At least one in every five adults in Connecticut has a disability. The number is slightly lower than the national average of one in every four adults. The highest number of disabilities are associated to mobility and cognition. Other disabilities include independent living, hearing, vision, and self-care disabilities.
The Land of Steady Habits, as it is commonly referred to, seems to be rightly named since many of the disabled adults in Connecticut are less likely to be obese, inactive, or struggle with high blood pressure.
Even though a disabled Connecticut resident is less likely to suffer from a wide range of health complications, a disability can still take a significant toll on one’s financial life.
Fortunately, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) in Connecticut help defray expenses such as transportation, food, and housing. Here is everything you need to know about Social Security local to Connecticut.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in Connecticut?
If you live in the Constitution State and want to qualify for SSD benefits, you must prove that you are qualified medically and non-medically.
Typically, the non-medical qualification is related to how many work credits you have accumulated through employment. $1,470 in net earnings is generally required for one work credit. In 2022, a person can earn up to four credits per year. So, if you have worked for ten years or more, you should qualify for disability benefits.
If you are younger than 24 years old and became disabled while working or attending school full time, the work credit requirement may be different.
The medical component of the SSDI application requires you to prove that you have a long-term or permanent disability that impacts your ability to work.
There are two ways to qualify for SSDI medically:
The first way is having a condition that appears on the SSA’s Blue Book of disabling conditions. If your illness or injury is not listed in the Blue Book, you can still be approved for benefits through a medical-vocational allowance.
To be approved for a medical-vocational allowance, you must prove that your disability prevents you from working in any capacity and that you cannot retrain for another type of work.
To qualify for SSDI benefits in Connecticut, your application must contain sufficient evidence of the medical condition, such as letters from doctors, hospital bills, and medical records.
Sometimes, you need to seek the help of an experienced SSDI lawyer who will guide you through the process and help assemble the necessary evidence for your claim.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Connecticut?
All Connecticut residents with SSDI claims need to prove to Disability Determination Services (DDS) that they are medically and non-medically qualified for the benefits.
As mentioned earlier, non-medical qualification means you have worked and paid enough Social Security taxes. The medical component is only approved if the applicant has an SSA-approved condition such as mental illness.
The moment you meet these two conditions, you should apply for disability benefits with the nearest Connecticut Social Security office.
You can visit the nearest SSA office in person, call the SSA hotline at 1-800-772-1213, or fill out an online application.
What Happens After I File My Application for SSDI Benefits in Connecticut?
After filing your claim, the DDS will check to see if you are non-medically qualified for benefits. If so, your claim will be forwarded to the nearest SSA office, where a disability specialist will contact you for an interview.
During this interview, the specialist will ask you questions about your work history and medical conditions. Having a copy of your medical records with you during this meeting is advisable.
After the interview, the specialist will send your claim to your personal physician and any other doctors that have treated you for an assessment. These doctors will send back a report to the DDS detailing your diagnosis, prognosis, and other pertinent information.
The DDS will use this information and the details of your interview to decide on your claim. If your claim is approved, you will start receiving benefits within a few months. If it is denied, you have the right to file an appeal.
How Much Will I Receive in Social Security Disability Benefits in Connecticut?
The amount of your monthly disability benefit is based on your earnings history. If you have worked most of your life, you will receive a higher benefit than someone who has not worked as long.
The average monthly SSDI benefit in Connecticut is $1,171. The maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $2,788.
In addition to your monthly disability benefits, you may also be eligible for Medicare coverage 24 months after you start receiving SSDI benefits.
Appealing a Denial in Connecticut
Unfortunately, more than 70% of SSDI claims in the Constitution State are declined initially. If your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal.
You must file your appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. You can do this by visiting your local SSA office, calling the SSA hotline at 1-800-772-1213, or online.
When you file your appeal, you must choose which level of appeal you would like to pursue. The first level is called reconsideration.
During this process, your claim will be reviewed by someone who did not work on your initial claim. This person will look at all the evidence in your file and decide.
If your claim is denied again, you can request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. This is the second level of appeal. Approximately 50% of claims that are appealed are approved at this stage.
The final level of appeal is called review by the Appeals Council. You can ask the Council to review your case
If your claim is denied again, you can file a lawsuit in federal court If you need help with any stage of the appeals process, contact a Connecticut Social Security disability lawyer.
Your lawyer will request your file from the SSA and look for errors or omissions. He will also gather new evidence to support your claim and represent you at your hearing.
Connecticut SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Approval
Connecticut is part of the SSA’s “Region 1,” headquartered in Boston, MA. There are two hearing offices in the state.
The Hartford hearing office has a backlog of 1,466 cases. The New Haven hearing office has a backlog of 2,042 cases.
Connecticut’s average wait time for a disability hearing is 318 days, with a 48.2% average approval rate. The New Haven office has a slightly shorter waiting time, but its average approval rate stands at 46.1%, lower than the national average of 53.9%.
What Do I Need to Prove to Win My Connecticut SSDI Case?
As mentioned, the DDS will review your medical records and interview you before deciding on your claim.
The SSA uses a five-step process to determine whether you are disabled. The specialist will look at:
- Whether you are working;
- The severity of your medical condition;
- Whether your condition meets or equals a listing in the SSA’s “Blue Book” of disabling conditions;
- Your ability to perform past work; and
- Your ability to adjust to other types of work.
For your claim to be approved, you must prove that you cannot perform any type of gainful employment because of your disabling condition.
Seek Legal Help Today
Getting approved for SSDI in Connecticut can sometimes be a long and challenging process. If your claim has been denied, don’t give up.
Appealing a denial can be complicated, but an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process.
Your lawyer can also help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim and represent you at your hearing.
At Legal Giant, we have helped thousands of people get the disability benefits they need and deserve. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights and options.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced social security attorney in Connecticut.
