A recent study done by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP) showed that some Americans are homeless as a result of being denied the Social Security disability benefits to which they’re entitled. According to the NLCHP, approximately 40% of homeless people who apply for Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) nationwide qualify for these benefits, yet only 14% of these claimants are actually approved for disability. Those who are unable to work due to a disability, yet aren’t approved for Social Security disability, often face severe financial difficulties that result in continued homelessness for some unfortunate individuals.
Eligible Claimants Denied Disability Benefits
To be approved for disability, you must demonstrate through objective evidence (such as medical records) that you are unable to work in any job for at least a year, due to illness or injury. Some disability applications are denied because the claimant legitimately doesn’t meet these qualifications for disability benefits. However, there are many others whose disability applications are wrongly denied. There are many reasons that this can happen, including:
- Claimant errors due to the complexity of the Social Security disability application process
- Disabled workers who are unable to afford or obtain the medical treatment required to appropriately document their illness or injury
- Disability applicants who only treat with a Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant, or other healthcare worker. Although these practitioners are highly trained and regulated, the SSA does not consider them qualified to render a medical opinion regarding a disability applicant.
- Mistakes made on the part of SSA employees. SSA’s claims adjudicators are human, and they do make errors. Someone who isn’t intimately familiar with the complex disability claims process and the qualifications for disability likely wouldn’t notice these errors.
Getting Approved for Social Security Disability
Although there’s never a guarantee, there are things you can do to increase the chances that your disability claim will be approved. For instance, you should make every effort to obtain regular medical treatment and develop a consistent relationship with a licensed doctor. However, one of the very best steps you can take if you’re considering applying for disability, or are already in the process, is to consult an experienced Denver area social security disability lawyer.
Disability Lawyers at Kaplan Morrell Help Disability Applicants Across Colorado
The highly qualified Social Security lawyers at Kaplan Morrell have extensive knowledge regarding every aspect of disability law. Whether you’re just now considering applying for disability, want to appeal a disability denial, or are preparing for your disability hearing, our compassionate disability lawyers can help. Contact the Social Security law firm of Kaplan Morrell for a confidential consultation regarding your disability claim. The consultation is completely free and without further obligation – in fact, the Social Security disability attorneys at Kaplan Morrell work on a contingent fee basis – this means that you don’t pay us a dime unless your Social Security disability claim is approved.
Don’t delay – the Social Security application process takes long enough as is – obtain assistance from a helpful Colorado disability lawyer at Kaplan Morrell today. Click here or call 303-780-7329 to contact us today.