can you do any other type of work?

If Social Security decides you cannot do the work you did before, they’ll consider your ability to do other kinds of work. Age, education and work experience all factor into this consideration.

Whether Social Security considers you disabled is determined by your inability to work. The agency considers you disabled under its rules if:

• You cannot do work that you did before;
• They decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Social Security pays only for total disability, not a partial disability. Learn more about if you qualify for disability benefits.

Why do many people consider applying for benefits difficult?

Many people believe that if they simply explain their situation to Social Security, someone will understand and award them disability benefits. Unfortunately, that’s not the way Social Security works.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits is a complicated legal process. You must PROVE you’re “disabled” according to the Social Security disability program legal definition, and this involves a Five Step Process.

Why are most people who apply for benefits denied?

The Social Security disability system involves thousands of rules, regulations, and procedures. You can be denied benefits if your doctor doesn’t know the legal definition of disability, or if a Social Security employee fails to obtain medical evidence on your behalf. You can also lose your case if an appeal is handled improperly.

Eric Penar can help you avoid the pitfalls by working with you to…

• Gather proof that you’re disabled and cannot maintain work for one year or more
• Organize proper job history and records
• Obtain proper medical records and medical source statements to prove you meet SSA’s definition of disabled
• Ensure your appeals are filed on time. (There are time restrictions.)

By contacting Gary Penar Law Offices, you’ll vastly improve your chances of winning disability benefits. Our disability attorneys have helped thousands of people apply for and win the benefits they deserve.

How likely are you to win benefits?

Gary Penar Law Offices offers a FREE telephone consultation. Fill out the below form today!