If you’re suffering from a disability, and it’s preventing you from supporting yourself and your family, consider this: you are entitled to file for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) if you have paid taxes into the SSI system for a number of years, and now are injured and cannot work. If you feel that you may qualify for this on the basis of a knee injury, read on.
1. Understand your injury.
The SSA defines a knee injury disability as a major impairment of a joint, “characterized by gross anatomical deformity and chronic joint pain and stiffness”. In other words, if your knee injury restricts normal movement, and that this pain stays with you over time, your injury counts as a disability, especially if it prevents you from working and earning an income as you would normally.
2. Contact your attorney.
Filing for disability benefits involves complicated paperwork, records, and motions, which can be overwhelming, especially for someone suffering from a disability and doing their best to recover. Thankfully, your attorney is there to help guide you through the process, fill out your Atlantic County Disability Application, take care of the important details, and argue your case in court if necessary (and, considering that the majority of claims are denied, it probably will be).
3. Gather your records and information.
Every case needs evidence, and your attorney will ask for the names, phone numbers, and dates of treatment for all hospitals and physicians that have treated you for your disability. You must have had the condition in question for at least one year in order for it to qualify as a disability. Your attorney will also need information on the jobs that you have held for the past fifteen years, your marriage(s) and spouse(s), children, military service, income, and assets. Have this information ready for your attorney to make the process go faster!
4. File a claim.
The SSA provides a list of required paperwork on its website, all of which you (with the help of your attorney) will fill out and file with your local SSA office. Along with the Atlantic County Disability Application, you also have to fill out the adult disability report form and Authorization to Disclose form.
5. Appeal your claim.
Since most initial claims are denied by the SSA, you’ll want to file an appeal with the SSA immediately; this, however, is usually also denied, which means that you’ll need to bring the case to court by requesting a review hearing before a judge. Your attorney will represent you in court and argue that you deserve disability benefits.
