While it is certainly possible to navigate the complexities of these claims on your own, being represented by an attorney significantly increases your chances of being approved. Statistics show that Social Security is more likely to approve an applicant who’s represented by legal counsel than one who is not.

A skilled disability attorney will know how to present your case in the light most favorable to you. On the initial application, your lawyer can offer advice on your “alleged onset date” of disability, argue that your condition meets one of the listed impairments and help you zero in on the facts that will be most persuasive to Social Security.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federally run program which provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work full time due to a disabling condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months. SSDI is based on your work history. If you are disabled but you have not worked enough to receive SSDI, you may qualify for SSI.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that pays benefits to adults and children who have low income and few resources and who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.

The Social Security Administration defines “disability” as follows:
“The inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”

In determining whether or not you are disabled, the Social Security Administration uses the following criteria to decide your eligibility for benefits:

Are you working?
If you are working and your earnings are more than a certain amount each month, then you are not disabled.

Is your condition “severe”?
If your condition does not interfere with basic work-related activities, then you are not disabled.

Is your condition on the List of Impairments?
The List of Impairments includes medical conditions that are so severe that they automatically mean that you are disabled. If your condition is not on the list or if your condition is not equal in severity to a medical condition that is on the list, then you are not disabled.

Can you do your past work?
Your medical condition must prevent you from doing your past work. If your condition does not interfere with your ability to do the work you did previously, then your claim will be denied.

Can you do other work?
If you cannot do your past work, then the SSA will determine if you are able to do other work. Your medical condition must prevent you from doing other work. If you can do other work, you are not disabled.

There are a number of ways to begin your Social Security disability claim. If your claim is for SSDI only, you can file on the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov. If your claim is for SSI only or for SSDI and SSI, you must either call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or go to your local Social Security office. If you have questions about the Social Security disability application process, contact Sucher Legal for a free consultation.

The Social Security Administration often denies disabled individuals the disability benefits to which they are entitled. If your application for SSDI or SSI is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days. Having a Social Security disability attorney handle your appeal greatly improves your odds of winning. We are here to help individuals receive the benefits that they deserve.

There are legal deadlines, or “statutes of limitation” that prescribe the amount of time you have to file a social security claim. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

The attorneys at Sucher Legal are experts in Social Security law. We will help you get the compensation you deserve. At Sucher Legal, we have been representing individuals in social security claims for over 30 years. When you get paid, we get paid. If we don’t collect, you pay no fee. Let us help you today.