Serious injuries tend to upend someone’s life. Car accident injuries or on-the-job injuries may require costly medical interventions, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation care, and ongoing physical therapy. Moreover, those with severe injuries may not be able to perform the duties of their job for weeks, months, or even years. The sudden loss of a steady paycheck can be particularly devastating in the wake of an already disorienting time. Injured parties in Michigan have a few options to seek and secure financial assistance during this challenging time. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) “pays benefits to people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year.” In other words, this form of government assistance, overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA), is designed to support workers whose injuries or health conditions prevent them from working (and earning an income) if the injury is expected to keep them from working for over 12 months.
Injuries may arise from any number of incidents, from car accidents to workplace incidents. In order to qualify for SSDI benefits in Michigan, the applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements. As you begin to explore SSDI eligibility in Michigan, it’s worth enlisting the guidance and support of a highly experienced and caring SSDI attorney who can assess the specifics of your situation and determine the most strategic path forward. Let’s take a closer look at how to pursue SSDI after a car accident or workplace injury and how partnering with a trusted and highly skilled Michigan SSDI lawyer can provide you with the support you need to move through this process with greater understanding and ease.
How Does SSDI Eligibility in Michigan Work?
The SSA rules and regulations outline the eligibility requirements that are necessary for an applicant to receive SSDI benefits. First, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that they have enough of a work history to qualify for SSDI. Generally speaking, this means that you will need to have worked for at least five of the last ten years in order to be eligible for SSDI. Next, the applicant must have a disability or blindness that affects their ability to work for one year or more (or an injury or health condition that will result in death). You must have sufficient documentation from qualified medical professionals that your disability or health condition prevents you from doing any job on a full-time basis. Less serious injuries that are expected to heal within a few weeks will most likely not qualify you for SSDI benefits.
Can I Receive SSDI After a Car Accident in Michigan?
While many car accidents cause injuries that may heal within a few weeks or months, some accidents lead to catastrophic injuries that require long-term care. For example, car accidents can lead to spinal injuries, brain damage, and amputations—all of which may permanently affect someone’s ability to work in the future. These serious injuries typically involve ongoing treatment or permanent accommodations, such as renovating your home to make it wheelchair accessible. If you or a loved one finds themselves in a situation where you cannot return to full-time work, reach out to a trusted Michigan SSDI attorney today.
Are There Workplace Injury Disability Benefits in Michigan?
When workers are injured on the job, Michigan’s workers’ compensation system can provide financial assistance to injured employees as they focus on their recoveries and return to work safely. For the most part, workers’ compensation benefits will be used to cover the medical care and wage replacement costs associated with your work-related injury. SSDI may also be available for those who have sustained a workplace injury, if the injury is such that the worker cannot return to any work (even beyond their prior job). If you qualify for both SSDI and workers’ compensation benefits, the total payments will likely be reduced according to the total amount you receive. For more information about navigating the SSDI application process, consider partnering with a dedicated Michigan SSDI lawyer who can help you achieve your desired outcome.
How Soon After My Injury Should I Apply For SSDI Benefits?
As soon as it becomes clear that your injuries or condition will prevent you from working long-term, it’s worth filing an SSDI application. To apply for SSDI after suffering a serious injury, you can turn to the SSA’s website to locate the application. As you complete the application, you will be asked to provide information about your condition, basic information about yourself, your earnings history, your employment history, and other relevant details. Moreover, you will need to gather and submit documents and medical evidence (i.e., medical records, prognosis reports, etc.) to give a clear picture of the nature, severity, and extent of your injuries. It’s important to complete every section of the application thoroughly and accurately to maximize your chances of having the application approved. When you seek the support of a highly experienced Michigan SSDI attorney, you will be better equipped to deal with claim denials, appeals, and hearings, should the need arise. Now is the time to start exploring your options for obtaining the financial assistance you need so that you can face the future with greater peace of mind.
After suffering an injury, it’s common to feel confused about your options for securing the support you need to assist with your recovery. At Warren & Schairbaum, PLLC, we believe in empowering our clients to engage with the legal process so that they can make more informed decisions with greater confidence. We encourage you to contact our Ann Arbor, Michigan office today at (734) 769-9300 to discuss your legal options with a highly experienced and caring SSDI attorney.