Located in central Massachusetts, just north of Springfield, lives the vibrant and diverse community of Holyoke. This industrial city has a population of approximately 40,000 people.
While there are many job opportunities in the area, not all Holyoke residents are able to work. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, over 13% of Holyoke residents under the age of 65 are disabled.
Luckily, there are many resources for individuals who are too ill to work in the area. The healthcare industry in Holyoke is strong, with many excellent doctors and medical providers within close proximity.
Additionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial assistance to qualified Holyoke residents who are unable to work as a result of a serious health condition.
Health Resources for Individuals Living in Holyoke
Living in a close-knit community such as Holyoke has many benefits. Often, when a fellow community member falls ill, the neighbors rally to offer assistance in the way of meals and perhaps even financial gifts.
However, sometimes this help is not enough to pay the bills.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program was established to offer protection to workers who become disabled.
Only those individuals who have worked a certain number of hours over the last ten years, thus paying taxes into the insurance program, can qualify for SSDI benefits.
Even if an individual meets the technical qualification by having earned enough work credits, they still might not be granted a financial award. SSDI applicants must use medical documentation to prove that they are too ill to work.
Medical records provided by health care providers and hospitals must clearly illustrate severe symptoms that prevent one from working at their current job or any job that they might be qualified to perform.
The SSA relies heavily upon the documentation provided by your doctor. It’s imperative that you have established a good working relationship with your physician and that you attend recent and regular appointments.
Massachusetts Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the state agency that will complete your initial disability determination.
They will ask your doctor about your medical condition, how long you have been suffering from symptoms, and your prognosis. They will request medical records and ask about the treatments that you have received.
If you have not consistently visited a health care provider, here are three practices in the Holyoke area that might be of assistance to you:
Holyoke Medical Group Family Medicine
10 Hospital Drive, Suite 104
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 535-4800
https://www.holyokehealth.com/Services-Specialties/Family-Medicine
Holyoke Health Center
230 Maple Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 420-2200
http://www.hhcinc.org
Hampden Family Practice
10 Hospital Drive, Suite 204
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 533-3912
http://www.hampdenfamilypractice.com/index.shtml
Applying for Social Security Disability in Holyoke
As the SSDI application process is lengthy, individuals should apply for disability benefits as soon as they become disabled.
The first step of the application process involves collecting all of the important information such as your social security number, birth certificate, former employers, and the names and addresses of any place that you received health care.
Next, you will want to determine if your illness meets the required criteria for disability as outlined by the SSA. The best way to do this is to review Blue Book.
The Blue Book is the name given to the online medical guide used by the SSA when determining which health conditions are severe enough to warrant a disability payment. As the Blue Book is complex, many applicants choose to review it with their lawyer or doctor.
SSDI benefits are reserved for those claimants who are permanently disabled. As such, only those with health conditions that are expected to last for at least 12 months are considered for disability payments.
There are a number of ways to fill out your SSDI application. While most people choose to file online, you can also elect to have someone take your application over the phone.
You can even visit a Social Security office in person. Here are three offices within a reasonable distance to Holyoke:
Holyoke Social Security Office 01040
200 High Street, 2nd Floor
Holyoke, MA 01040
(877) 480-4989
Springfield Social Security Office 01104
70 Bond Street
Springfield, MA 01104
(866) 964-5061
Worcester Social Security Office 01608
51 Myrtle Street, Madison Place
Worcester, MA 01608
(866) 331-9069
Can a Social Security Lawyer Help Me Win My Claim in Holyoke?
The number of Massachusetts residents approved for SSDI benefits is slightly higher than the national average. Still, six out of every ten claimants are denied during the initial application round.
Many of these denials are a direct result of mistakes made on the application or missing medical evidence.
One of the best things that you can do to improve your chances of an approval is to hire a Social Security lawyer. Disability lawyers understand the SSDI process from start to finish and are equipped to ensure that your application stands out from the others.
Your Social Security lawyer will review your application, help you gather your medical records, and even correspond with your healthcare providers and the SSA itself.
