Is your injury, illness, or related condition stopping you from working for the foreseeable future? Reach out to one of our Boise social security disability attorneys to learn about how you can seek social security disability (SSD) benefits.

There are numerous ways you can lose your ability to work because of an injury or related condition. 

For example, experiencing a severe hip injury as a result of a fall could permanently prevent you from working. Depending on the seriousness of your injury or condition – say, if you also hit your head in the fall – you may even lose the ability to understand necessary information or even communicate. Your motor skills might also be impacted. 

Thankfully, you’re not hopeless if you find yourself in this situation. Craig Swapp & Associates is here to help you gather the required documents needed to seek your SSD benefits. 

Even if your SSD benefits are denied, speaking with a Boise social security disability lawyer will help you better understand how you can obtain your social security disability benefits. 

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance in Idaho? 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to provide monthly financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. In Idaho, SSDI supports injured workers and those facing significant health challenges that prevent gainful employment. 

It is important to remember that SSDI is distinct from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), another benefit overseen by the Social Security Administration: 

  • SSDI is funded by payroll taxes, which means applicants must have a documented work history and sufficient work credits to be eligible. 
  • SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. 

Understanding these differences is critical for anyone considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Boise. Applying for Social Security Disability claims in Boise requires thorough documentation and a clear demonstration of how your disability impacts your ability to work. Working with a social security disability attorney in Boise, Idaho, can make the process clearer and ensure all eligibility requirements are addressed from the start. 

How Much Can You Get for Disability in Boise?

If you’re fortunate enough to have your SSDI claim approved by the SSA, you can use your benefits however you please. From buying food for your household to paying your electric bill, you can use this source of income to support you and your family however you need to. 

The amount you receive from Social Security Disability benefits in Boise, Idaho, is determined by your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. The Social Security Administration calculates your monthly benefit using your covered work history and the amount you paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. 

In 2024, the average monthly SSDI benefit in Idaho is  $1,334.02 per month, but individual amounts may vary. Some recipients with significant earnings records may receive higher payments, while those with less work history may qualify for lower amounts. 

Additionally, certain family members, such as a spouse or minor children, may also be eligible to receive auxiliary benefits, increasing your household’s overall monthly support. For a more precise estimate, consult with a social security disability attorney in Boise, Idaho, or use the Social Security Administration’s online benefits calculator. An attorney in Boise can also explain how other sources of income or benefits may affect your payments.

Even while you’re incarcerated, your children, spouse, and other dependents can collect your SSD benefits on your behalf. Through the process known as auxiliary benefits, you can still support your family and/or dependents.

What Conditions Meet the Definition of “Disabled” in SSD Claims?

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in Boise, applicants must have a medically determinable condition that is severe enough to prevent them from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration maintains a comprehensive list of qualifying impairments, known as the “Blue Book.” 

Common medical conditions that may qualify for disability benefits include:

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders (such as back injuries or joint problems)
  • Cardiovascular Disorders (such as heart disease)
  • Respiratory Conditions (such as chronic asthma or COPD)
  • Neurological Disorders (such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury)
  • Mental Health Conditions (such as severe depression, schizophrenia, or PTSD)
  • Immune System Disorders (such as lupus)
  • Cancers

Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if it limits your functional capacity to the extent that you can’t perform any substantial gainful activity. Social security disability lawyers in Boise, ID, can review your medical records and ensure your Social Security Disability claim is supported by the strongest evidence possible. Their experience can be instrumental in linking your condition to the Social Security Administration’s qualifying criteria.

How Do Social Security Disability Claims Work in Boise?

If you’re out of work for 12 months or more because of physical injuries, emotional trauma, or mental reasons, you’re eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Boise involves several key steps that require careful preparation and attention to detail. 

  • Gather Your Documentation: Collect essential records: medical reports, diagnostic results, physician statements, work history, and details about daily limitations. A social security disability attorney in Boise can help ensure the completeness and accuracy of your documentation.
  • Submit the Application: You can apply online at the Social Security Administration’s website, call to schedule by phone, or visit the Boise SSA office directly. Clearly list all impairments, treatments, medications, and how your condition impacts essential job functions.
  • Complete an Administrative Review: After submission, your file goes to Idaho’s Disability Determination Services. They evaluate medical and vocational evidence using SSA’s evaluation protocol. This thorough review aims to determine whether your impairment prevents Substantial Gainful Activity.
  • Track the Application’s Progress: You’ll receive notifications by mail or online about next steps, whether additional information or scheduling for a consultative exam is needed. Respond promptly and maintain communication.
  • Handle Denials Appropriately: If your claim is denied at the initial level, you have the right to request reconsideration. This means your case will be reviewed again by a different evaluator. If denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge in Boise. Throughout this process, strict deadlines must be met, and additional evidence may be required.

Working with social security disability lawyers in Boise, ID, significantly enhances your chances. A disability attorney in Boise, Idaho, coordinates evidence collection, prepares legal briefs, and advocates on your behalf during appeal hearings.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Disability Benefits?

The timeline for receiving Social Security Disability benefits in Boise varies. It takes 6  months, on average, to reach a decision for an application, depending on the complexity of the case and the speed with which applicants submit required documentation. 

If your SSDI claim is denied and you file an appeal, it may take several additional months, sometimes up to a year or more, to progress through reconsideration and a potential hearing. Delays often occur due to incomplete medical evidence or backlogs at the SSA.

Idaho’s Approval Rate for Social Security Disability Benefits Applications

Idaho’s approval rates for Social Security Disability benefits applications highlight just how challenging the process can be. 

According to Citizens Disability, only 40% of initial applications are approved in Idaho. If an initial claim is denied and the applicant seeks reconsideration, the approval rate drops sharply to 10.9%. At the hearing stage, the approval rate is reported at 0%. These statistics underscore the importance of submitting a strong, complete application from the beginning.

The low success rates make it essential to have strong legal guidance, so your Social Security Disability claim is as compelling as possible at every step. Social security disability lawyers in Boise are familiar with the procedures and requirements that can influence approval rates. They can help you navigate whatever stage you are, from initial application to appeals, ensuring you have the best possible chance of approval. 

Reasons Why Social Security Disability Claims Get Denied 

A significant number of Social Security Disability claims in Boise are denied at various stages. Understanding the common reasons for denials can help you avoid costly mistakes. 

The most frequent reasons for denial include:

  • Insufficient Medical Evidence: If your documentation does not clearly establish a qualifying condition or its impact on your ability to work, your claim may be rejected.
  • Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: The Social Security Administration expects claimants to follow recommended treatments unless there is a valid reason not to.
  • Incomplete Applications: Missing information or improperly filled forms are common pitfalls.
  • Earnings Above the Substantial Gainful Activity Limit: Applicants must not earn more than a specified amount while seeking benefits.
  • Lack of Communication with the SSA: Failing to respond to requests for additional information or attend medical evaluations can result in denial.

Boise injury lawyers for SSDI claims are skilled at identifying and addressing these issues before they jeopardize your claim. Working with Craig Swapp & Associates or another disability attorney in Boise, Idaho, means you have an advocate who can ensure all aspects of your application meet Social Security Disability standards.

Why Should You Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Boise, ID?

The SSD application process is demanding and often discouraging, especially given the low approval rates in Idaho. A social security disability attorney in Boise provides critical guidance from the initial application through every possible appeal. Disability lawyers can collect vital medical records, complete all necessary forms, and build a persuasive case on your behalf.

Choosing Craig Swapp & Associates means gaining a dedicated legal team committed to helping injured individuals obtain Social Security Disability benefits. Our Boise social security disability lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates have experience dealing with SSDI claims. Our social security disability attorneys want to help you gather the proper documents and negotiate with the SSA on your behalf. 

You deserve a fair chance at obtaining SSDI benefits. Don’t hesitate to talk to us about your disability claim – “One Call, That’s All!”

Call us at 1-866-316-5712 today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with our Boise social security disability lawyer.