I’ve been denied Social Security Disability benefits before. Can I file a new claim?

Even if you have been previously denied disability benefits, you can file a new claim.  To receive Social Security Disability benefits, though, you must not only prove disability, you must meet the earnings requirement.

Social Security Disability is very similar to insurance.  Just like a life insurance policy, if you stop paying in, your coverage eventually runs out.  To qualify for Social Security Disability, you must prove you became disabled while you are covered.  In most cases, to be covered you must have

• worked at least five out of the last 10 years

AND

• earned sufficient work credits during that time to qualify for benefits.

Generally speaking, one work credit is earned for each quarter of a year in which you worked and paid Social Security taxes on your income. This means you must have a minimum of 20 work credits from the last 10 years to satisfy the recent work test for the SSDI earnings requirement.

The last date that you meet these requirements is called your date last insured.  You must prove disability before your date last insured to qualify for benefits.   You can call your local Social Security office, or the Agency’s toll free number, (800) 772-1213, to find your date last insured.

There are exceptions to the date last insured requirements, including for younger claimants and widows.  Remember, it is always best to get qualified legal help.  Don’t try to go it alone!

AT MORGAN & MORGAN, WE HAVE MORE THAN 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HELPING PEOPLE WITH SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY, BANKRUPTCY AND DEBT RELIEF, WORK-RELATED INJURIES, AND OTHER LEGAL PROBLEMS.  CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.  DON’T WAIT! CALL (706) 548-7070.

www.morganlawyers.com

Lee Paulk Morgan

Lee Paulk Morgan

With more than 41 years of experience in the areas of Bankruptcy, Disability, and Workers’ Compensation, Lee Paulk Morgan is one of the most respected Bankruptcy and Disability attorneys in Athens, Georgia. His tireless dedication to serving clients has gained him the reputation of a premier attorney in his areas of practice, as well as the trust and respect of other legal experts, who often refer clients to him.