Social Security Disability
1. Who is eligible for Social Security Disability or Social Security Disability Income benefits?
Answer: Any United States Citizen with enough work credits and has an injury or ailment that prevents them from working any job they are capable of performing given their work history and educational background. It is strongly recommended that you have medical records and documentation to present with your initial application.
2. Where should I apply for Social Security Disability benefits?
Answer: At your local office. Additional information can be found online at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov OR Call 1-800-772-1213 to find out the location that is closest to you.
3. How long will it take to get a decision?
Answer: Usually 2-4 months.
4. If I am denied, when and how do I appeal the decision?
Answer: In order to preserve your right to an appeal for the matter to be reviewed by an Administrative Law Judge, you must appeal at your local office or online by filing A Request for Hearing Before Administrative Law Judge within 60 days of the date of your denial letter. You can do this at your local office or online at: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/iAppeals/ap001.jsp
* Once the Request for Hearing is filed, either in person at your local office or online, be sure to have a copy of the submitted request as proof that you requested a hearing in a timely manner. Furthermore, your Attorney Representative will also require a copy of your properly filed Request for Hearing.
**If you do not file an appeal timely, the ALJ may dismiss your appeal. This means that you may not be eligible for the next step in the appeal process and that you may also lose your right to any further review.
5. What should I do to prepare for my hearing?
Answer: Make sure you have continued consistent medical treatment as you wait for your hearing and that all medical records you intend to use as evidence have been submitted to the Social Security Administration or the assigned judge for consideration.
6. When and why should I hire an Attorney Representative for my hearing?
Answer: Anytime during the process. The attorney will be sure that all records are ordered from your medical providers, submitted and marked as exhibits. Further, the Attorney Representative will prepare a brief for the Judge before the hearing and be present at the hearing itself to advocate on your behalf.
7. When, how and how much will my Attorney representative be paid?
Answer: The Attorney Representative fees are set and controlled by the U.S. Government and they are not to exceed 20% of your past due benefits, and not to exceed $6,000.00. The Attorney Representative is paid directly by the U.S. Government ONLY if your appeal is successful AND results in past due benefits.