Living with a disability is a big deal, and if you’ve recently been diagnosed with one, you’ve likely got a lot on your mind. There’s getting treatment and going through rehabilitation, the worry associated with the financial side of things, fear of missing out on certain social events, and more, and knowing where to start is hard.
With a situation like this, it’s important to take things one step at a time, and some of the first things you should think about are the associated legal considerations. In this article, you’ll learn the key information.
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Legal Protections
Firstly, there are a few key pieces of legislation you should be aware of.
The first one is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is the foundation of disability rights in the United States, and prohibits any form of discrimination across all facets of society, be they in the workplace, educational settings, government services, and so on.
There’s also the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which is designed to protect individuals with disabilities from facing discrimination related to housing, and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACCA), which employs a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination when flying in an aircraft.
The Government Benefits Program
The financial implications of a disability are often the part that people are most afraid of, but there’s plenty of help in place. There are two main federal programs to get you started.
The first is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): this is for workers who have been paying into Social Security but can’t work anymore due to their disability. Then, there’s the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those without previous income or the ability to financially support themselves.
It’s important to note that all applications will require medical proof from your doctor that your disability is legitimate.
The Benefit of a Disability Lawyer
If you’re struggling with the process of making a claim or have been denied help for whatever reason, approaching a disability lawyer is essential.
You’re nearly three times more likely to win disability with a lawyer, and because most work on a contingency fee, you won’t pay anything unless you win the case.
A lawyer can help with everything from navigating the appeals process to helping you organize medical evidence in the right format before you even send anything off.
Wrapping Up: Things to Avoid
Navigating the complexities surrounding disability can be tiring, but hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on the process and what help is available.
To finish off, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
Lacking Medical Evidence
Medical evidence should be supplied consistently with how you’re directed via the form – any deviation will likely result in refusal.
Neglecting Treatment Plans
Non-compliance with the prescribed treatment plan for your condition will likely result in your benefits being denied, so make sure you do things by the book.
Applying for the Wrong Program
It’s easy to get confused by the legal jargon, but you must be vigilant to apply for the right program. Many people go through the effort of applying for what they think will help them, only to find they’ve applied for help that isn’t relevant to their situation.
Good luck navigating the system, and remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way – you will get through this, and when all’s said and done, you’ll have everything in place you need to live a fulfilling life.
