Disability Benefits: Refuting Two Myths

When a person is unable to work, it can create severe hardships for both them and the family or friends that will take care of them. There are disability benefits available to help individuals that are unable to support themselves. However, this is one of the more commonly misunderstood government benefits programs. Having the following two notions concerning disability benefits refuted will help you to be better informed about your options.  

Myth: Disability Is Only For Physical Injuries

Physical disabilities may be the easiest to visually see, but it is important to note that there are many individuals that suffer from mental conditions that make it impossible for them to work. Some people may assume that disability is only for physical problems, but this type of assistance also recognizes mental disorders as a viable reason for needing the benefits. 

In order to prove disability due to mental illness, your will need to gather statements from all of your doctors and these will need to be filed along with your medical records. Typically, the government will require you to be evaluated by their own physicians, and this information will be consulted to determine if you meet the requirements. Unfortunately, mental illness can be a more difficult disability to prove, which may result in your claim initially being denied. If this happens, you should seek the assistance of an attorney, like Banik & Renner, before appealing to give your case the best chance of succeeding. 

Myth: Disability Attorneys Are Extremely Expensive To Hire

Another frequent myth about filing for disability is that hiring an attorney will be extremely expensive. However, it should be noted that these attorneys understand the tense financial situation that their clients may be facing. As a result, these professionals work on a contingency fee basis, which means that these professionals are only paid if they can successfully obtain compensation for you.  

These professionals can also help you while your case is working its way through the system because they may be able to have injunctions issued to stop collection actions or evictions until your case has been resolved. This will provide you with the time you need to file for these benefits when you are facing dire financial consequences. 

When you find yourself either physically or mentally unable to work, it is vital that you understand you rights to disability benefits. By dispelling common misconceptions, you can strengthen your knowledge about this type of assistance, which will help you to make informed decisions about being approved for this government program. 


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