What You Need to Know About Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as “the inability to perform work due to an injury or medical condition.” If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and you are unable to work to earn an income from gainful employment, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for Mesothelioma.
Social Security Disability Insurance provides compensation to individuals under the age of 65 years old who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and are unable to work due to their condition. These individuals have paid a sufficient amount of Social Security taxes as well as other requirements by the SSA.
The SSA often denies SSDI claims, which can make the process very difficult. Thousands of people apply for these benefits every year, but the forms can be difficult to interpret, leading to denied claims and discouraged claimants. The help of an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer should be obtained before filing for SSDI to help you get the benefits that you are entitled to effectively.
What is SSDI for Mesothelioma?
SSDI is similar to obtaining retirement benefits before reaching the age of retirement, except when you apply to get retirement benefits early, the SSA will permanently reduce your fixed monthly income. However, if you do get approved for SSDI benefits, your fixed monthly income is calculated in the full amount.
This financial resource can be obtained by those who suffer Mesothelioma who meet the requirements set in place. Once SSDI is received for two years, claimants are eligible for Medicare coverage. The best way to apply for SSDI is to entrust the help of a social security disability lawyer from start to finish. If the claim is denied, your lawyer will be there to help you file an appeal.
When Should Mesothelioma Patients Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance?
People diagnosed with Mesothelioma who are eligible for SSDI meet the income requirements for SSDI are also usually eligible for Medicaid and food stamps. If you are a patient who has very little income and assets, does not earn money at a job to receive Social Security retirement benefits, and can provide medical documentation of their diagnosis, you should apply for SSDI benefits.
Once approved, you will receive a monthly amount based on qualifications. Many states provided further assistance to supplement the federal program, but it is important to remember that in most cases, you will most likely still have financial challenges, so it could be beneficial to contact a Mesothelioma attorney to help file a complaint to attempt to receive compensation against parties responsible for your illness.
What is the Difference Between a Mesothelioma Lawsuit and Trust Fund Claim?
Mesothelioma case compensations vary depending on many factors, each unique from plaintiff to plaintiff. It is not uncommon for Mesothelioma patients to have past exposure to various Asbestos-contaminated products and different manufacturers, so there could be a chance to file more than one claim.
Determining how much your Mesothelioma case is worth is complicated but typically is determined in one of two ways – lawsuits or trust fund claims. In some cases, plaintiffs may be eligible for compensation from both. In the situation of a lawsuit, cases can be determined as either a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit.
In the event of a personal injury case, Asbestos liability is typically based on a company’s failure to inform employees or consumers about the dangers of inhaling Asbestos. For a wrongful death case, the Mesothelioma patient has passed away, so the family of the patient is seeking compensation to pay for medical bills, lost income, funeral costs, etc.
Most Mesothelioma lawsuits resolve in a settlement, which is often kept private. If a settlement is not reached, the case will go to trial.
In a trust fund case, a Mesothelioma trust fund is created on behalf of negligent Asbestos companies that have gone bankrupt. These trusts are set into place to set money aside for future Asbestos complaints. These funds protect patients who are seeking compensation from companies that have already gone bankrupt.
Factors that affect trust fund compensations are the type of Asbestos-related diseases diagnosed, payments scheduled in the trust originally established, and the current payment percentages set for the trust fund.
Consult a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Before filing for SSDI, you should consult a Mesothelioma lawyer experienced in SSDI law to help you fill out the required forms and appeal your claim if necessary. If you’re looking to file a complaint against a company that caused you to get exposed to Asbestos-contaminated products, working with an experienced Mesothelioma attorney can help you to maximize your compensation benefits.
Attorney Pat Jacobs has over 40 years of experience successfully representing clients throughout West Virginia. Located in Charleston, West Virginia, Pat is a native of the state and loyal to the people who live and work here. Pat will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs that have been accrued due to your condition.
Contact Jacobs Law Office to set up your free consultation with Pat today.