Receiving a disability denial is discouraging, but it does not necessarily mean the claim lacks merit. Claims are denied for many reasons, including incomplete records, missed forms, technical eligibility issues, unsuccessful attempts to obtain evidence, and an inaccurate assessment of the claimant’s limitations.

Hiring a Social Security disability attorney does not require money upfront. Under my fee agreement, attorney fees are contingent on winning the claim. A fee is owed only if the claim is approved and produces past-due benefits. If the claim is denied, no attorney fee is owed.

Timing matters when filing for Social Security Disability Insurance, known as SSDI, or Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI. A strong claim begins before the application is submitted. Not much is initially needed at the outset. Disability applicants should get the following in order prior to filing: assess their work status, establish a reliable mailing address, and organize the information Social Security will request.

Social Security disability claims take a long time. They have never been a fast process, and today’s delays leave applicants waiting many months for even the very first decision. Social Security Disability Insurance, known as SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI, are not quick solutions to immediate financial problems.

Social Security disability claims take a long time. They have never been a fast process, and today’s delays leave applicants waiting many months for even the very first decision. Social Security Disability Insurance, known as SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI, are not quick solutions to immediate financial problems.

Substantial Gainful Activity, known as SGA, is a monthly measure of work activity and earnings. Social Security does not decide SGA by looking only at annual income. It examines what a person earned from work during each individual month.

A disability claim does not remain with one employee or even one office. It moves among several government components, each responsible for a different part of the process. This division of responsibility creates delays and confusion. Information sent to the wrong office, department, or employee does not always reach the person handling the issue.

Social Security disability claims involve personal facts, medical evidence, and rules that apply differently in each case. This blog provides general information about Social Security disability law and my work as a disability lawyer. It does not provide advice for any individual claim.