Santa Fe Social Security Disability Attorney

Jon Sipes, Attorney at Law for Santa Fe, New Mexico recognizes how enjoyable it is to be a financial provider, but he also understands there are real reasons why we can be unable. Jon is passionate about Social Security law, and is keen on detail and technicalities, making him extremely proficient at catching the snags and cutting through the issues that may be in his Client’s way towards living their best life now. 

Properly completing the application, along with all the unknowns that lie ahead can seem like a heavy burden for most people. For this reason it is common to hire a qualified legal representative. Jon will see you all the way through the process, giving you insight and direction, helping to make the process easy for you. And his careful and compassionate expertise will certainly increase your chances of being approved for SSDI benefits in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Jon is zealous about keeping his clients updated about their case and has an excellent grasp of Social Security Disability benefits, qualifications, and regulations. Mr. Sipes is well-versed in Halfax, (a manual used by employees of Social Security) as well as understanding case law relevant to Social Security disability representation and litigation. 

Criteria to seek Social Security disability benefits:

Every worker who receives a regular paycheck pays into the federal Social Security system. The Social Security tax is automatically taken out of your paycheck and used to fund the Social Security programs, including disability insurance and retirement. When workers experience a disability or reach retirement age, they may apply for a benefit payment based on their lifetime income.If you have not reached age 65 but experience a medical condition that qualifies as a disability, you may apply for Social Security Disability. The Social Security Administration defines a disability as a medical condition that is likely to persist for one year or more or result in death. You must provide medical evidence to support the conclusion that your condition is a long-term disability.

Types Of Social Security Benefits Programs:

There are two forms of Social Security benefit programs: 

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Eligibility for the SSDI program depends on the number of years an individual has worked and paid taxes into the Social Security benefits fund. The SSDI program does not apply to individuals that have never worked and paid Social Security taxes or have done so but for less than 10 years. Those individuals who do not have at least 10 years may instead apply the SSI program. 

SSI is a need-based program, available to those with disabilities, are elderly, or are blind. Other qualifying medical conditions include paralysis, heart conditions and back disorders. Learn more about the differences between SSDI and SSI.

Strict Requirements to Prove a Disability

To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, an individual must prove he or she suffers from a severe, long-term medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. That medical condition must prevent an individual from performing any substantial gainful activity–or earning regular income above a threshold amount. In 2021, the Social Security Administration recognizes substantial gainful activity as performing work that results in earning more than $1,310 per month.
In addition to proving you are unable to work, you must also show your medical condition is long-term, in that it will not end on its own or will not improve upon following a prescribed treatment plan. In many cases, this requires showing that you have followed all treatment recommendations provided by your doctor, but your condition has not improved

Applying for Disability Benefits

Applying for Social Security Benefits in New Mexico requires submitting an application for disability benefits at a local Social Security office, by mail, or online. The application includes personal details, such as your name, age, social security number, and a thorough history of your past employment. Many applications are denied solely for technical reasons, such as failing to include necessary details. For that reason it helps to have an experienced disability attorney to assist you with the application process.

Appealing Denial of an Application for Benefits

If the Social Security Administration denies your claim for disability benefits, you have the right to file an appeal of the denial. If the reason for denial is fairly apparent and can be easily cured, an applicant may request reconsideration of an application. Otherwise, an applicant should lodge an appeal with a Social Security office located in New Mexico. The appeal will be heard at a hearing before an administrative law judge, who will ask you questions about your disability. You may be represented by an attorney at this hearing, who can help you present your case to the administrative law judge.
If the administrative law judge also denies your application, you may appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council, who will review what happened at the hearing and issue a decision. If you are still denied benefits, Attorney Sipes can discuss additional appellate options with you.

Consult with a New Mexico Social Security Disability Attorney

Living in Santa Fe is pretty good if you have the means to provide for yourself and your family. However, if you are one of the many hardworking people in Santa Fe, New Mexico who are sidelined by a medical condition, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits based on your condition. Jon Sipes, Attorney at Law, devotes his practice to assisting people with long-term medical conditions apply for and obtain Social Security benefits. If you believe you are entitled to claim benefits, do not hesitate to contact Attorney Jon Sipes. He is eager to assist with your social security disability claims today.