If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Richmond you must be prepared to meet specific criteria. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will require you to provide both medical and non-medical documentation of your eligibility to participate in the federal SSDI program.
When you submit an application for Richmond Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA will assess your application to make sure you meet income and work credit requirements. Once that is complete, your application will be forwarded to the local Virginia Disability Determination Service (DDS) for medical review. The DDS is responsible for rendering Social Security disability determinations for your case based on medical evidence provided by the doctor treating your disability. In reviewing your file, the medical evidence provided must substantiate the claim that you have suffered a debilitating injury that prevents you from achieving gainful employment for at least twelve months. The medical review panel will look not only at whether your current condition keeps you from performing the duties of your past job, but also whether your condition prevents you from securing work in another field.
Currently, about one-third of all disability claims are awarded on a statewide level. If your initial Richmond Social Security disability claim is denied, you can appeal the decision and request a reconsideration of your case. If your appeal is also denied, you do have the right to ask that your case be heard by an administration law judge (ALJ) at the Richmond Social Security Disability hearing office. In fourth quarter 2011, the Richmond office awarded nearly 40% of all the cases that went before ALJs.
Richmond Health Resources
Your medical records will play an important role in your Richmond Social Security Disability qualification process. You have to be able to present medical documentation of your disability and any treatment you are receiving as a result of your injury. If you are not currently under the care of a doctor or if you are unable to afford medical attention, you can take advantage of reduced-cost and free health care facilities in the Richmond area.
Access Now
2201 W. Broad Street, Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 622-8145
Cross Over Health Care Ministry
8600 Quiocassin Road, Suite 102
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 422-2600
Richmond Area High Blood Pressure Clinic
200 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 359-9375
Richmond Mental Health Resources
If you are dealing with a mental illness that prevents you from being able to get and keep a job, you may qualify for social security disability benefits in Richmond. You need to get treatment from a qualified Richmond mental health professional.
Tucker Psychiatric Clinic
1000 Boulders Parkway, Suite 202
Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 320-7881
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority
107 South Fifth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 819-4000
Richmond Supplemental Social Security Benefits
The State of Virginia administers and pays supplemental SSI benefits to individuals residing in assisted living facilities or adult foster care homes who have also been approved for federal benefits under either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The state will pay you benefits in addition to what you receive from the federal government. Currently, the Federal Social Security Disability benefit rate is $698 for an independent individual and $1,048 for a couple.
When to Find a Richmond Social Security Disability Attorney
In Richmond, the average processing time for a Social Security Disability claim at the hearing level is 355 days. With only a third of all initial claims being awarded and only 13% of statewide appeals successfully winning awards, you face the very real possibility of having to send your Richmond Social Security Disability case before an ALJ.
You have the right to hire a Richmond Social Security Disability attorney at any point during the application process. Hiring a seasoned SSD attorney can help improve your chances of winning your Richmond SSD case. Many attorneys will work on a contingency basis and only charge a fee if they are able to win your case. If your attorney wins, the attorney will collect a fee of 25% of the Social Security Disability award or $6,000, whichever is less. Click here for a free evaluation of your case and to be contacted by a qualified Richmond Social Security Disability Attorney.
