The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, which is a social insurance program comprising retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. When a worker is injured, he or she may apply for disability benefits through the SSA. Part of the process of receiving disability includes an initial application, hearing, and possibly an appeal depending on the circumstances of the case. It is important to note that only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under the SSA program. If you or your loved one is considering filing for Social Security Disability, it is important to consult an attorney to protect your legal rights throughout the process.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Names and dates of medical tests you have had and the names of the physicians who ordered them for you. A few examples of the types of medical conditions that would qualify for SSA disability include but are not limited to:
- Blindness
- Schizophrenia
- Breast cancer
- Congestive heart failure
- Clinical depression
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Application Process
The person who is requesting disability benefits is referred to as the “claimant.” In Tennessee, you can apply for disability several ways, depending on the type of benefit and your eligibility status: online, by phone, or in person at SSA field offices. When applying, you will need details about your medical illness, injury, or condition, such as the following information:
- Name, address, phone numbers
- Patient ID numbers and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics
- Names of prescription medicines you are taking and who prescribed them
Under Tennessee law, a claims examiner at Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state agency, reviews your application and determines if you are disabled. It can take up to three months for a decision to be mailed to you, and DDS typically approves approximately one-third of the applications it receives. In the event your application is denied, you may request that DDS reconsider it. If DDS rejects your application for a second time, you can ask for a hearing in front of a judge at a Tennessee Social Security office.
Contact a Tennessee Social Security Disability Attorney
Navigating the legal system when it concerns Disability can be daunting. The accomplished legal team of Warren & Griffin, P.C. knows the intricacies of Tennessee laws, including those pertaining to Social Security Disability. Our qualified and dedicated Chattanooga personal injury lawyers will work to protect your rights if you are unable to return to work due to a debilitating injury or accident. Call us today at 423-265-4878 to schedule a confidential consultation.