When applying for social security disability in Des Moines, there are a few things to consider. In order to qualify for social security disability insurance, you must prove that you suffer from a debilitating medical condition that either renders you permanently disabled or prohibits you from working for at least one year.
You have the option to submit applications for social security disability either online or in person at a local Iowa Social Security Administration (SSA) field office. The SSA reviews your application to make sure you meet income and other eligibility requirements before forwarding your application to the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services where a trained Disability Examiner with the Iowa Disability Determination Services (DDS) combs through your medical record to substantiate your disability claim.
Be forewarned. More often than not, your initial claim will be denied. In fact, only about a third of the initial claims statewide were approved in the last quarter of 2011. If your claim is denied, you do have the right to appeal within 60 days of receiving the award letter. About 10% of first appeals are approved. If your appeal is also denied, you can request that your Des Moines social security disability case be sent to a local hearing office where 42% of the claims heard are awarded.
Health Resources in Des Moines
Your Des Moines social security disability case depends heavily on the information provided to the Disability Examiner from your medical file. Once you are injured, you are well-advised to seek medical treatment from a licensed physician as soon as possible. The more information contained in your file that documents your disability, the better your chances of winning your Des Moines social security disability case.
If you are denied disability benefits in Des Moines because there is not enough information in your medical file to substantiate your disability claim, you will have a chance to submit any missing information during the reconsideration appeal. Make sure that you are getting regular treatment from your doctor. For assistance with free or reduced-cost health care in the Des Moines area, there are several facilities which may be of service to you.
Iowa Health System
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA - 50311
(515) 241-6161
Salvation Army – Des Moines
133 E. 2nd St.
Des Moines, IA - 50309
(515) 248-1500
Proteus, Inc.
3850 Merle Hay Rd. Ste 500
Des Moines, IA - 50310
(515) 271-5303
Grandview Center
1500 Morton Ave.
Des Moines, IA - 50316
(515) 263-6035
Door of Faith Mission
6701 S.W. 9th St.
Des Moines, IA - 50315
(515) 282-0208
East Side Center
3509 E. 29th St.
Des Moines, IA - 50317
(515) 248-1600
House of Mercy
1409 Clark St.
Des Moines, IA - 50314
(515) 643-6525
Des Moines Mental Health Resources
Your mental health is as important to your overall well-being as your physical health. If you are in need of treatment for a mental illness, talk to a mental health professional in the Des Moines area.
Behavioral Health Services Mercy Franklin Center
1818 48th Street
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 271-6000
Des Moines Supplemental Benefits
The monthly Federal social security disability benefit rate is $698 for an independent individual and $1,048 for a couple. The state of Iowa also provides a maximum state supplement of $344 per month to adult recipients of federal social security benefits if the individual is disabled and living with a dependent person. For individuals living in family life or a boarding home, the supplement can be up to $142 per month.
Your Des Moines Social Security Disability Claim
Filing a Des Moines social security disability claim with the SSA can be a time-consuming process. To expedite that process, it is a good idea by hiring a Des Moines SSD attorney. Your attorney can help you to more easily navigate the process and keep you from making costly mistakes.
Many Des Moines social security disability lawyers will only charge a fee if they win your case. If they do win, their fees are distributed from past due benefits that become payable to you or through a fee petition. Current rates are 25% of the past due award amount, with a maximum fee of $6,000. If you are interested in obtaining an evaluation of your Social Security Disability case, click the "Free Disability Evaluation" link at the top of the page for your free case evaluation or to get more information about hiring a Des Moines disability attorney.
