How to Apply for Disability in Illinois
Obtaining disability benefits isn’t as simple as being diagnosed by a doctor. You need to gather various records, complete application materials, and wait several months for a decision. In certain cases, you may even need to request an appeal.
Our attorneys at Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates will be with you every step of the way to ensure you have the best chances of securing disability benefits.
You may be wondering what medical conditions qualify for long-term disability or whether it’s the right choice for you. There are many misconceptions about disability benefits, but the truth is they’re a smart decision for many deserving people. The more you know about the reality of social security disability, the better you’ll feel about applying for benefits.
Completing The Application
Before you start an application, you’ll need to decide which type of disability benefits you want to apply for. The two main types are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There are a few key differences between the two, and a disability lawyer can help you choose which one will be best for you.
Applications for SSDI and SSI can be completed online, by phone, or in-person at a Social Security field office. They can also be completed with the help of one of our experienced lawyers that deal with Social Security disability. To complete the application, you’ll need a few pieces of information, including:
- Personal information
- Medical records
- A Birth certificate or another form of identification
- Work history records
- Proof of any compensation benefits you previously received
Rabin & Associates have decades’ worth of experience working alongside government agencies and medical professionals. We can help you access the records you need to build a solid application.
Sending your Application for Review
Before you submit your application, you should make sure that it’s filled out completely and correctly. Submitting an application with incorrect information can lead to delays that make the application process much more difficult.
Our attorneys at Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates are experts in the field of disability benefits. We’ll ensure that everything on your application is complete and accurate, helping your chances of receiving a timely decision.
Waiting for a Decision
If everything on your application is filled out correctly, it generally takes 3 to 5 months for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to process your application and make a decision.
During this time, the SSA will check your application to make sure you meet basic requirements for disability benefits. They will also review your work history to determine if you’ve worked long enough to qualify for SSDI. Finally, they will review your medical history to determine whether your condition qualifies you for benefits.
Once a decision has been made, you’ll receive a letter in the mail from the SSA, informing you of their decision.
Waiting for a decision can feel nerve-wracking, but with Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates on your side, you can rest assured that you have a strong application.
Appealing A Decision
If you are denied your disability benefits, you have the option to appeal the decision. The first step is to request reconsideration. Once you submit this request, someone new will review your case and any evidence that was submitted.
If you are still denied benefits, you’ll attend a hearing with an administrative judge. Appealing a decision can seem overwhelming, but Rabin & Associates have a strong track record of winning appeals.
Contact the Disability Specialists at Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates
Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates has over 20 years of experience helping people like you earn the disability benefits you need. We assist you every step of the way, from gathering medical records to completing applications and appealing decisions. Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay anything upfront.
If you’re experiencing a prolonged illness or injury and are unable to work, don’t wait to apply for benefits. When it comes to disability attorneys in Chicago or the surrounding area, Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates is your best choice.
Contact us today for a free consultation.