If you are applying for social security disability in Providence, RI, there are a few things you should know. The qualification process to receive social security disability benefits starts long before your application process begins. In fact, if you become disabled, you should immediately see a doctor to start documenting your medical treatment. An important first step in submitting your Providence social security disability application is establishing a medical history that supports your social security disability claim. In order to receive disability benefits, you must suffer from a mental or medical impairment that prohibits you from achieving gainful employment for at least 12 months.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) works in conjunction with the Rhode Island Disability Determination Services (DDS). The SSA is responsible for reviewing your non-medical information before forwarding your file to the DDS for a medical review. DDS examiners review the information in your medical records as submitted by your treating physician to determine if there is sufficient proof you have suffered a qualifying disability. If your medical file cannot provide the evidentiary support needed, your Providence social security disability claim may be denied.
At the end of 2011, nearly 70% of all initial social security disability claims in the state of Rhode Island were denied. If your initial claim is denied, you can appeal the decision and ask the SSA to reconsider your case. Your file will be sent back the DDS for a new medical review by a separate panel. Only about 13% of appeals are actually awarded, so there is a good chance that you will have to request a second appeal in the form of a hearing. A little over 40% of the Providence social security disability cases that were heard by an administrative law judge were awarded.
Providence Health Care Resources
Receiving regular medical treatment for your injury is an important part of establishing proof of your disability. Make sure you are being regularly treated for your disability by a licensed medical professional. If you are in need of access to free or reduced-cost medical services in Providence, the following facilities may be of assistance to you.
Rhode Island Free Clinic
655 Broad Street
Providence, RI 02907
(401) 274-6347
Allen Berry Health Center
202 Prairie Ave.
Providence RI 02905
(401) 444-0570
Capitol Hill Health Center
40 Candace St.
Providence RI 02908
(401) 444-0550
Providence Community Health Centers -PCHC at Met School Clinic
325 Public Street
Providence RI 02907
(401) 752-2693
Providence Mental Health Resources
Mental health issues that prevent you from working for at least one year may qualify as disabilities under the Social Security Act. Make sure you get the treatment you need from a licensed mental health professional in Providence.
National Alliance on Mental Health
154 Waterman Street
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 331-3060
The Watershed
#120, 68 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI 02903
1 (866) 962 2912
The Providence Center
528 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02904
(401) 528-0123
Providence Supplemental Social Security Benefits
The monthly Federal social security disability benefit for an independent individual is $943 and $1,415 for a couple.
Providence Social Security Disability Attorneys
Filing your Providence social security disability case can be beneficial in the end, but the process can be quite lengthy. At the hearing level, it takes over a year for your case to be heard from the moment you submit your second appeal to the SSA. If you are unable to work, the process can be financially devastating.
Getting the advice of Providence social security disability attorney can help get you the insight you need to expedite the application and review process and return a favorable decision. Many attorneys will only charge a fee if they win your case. If your attorney wins, a standard fee of 25% of your award is collected from past due benefits or through a fee petition. The maximum an attorney can collect is $6,000.
