Disability/Social Security

Get the Disability Benefits You Deserve

You’ve already lost enough time dealing with the difficult situations life has thrown at you. But, fighting to get the SSI/Disability Insurance Benefits you deserve after becoming unable to work because of an illness or disability can be a frustrating process. At Thurman & Flanagin, we guide each client through every step of the disability process. We are with you from initial application to appeal so that you are never alone in this document-heavy process. We’ve helped thousands of clients get the SSI/Disability benefits they need and deserve. Our experience includes handling appeals at all administrative levels and federal court.

Understanding SSI And SSDI

There are various programs offered to people with disabilities through the federal government’s Social Security Administration. These programs include Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. Our legal professionals help you understand which program is right for you and how you can receive your benefits.

More Information:

• How The Right Attorney Can Make A World Of Difference
• What To Do When Your Social Security Disability Benefits Are Denied
• Why Ongoing Evaluations Could Cause Loss Of Disability Benefit… And What To Do About It?
• Frequently Asked Questions About The SSD Claims Process
• The SSD Claims Application Process And Timeline
• When To Apply For Disability Benefits & How To Get Started
• The Biggest Challenges People Face When Dealing With Social Security Disability Benefit Decisions
• Guiding Clients Like You Through Social Security Disability Claims
• What Exactly Is Social Security Disability Under Arkansas Law?
• Who Actually Makes The Determination On Whether Or Not I’m Approved For These Benefits?
• How Are Disability Benefits Calculated In Arkansas?

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal welfare program for the disabled who may not otherwise qualify for other disability programs and meet the income and asset requirements. Applicants must be disabled and meet the income/asset requirements. SSI provides benefits including money and medical insurance to help the disabled meet basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and medical care.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to a disabled person including certain members of that person’s family if the person has worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

What Is A disability?

While we all would like to believe that we understand the legal concept of disability, not all people with medical impairments are considered “disabled” under the Social Security guidelines. Social Security only pays for “total disability” not partial or short-term disability. Total disability is based on the individual’s inability to work, generally using the following criteria:

• The individual cannot perform substantial gainful activity due to their disability.
• The person’s medical impairments have to be deemed severe.
  The disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
• The Social Security Administration decides that the individual cannot perform their past relevant work due to the person’s medical impairments.
• The Social Security Administration decides that the individual cannot adjust to other work due to the person’s medical impairments.

What If I Am Denied Disability Benefits?

Being denied for disability benefits after the initial application is not uncommon; in fact, it’s often expected. We encourage clients to not lose hope because the attorneys at Thurman and Flanagin are here to help. The appeal process includes gathering medical information and work history information with the aid of the client to prove their disability claim. We work hard to assist our clients with obtaining the necessary medical documentation which may include requesting an opinion from one of your doctors.

Do you need legal help in Northwest Arkansas, North Central Arkansas, or Southwest Missouri? The attorneys at Thurman and Flanagin are ready to help you today. Call 866-253-2226 now for a free consultation.