Individuals who are unable to work because of an accident or an injury and who meet specific medical requirements can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The condition must be expected to result in a disability that will continue for at least 12 months, or that will result in your death.
Disability Determination Services (DDS) works with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if an individual medically qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits. DDS will carefully review all your medical records to determine if your condition and its symptoms support your claim.
In West Virginia, most disability claims are denied during the initial review. You have, on average, a one in four chance for approval on the initial review. If you file a claim and it isn’t approved, you can appeal the decision and ask for a request for reconsideration.
If the reconsideration request is denied, you can ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. In West Virginia, when a claim reaches the hearing level, it has a greater chance for approval, which is about 53 percent.
Charleston, West Virginia, Health Resources
Medical evidence is what makes a successful Social Security Disability claim. Hard medical evidence is needed to detail the severity of your condition and verify that it is disabling. Continuing with ongoing care to confirm the severity of the condition and its status is a necessity.
It may be challenging to afford quality medical care while you are unable to work and have no income. If you don’t have access to the medical care you need, there are clinics in and around Charleston that provide free and reduced cost care.
West Virginia Health Right Free & Charitable Clinic
1520 Washington Street East
Charleston, WV 25311
Familycare Healthcenter – Patrick Street Plaza – Kanawha County
116 Hills Plz
Charleston, WV 25312
(304) 720-4466
Mental Health Resources in Charleston
Mental health problems can be disabling. If you suffer from a mental health disorder or a psychological condition, you should get the proper mental health care. Mental health conditions can also lead to approval for disability benefits in Charleston, West Virginia.
There are facilities that provide mental healthcare in Charleston and in nearby communities.
WVU Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry
3200 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston, WV 25304
(304) 388-1000
Charleston Supplemental Social Security Benefits
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked to earn enough credits and to have paid in adequate taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program.
With SSI, the maximum monthly benefit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for an eligible individual with a spouse.
Help With Your Charleston Social Security Disability Claim
If you are unable to work because of a physical or mental medical condition, waiting on your claim to be approved can put you and your family in a real financial bind. You can enlist the help of a Charleston disability attorney at any time throughout the claims process.
Most disability lawyers in Charleston will provide a free initial case review. The attorney will most likely not charge a fee until you have had your disability claim approved. Schedule your free case review today.