New Jersey Social Security Disability Law Blog

When individuals in New Jersey and elsewhere enter the work world, they likely see Social Security taxes being taken out of their check. The idea is that by paying into the program, the program will be there for you when you need it. Take for example a disabling injury or illness. No one expect to experience such an event. However, individuals throughout the nation are met with this fate. While many are able to adapt and accommodate their life to live with a disability, others find it challenging and nearly impossible to live the life they once did. In some cases, one is no longer able to work because of a disability. This is where Social Security could be very beneficial.

Applying for Social Security Disability might seem like an obvious choice and clear answer. However, there are some factors to think about before taking the plunge and applying for benefits. To begin, it is vital to understand what the SSA uses to determine eligibility for SSD benefits. Three key factors are used to assess eligibility. First, whether there is a lasting medical condition that is so severe that it prevents you from working. Second, the medical condition must have lasted or is expected to last for 12 months or result in death. Finally, an applicant must have worked enough in order to qualify for SSDI.

As previously discussed, not all disabilities are apparent to the naked eye. Some individuals suffer much more quietly. However, this does not make them any less disabled. Mental conditions can make it difficult to carry out cognitive tasks, relate to others, complete daily tasks, care for oneself and even hold down a job. In some cases, a mental condition can become so severe that one finds it impossible to leave his or her house. And while it might not look like much is going on from the outside, these individuals could be suffering tremendously on the inside.

Because our understanding of the brain only goes so far, our knowledge of mental health issues is sometimes bounded by these understandings. A mental condition can look vastly different from one person to the next, thereby causing cultural confusions when it comes to whether a mental condition is in fact disabling.

While it is the physical impairments that come to mind when we think about disabilities, there are many disabilities that impact individuals mentally. Those living with a mental disorder may not know initially that it is a mental disorder from which they are suffering. Individuals in New Jersey and elsewhere attempt to live with a mental impairment, not knowing what it is and whether it can be treated. For some, the mental disorder, diagnosed or not, can become debilitating. This is when individuals might seek options to help them live their life when his or her disability is preventing them from doing so.

Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder can impact individuals significantly. These mental disorders make it challenging to have relationships, carry out daily tasks and even go to work. When these mental disorders become so significant that it is impossible to lead a normal life, this is where Social Security disability could help out.

Life tends to present us challenges. In most cases, we can overcome them. However, some challenges require assistance to overcome them. Take, for example, disabilities. While some individuals living with a disability can lead a normal life, others are not only unable to care for themselves but also cannot work because of a disability. In these matters, applying for Social Security disability might be a necessary step to take.

The main concern applicants have when they apply for SSD benefits is being denied. It is well known that there is a long wait to appeal a denied decision. Therefore, many applicants are apprehensive about even entering this process. Nonetheless, the appeals process can be a very valuable step to take, as it often results in individuals obtaining the benefits that they seek.