Whether it’s a lifelong condition or the result of a serious injury, living with a disability can be extremely difficult, especially when it comes to finding or keeping employment. Even if they want to work, people with disabilities often struggle to find meaningful work, and it is for this reason that the Social Security Administration offers vocational rehabilitation.
Vocational rehabilitation is a government service that offers job training and rehabilitation to people living with disabilities so that they can find gainful employment, many for the first time in their lives. Learn more about how you can receive vocational rehabilitation services and how you can access these services with help from an SSDI lawyer.
Vocational Rehab Eligibility
As with any government service that you are applying for, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements before you are able to receive vocational rehabilitation services. The most important of these requirements is that you suffer from a demonstrable physical or mental impairment that interferes with your ability to secure or retain employment.
In addition, it must be clear that you will gain some benefit from vocational rehab services and that you will not be able to find substantial employment unless you receive these services. If you are approved for vocational rehab, you’ll usually be assigned a counselor who will work with you to achieve your employment related goals.
Building Individualized Plans
Once you’ve been approved for vocational rehab and have been assigned a counselor, you will start working on your Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). While every state has a different name for this plan, the important part is how it will be used. You and your counselor will develop your IPE and will identify the services that are most likely to lead to you finding a job.
Vocational rehabilitation provides many different services to aid disabled individuals in their quest for work. These services can include job counseling and training, working to restore some of your physical ability and assisting you in pursuing further education that may help you find a career.
Appealing a Vocational Rehabilitation Denial
Even if you suffer from a disability, it’s possible that your initial application for vocational rehabilitation services will be denied. If you’re the victim of a claim denial, you have the right to appeal the decision, and if you decide to file an appeal you should be sure to get representation from an SSDI lawyer.
A lawyer experienced with the Social Security system will understand the eligibility requirements for vocational rehabilitation services, and they will be able to fight for your interests when it comes time for an appeal. In addition, an SSDI lawyer will know the kind of evidence you need to prove your case.
Work with an SSDI Lawyer
If you’re disabled and have been struggling to find employment, the perfect solution may be getting services throughout vocational rehabilitation. However, if your initial claim is denied, you need to make sure to get legal help. Get help with your vocational rehabilitation application by hiring an SSDI lawyer from The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour.
We’ve been helping disabled individuals in the Greater Los Angeles area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County get the disability benefits they need for years. Call Dr. Bill LaTour and his team today at 800-803-5090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
