A reliable Denver social security disability lawyer
Regardless of your age, you may be able to access Social Security Disability benefits in Colorado if you’re unable to work due to a serious medical issue. These benefits provide you with compensation during your time of recuperation and give you at least some level of income so that you can support yourself.
The process of successfully obtaining these benefits can be complicated, however, making it imperative to work with a skilled Social Security Disability lawyer at Martinez Tenreiro Law, LLC. Our team of experienced attorneys have a thorough understanding of the Social Security Disability application process and help you improve your chances of an accepted application.
Two disability programs available
There are two disability benefit programs you can apply for in the United States:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): To be eligible for SSDI, you must be disabled and have built up a certain amount of work credits with the Social Security Administration. The amount of credits you need depends on when you became disabled and your current age. You must have worked at least some part of five of the last 10 years before your disability. If your application is approved, benefits include cash payments based on your earnings record, with average payments typically falling between $1,000 and $1,200 per month. After 24 months of receiving SSDI, you are eligible for Medicare.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Federal requirements for SSI eligibility include being over 65, blind or disabled, a citizen of the United States (or permanent resident based on specific requirements), having a low monthly income (typically $700 to $1,400 per month) and low value of owned property. SSI benefits include cash payments of $735 per month ($1,103 for a couple), minus part of your income.
Your Social Security Disability attorney in Colorado will provide you with more information regarding your eligibility for benefits under these programs.
Frequently asked questions about disability in Colorado
At Martinez Tenreiro Law, LLC, we receive numerous common questions from individuals looking to apply for Social Security Disability benefits in Colorado. The following are answers to a few of those questions:
How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) determine disability?
Just because your doctor advised you not to work or because you feel too ill to work does not mean the SSA agrees you meet its standards of disability. The agency uses its own medical experts and examiners to make its decision. These professionals use a list of physical and mental conditions and evaluate your residual functional capacity to determine whether you are truly disabled.
Can I still get Social Security Disability benefits if I go back to work?
Yes. The SSA has special rules in place to help people transition back to their jobs without putting their initial benefits in jeopardy. For example, you may be able to undergo a nine-month trial period to test your capacity to work.
What happens to my Social Security Disability benefits when I reach retirement age?
Disability benefits automatically transition into retirement benefits when the beneficiaries reach their retirement age. You may not, under federal law, receive both disability and retirement benefits at the same time.
Do unemployment benefits have any effect on my Social Security Disability benefits?
Your unemployment benefits in Colorado are not counted as earnings, and so there is no effect on your Social Security benefits.
Can I get Social Security Disability benefits for months I was disabled before my application?
The SSA may pay out Social Security Disability benefits for up to 12 months before your application if it determines you were disabled and met all requirements during that time.
Consult an experienced Denver Social Security Disability lawyer
To learn more about the application process for SSDI and SSI, speak with a skilled attorney at Martinez Tenreiro Law, LLC. We make it our mission to maximize your chances of success in your application so you can secure the benefits you need. Call our Colorado office at 303-831-7670 to get started today.