skip to Main Content

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More about how Our Richmond Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help

Social Security disability applications, appeals, and denials can be incredibly stressful. At Harbison & Kavanagh, we know that when you have questions, it is important to trust a Richmond attorney to help you obtain the benefits you need. We take the time to get to know your situation and work with you and your family as we strive to deliver the best possible representation in your Social Security Disability claim, SSI claim, or Social Security Disability Insurance claim.

Read answers to some frequently asked questions below or call Harbison & Kavanagh at (804) 888-8000 to schedule your free personalized consultation.

What benefits am I entitled to?

If you’ve been disabled, you may be entitled to disability payments, if you can later return to work, or have permanent disability because of a severe injury or debilitating illness. Social Security disability benefits are available to workers who have paid into the system over the course of their employment. In addition, supplemental security income, or SSI, is a government assistance program for lower income households with individuals who are disabled. You may also be eligible for both. To learn more about payments that may be granted in your unique situation, contact Harbison & Kavanagh today.

What can I do if my benefits have been denied?

If your SSD or SSI application has been denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. This allows the Social Security Administration to reexamine your case based on additional documents and paperwork that must be filled out completely, truthfully, and filed within the strict time frame. This can be a difficult feat, especially when you are already dealing with the stress of an injury, which is why it is so vital that you have a Richmond Social Security disability attorney on your side throughout the appeals process.

What is Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a health insurance program primarily for people 65 years or older, no matter what your income. It can also help younger disabled people, depending on their disability. This federal program requires patients to pay low deductible and hospital costs. Medicaid, on the other hand, is meant to be an assistance program for low-income individuals, no matter what their age. Medicaid varies from state to state, but, in general, a patient may have to pay a small co-pay but nothing else.

I need benefits now. Is there anything I can do?

The Compassionate Allowance Program can help you expedite the Social Security disability application process if you have certain disabilities or conditions. This includes providing medical evidence, including biopsy reports. Cancers, forms of dementia, certain inoperable or chronic conditions, transplant failures, fibrosis, and other diseases and syndromes. The list of qualifying disorders is long, so to find out if you are eligible, contact a Richmond Social Security disability lawyer today.

Can I work while I’m receiving disability assistance?

If you would like to try going back to work, the Social Security Administration offers a nine month trial period where you can work and still be eligible for the full amount of disability benefits. You will have to notify the SSA with detailed information regarding your position and length of your employment, as well as any work-related expenses.

We proudly serve the residents of Richmond, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding areas.

Back To Top