Why should I use a disability attorney?

Statistically, persons using a lawyer have a better chance of success. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not require you to have an attorney, and allows you to represent yourself. Numerous claimants, however, use an attorney for reasons in addition to increasing the likelihood of success. Many claimants find using an attorney is helpful in all aspects of the filing process, from filling out the paperwork to handling the appeals.

We provide a free case evaluation to claimants interested in filing a claim.

If I am Disabled when am I eligible for benefits?

A person is considered eligible for disability benefits when they meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. They define disability as the "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months" or " blindness" as defined as " central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens. There are several different programs that pay disability benefits and each program, besides requiring that you meet the disability definition, also have several other requirements in order to be eligible for benefits. The Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program are the two most common that pay disability benefits and both have different prerequisites. While the SSDI program requires that you have worked for a certain amount of time under Social Security, SSI requires that you have limited income, limited resources, and be an American citizen or classified in an approved alien category.

An experienced attorney can guide you through this complicated process.

If I am injured or disabled when should I apply to receive SSDI or SSI benefits?

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled because there is some waiting time to receive the benefits after filing your claim. SSDI does not pay benefits until 6 months after the onset of disability while SSI pays benefits either the month after the claim is filed or by the date you become eligible for SSI.

We can help you file your forms completely and quickly, avoiding any unnecessary delays.