Disability benefits are more than financial assistance — they provide stability and peace of mind during a difficult time. Our firm works to help disabled individuals pursue the benefits they may be entitled to without unnecessary delays or confusion.
If your disability prevents you from working, or if your claim has been denied, now is the time to take the next step.
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For many disabled individuals, applying for Social Security Disability benefits is only the beginning of a long and frustrating process. Claims are often delayed, denied, or require extensive documentation before approval.
Even qualified applicants can face:
These obstacles can make it difficult to secure the financial support you may need while unable to work.
SPEAK WITH A LEAD SPECIALISTSSA uses a 5-step evaluation process to determine if you meet the requirements to receive disability benefits:
Step 1 – Are you working over Substantial Gainful Activity?
Step 2 – Are your conditions severe?
Step 3 – Do your conditions meet or equal a medical listing?
Step 4 – Can you do your past work?
Step 5 – Can you do other work?
SSD is a disability insurance program that you pay into when you work and earn workcredits. The amount you receive each month from SSD, if approved, is based on how much money you have earned over your lifetime. SSI is also a disability program with the same medical requirements as SSD, however, you do not need work credits to be eligible. SSI does require that you meet certain income/asset/resource guidelines. If medically approved for SSI, certain income/assets/resources can affect the amount you receive.
Yes, we encourage every claimant to apply for both SSI and SSD. Applying does not guarantee eligibility, but it helps rule out any question.
A person must earn wages subject to Social Security tax to qualify for work credits. The amount required to earn a work credit typically changes annually. The maximum number of credits that may be earned in a year is four (one per quarter).
Your DLI (Date Last Insured) is the date your coverage for disability insurance benefits expires. You must prove you became disabled before that date to receive SSD benefits. This applies only to SSD cases.
Any income (earned or unearned) belonging to you or your spouse; value of personal property including vehicles, homes, recreational vehicles (excluding one vehicle and the home you live in); bank accounts; retirement accounts; 401Ks; IRAs; CDs; stocks; bonds; etc.
Yes. You can view a list of these conditions by visiting SSA’s listing of impairments
At the initial level, most cases are denied. Reconsideration appeals are also frequently denied. Most cases go to hearing. Approval rates vary by state and judge.
The SSDI process can take anywhere from a few months to several years depending on your disabilities, age, education, work history, and medical evidence. Initial decisions average 12+ months. Reconsideration averages 12+ months. Hearings take 6–12 months after the hearing is requested. Appeals Council decisions can take 12+ months. Having an attorney does not speed up your case. The same average time frames apply whether you are represented or not.
SSA automatically withholds attorney fees from your back pay and sends them directly to the firm. In rare cases, if fees are not withheld, you will be responsible for paying the firm. If you do not win your case, no attorney fees will be paid.
