Securing Social Security Disability Benefits: Essential Support for Those in Need

Social Security Disability Benefits provide much needed income to those unable to work because of a debilitating personal injury or chronic illness/disability.

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About Social Security Disability benefits

To receive disability benefits you must establish that you are disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) asks all applicants the following five (5) questions to determine whether they have a "qualifying disability."

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1 - Are you working?

If you are and earn over a certain amount, then generally speaking you likely will not be considered "disabled."  

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2 - Is your medical condition "severe?"

‍SSA considers your disability severe when “your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, and remembering for at least 12 months.”

3 - Does your medical condition meet or medically equal a listing?

‍The SSA maintains a “list” of conditions it considers to be disabling. If your medical condition is on this list, SSA considers you disabled. If your medical condition is not on the list, then the SSA will ask you two (2) more questions.  

4 - Can you do the work you did before?

It goes without saying, if you are able to perform the work of your former job, you will not be considered disabled.

5 - Can you do any other work?

‍ If there are other types of jobs you can do, then you will not be considered disabled.

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How can we help?

Whether you need assistance filing your initial claim or want to learn more about your appeal options we can help.

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Application Assistance: The initial filing can be difficult and overwhelming. Moreover, the information you submit can have far reaching consequences including the acceptance of your claim and delaying your receipt of benefits.

Appeals: If SSA denied your initial disability claim you are not out of luck. You can file a "Request for Reconsideration" where you can provide any new or updated medical information to support your claim. It's a common misconception that SSA can access your medical records or can obtain them. This is not true. Providing the right medical documentation is critical to your success and that is your responsibility. We can help you gather the right medical documentation to support your claim. If SSA denies your "Request for Reconsideration" we can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If the SSA denies your claim at hearing, we can appeal that to the SSA Appeals Council.

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Medical Records and Doctor statements: We can obtain the right medical records on your behalf. In addition, we can prepare questions for your medical providers to answer about your medical condition. The questions and responses provided give SSA relevant information specific to your medical condition to determine whether it meets the definition of disability. It is not enough for your medical provide to state you are disabled. Rather, they must explain how the disability impacts your ability to perform various activities.

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