Social Security Disability Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA

When disease or an injury leaves you disabled and unable to work, you may feel like you have nowhere to turn. Fortunately, the Virginia Beach Social Security Disability lawyers at O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group can help you get the financial assistance you need.

What are Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are federally funded programs that provide financial support to disabled individuals who are unable to work. There are two types of disability programs available.

SSDI for Virginia Beach, VA Residents

Many individuals work hard throughout their lives to be able to support themselves and their family. Those same individuals pay into the Social Security System by paying taxes on their earned income. This allows them to receive disability benefits if they become disabled and are unable to work as a result. These disability benefits are known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

SSDI is funded by taxes paid by working individuals.

SSI for Virginia Beach, VA Residents

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal benefits program for disabled individuals who can’t work, but are not eligible for SSDI.

SSI is a needs-based program, meaning it’s only awarded to people with extremely limited income and resources. This can include monthly earned income, tangible assets, such as property, inheritance money, etc.

SSI recipients have either never worked or haven’t earned substantial work credits in their lifetime. While SSDI claimants are required to have earned work credits by paying into the Social Security System before receiving benefits.

To qualify for SSI, you must be blind, over 65 years of age, or disabled.

The SSI benefits program is funded by the United States Treasury.

Who is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must fit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disabled. The SSA takes into consideration a vast number of disabilities that are listed in the Blue Book when reviewing claims.

Your age will also be considered when determining your eligibility for disability benefits. If you’re applying for SSDI, the SSA will also take into account how many years you’ve worked and when you became disabled.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify for disability benefits, allow our Social Security lawyers in Virginia Beach to review your case. We’ll help determine if applying for benefits is your best available option and how to file your claim.

Proving Disability

When filing a disability claim, you must provide evidence that proves you’re disabled and your disability prevents you from earning a living wage. Your disabling condition must also meet the SSA’s criteria to fulfill their definition of total disability.

Your disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.
Your disability must prevent you from taking part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
Your disability must prevent you from doing the work you did previously and adjusting to a new type of work.
Your disability must be diagnosable by a medical professional.

When applying for SSI for a child claimant, the definition of disability is similar but not identical to the adult definition. Their condition must cause severe functional limitations and be medically determinable, rather than inhibit their ability to take part in SGA.

If you’re struggling to obtain disability benefits or wondering if you qualify, contact O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group today. We understand the intricacies of the filing process and can help give you the best chances of achieving benefits.

What if My Condition Is Not in the Blue Book?

If your condition isn’t in the Blue Book, you can still qualify for disability benefits. Your condition must meet the criteria outlined above to fully satisfy the SSA’s definition of disabled. Your condition must also be equivalent in severity to a qualifying condition listed in the Blue Book.

We Understand Social Security - Virginia Beach, VA Lawyers

At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, it’s our goal to make sure disabled individuals get the financial assistance they need. This is why we represent clients from all walks of life. Whether you’ve never applied for disability before or you need to file an appeal, we can help.

We understand Social Security and how the SSA reviews disability claims. If you’re struggling to define your condition based on the Blue Book’s listed impairments, our attorneys have the skills and training necessary to guide you through the application process.

We’re also familiar with numerous types of qualifying conditions and what evidence is required to get your claim approved. Some examples of these types of conditions include:

If you’re in need of disability benefits, don’t wait, contact our Social Security Disability attorneys near Virginia Beach, VA.

How Long Will It Take to Get Benefits?

It can take months to years to start receiving disability benefits. If you’re concerned about the claims process, talk to our attorneys at O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group. We’ve been helping clients get the benefits they need for over 25 years.

Contact Our Social Security Attorneys in Virginia Beach

When you need attorneys you can trust to handle your Social Security Disability claim, contact O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group. We offer free initial case evaluations so we can help as many individuals as possible.

With over 25 years of experience, you can depend on our legal representation for Social Security cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia.