Should I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult, emotionally draining, and complex process. If you believe you may be eligible for disability benefits, contact one of our Social Security disability lawyers who can review your case and determine whether you are likely to qualify for benefits. Read on for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying For Social Security Disability

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How do I apply for Social Security Disability?

Social Security’s preferred application method is that you file your application online at their website (www.ssa.gov). On-line applications, however, are not required. One can call Social Security at 800-772-1213 or the local Social Security office to get an application started. The Roose & Ressler Social Security attorneys recommend that you attempt to file applications for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It may turn out that you don’t qualify for both, but let Social Security review your earnings and finances to determine your possible eligibility for both programs.

Where can I find a local Social Security Administration office Near Me?

SSA Office Locator. The Official Website of the U.S. Social Security Administration: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

What’s the difference between SSD and SSI disability?

These initials refer to the two Social Security Disability programs.

SSD stands for Social Security Disability, while SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. Both of these programs use the same standard for finding disability.

The difference is the non-medical eligibility requirements. You qualify for SSD based on your work history, and the amount of benefit you receive is calculated from your earnings. You qualify for SSI if you have low income and resources.

SSD and SSI have different rules about when benefits can start and stop. At Roose & Ressler, we can help you sort through your eligibility for each of these programs.

Will you help me apply for Social Security Disability benefits if I work with you?

Yes, if we agree to represent you at the initial application stage, we will walk you through the entire application process.

Reach out to us to get started.

What happens after my disability application is filed?

After your disability application is filed, it goes to the local office, also known as the field office or the district office. They will determine your eligibility and if you meet the criteria for certain programs. Once they’ve determined that you’ve met the criteria, they will send your claim to the state agency, where it’s then adjudicated medically.

Do I need a lawyer to represent me in my Social Security Disability claim?

Social Security does not require that you have an attorney at any stage of the process.

Alia Green explains how hearing attorneys help their clients.

What can I do if my Social Security Disability claim was denied?

Don’t give up, presuming that you are convinced that your medical conditions are continuing to keep you from working! Be sure to file a reconsideration appeal within the 60-day appeal time. Many legitimately disabled people have to file one or more appeals before finally establishing that they are disabled.

If you exhaust all your appeals with Social Security, your last option is filing a claim in Federal Court. Melissa explains a few keys to winning in Federal Court.

What's the process for filing an appeal for a denied claim?

You can file your appeal at Social Security’s website (www.ssa.gov). You can also call Social Security and request that the paper appeal documents be mailed to you. Your call does not satisfy Social Security’s requirements for filing your appeal. Your on-line filing must be made or written appeal sent to a Social Security office within the allowed time.

How long do I have to file an appeal for my denied claim?

You have 60 days from your receipt of the most recent denial for your appeal to be timely. Social Security assumes you received the notice 5 days after the date on the notice, unless you can prove otherwise. If you file an appeal after the appeal time, it will only be accepted if Social Security determines that you had “good cause” for filing it late.

Why should I hire an attorney? What are the benefits?

An attorney can give you the best possible chance that your claim will be approved, especially when choosing a firm that practices in Federal Court. Sometimes the process is confusing or complicated. An attorney can explain what is happening and can ease your mind when there is nothing to be concerned about and take action for you when there is a concern. An attorney can be your partner, walking through the process with you, from beginning to end, including making sure that you are paid all the benefits to which you are entitled when you win. Roose & Ressler attorneys are ready to speak with you about your claim to see if we can help you.

How are legal fees paid if I hire you?

There is no cost to meet with us initially to discuss your case. Contact us today and schedule a free, no obligation meeting with one of our local attorneys and decide for yourself if you’d like to put our hard working team to work for you. Generally, we receive a fee only when we help you prove you are disabled.

How do I know if I have a good case?

The strength of a person’s case depends on many factors, including the person’s age, education, and work experience. It will also depend on the medical conditions the person has and the limitations that result from those conditions. Social Security will also consider how well those conditions and limitations are documented in the record.

What are my chances of being approved quickly?

How quickly cases are approved is on a case-by-case basis and depends on the nature of your impairments, age, and past work. Our job at Roose & Ressler is to try to help you move through that process and convince Social Security as early as possible that you’re disabled and eligible for benefits.

What if I don't go to the medical exam that SSA schedules for me?

We know these exams can be inconvenient, but we’d encourage you to go. Social Security usually schedules an exam because they think more information is needed to make a determination on your claim. Your case may be denied due to insufficient information if you don’t attend the exam. If you need to reschedule or have an issue with the appointment, please reach out to the Social Security Office to let them know.

Why is SSA sending me to one of their doctors?

It’s very common for Social Security to schedule an appointment for you with one of their doctors if they don’t think that they have enough information to make a determination on your claim from the medical evidence that they’ve gathered. This appointment will be at the SSA’s expense so you won’t have to worry about an out-of-pocket cost.

What medical updates do my attorneys need and how often?

Sharing updates on anything outside of routine services as quickly as possible can help us win your case. This includes updates from your doctors, hospitals, or emergency room visits. We will need the name of the facility or doctor, their address, phone number, and the date that you were seen to keep your case up-to-date.

Why is it taking so long?

We know it’s frustrating to wait for a decision. Unfortunately, the disability determination process is a slower process in general, and there are many factors that can add additional delays. It can be things like backlogs at the Social Security Office or your case being flagged for a quality review.

At Roose & Ressler, we help move your case through this process and toward a favorable decision as quickly as possible.