Social Security Disability (SSDI & SSI) Help in the USA — Claims, Denials, Appeals & Hearings

When illness or injury stops you working, disability benefits can be a lifeline. Yet most initial Social Security disability applications are denied. Many of those people later win — because they appealed with better evidence.

Our Social Security disability SSDI and SSI help in the USA guides you through claims, denials and appeals at fixed fees. We focus on what decides these cases: how well your medical evidence shows that you cannot sustain full-time work.

Importantly, appeal deadlines are short. You generally have 60 days, plus five days for mailing, to appeal each decision. Therefore, act as soon as a denial letter arrives.

SSDI or SSI — which applies to you?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), by contrast, is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources.

Some people qualify for both. An SSDI consultation or SSI consultation explains which program fits your situation and what evidence you need.

Both programs use the same basic definition of disability. Your condition must prevent substantial work and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Consequently, the details of your medical records matter enormously.

Building a strong claim

The Social Security Administration looks at your medical records, your work history and your ability to do any work in the national economy. Vague records are the main reason good claims fail.

A Disability-claim review checks whether your evidence clearly shows your limitations — for example, how long you can sit, stand, lift or concentrate. Furthermore, it identifies missing records and opinions from treating doctors that would strengthen the claim.

As a result, you submit a claim that answers the questions the examiner will ask.

Denied? The appeal steps

A denial is not the end. The process usually has four levels: reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), the Appeals Council and federal court.

An SSDI denial review explains why you were denied and what would change the outcome. A reconsideration consultation then helps you prepare the first appeal.

The ALJ hearing is often the best chance to win. You can explain your condition in person, and new evidence can be submitted. An administrative-hearing consultation prepares you for the judge's questions. Meanwhile, a disability appeal consultation covers later stages.

Back pay and what happens next

If you win, you may receive back pay. For SSDI, benefits generally start after a five-month waiting period from the established onset date. Consequently, the onset date the judge accepts can make a large difference to the total.

Moreover, SSDI recipients usually become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of entitlement, while SSI recipients typically qualify for Medicaid in most states. Therefore, a successful claim protects your healthcare as well as your income.

If you were hurt at work, you may also have a workers' compensation claim. Similarly, veterans can read our VA benefits guide.

How we help

We review your records, explain the rules in plain English and prepare you for each step. You can upload medical records, denial letters and questionnaires through your secure dashboard.

Every service has a fixed fee, so there is no surprise at the end. Additionally, you can message your attorney between stages. As a result, you are never left guessing what comes next.

Our Social Security Disability services in the USA

Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in the USA. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.

Social Security Disability services near you — every state we cover

Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from state to state, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.

Social Security Disability help in California

We prepare social security disability documents for California law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Los Angeles (near the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown), San Diego (near the Hall of Justice on West Broadway), San Francisco (near the Civic Center courthouse on McAllister Street). For example, see SSDI consultation in Los Angeles, SSDI consultation in San Diego, SSDI consultation in San Francisco. Similarly, see SSI consultation in California.

Social Security Disability help in Texas

We prepare social security disability documents for Texas law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Houston (near the Harris County Civil Courthouse), Dallas (near the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building), San Antonio (near the Bexar County Courthouse), Austin (near the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility). For example, see SSDI consultation in Houston, SSDI consultation in Dallas, SSDI consultation in San Antonio, SSDI consultation in Austin. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Texas.

Social Security Disability help in Florida

We prepare social security disability documents for Florida law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Miami (near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse on West Flagler Street), Orlando (near the Orange County Courthouse), Tampa (near the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse). For example, see SSDI consultation in Miami, SSDI consultation in Orlando, SSDI consultation in Tampa. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Florida.

Social Security Disability help in New York

We prepare social security disability documents for New York law and local court practice. Clients come to us from New York City (near the New York County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street and the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn (near the Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street). For example, see SSDI consultation in New York City, SSDI consultation in Brooklyn. Similarly, see SSI consultation in New York.

Social Security Disability help in Illinois

We prepare social security disability documents for Illinois law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Chicago (near the Richard J. Daley Center). For example, see SSDI consultation in Chicago. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Illinois.

Social Security Disability help in Georgia

We prepare social security disability documents for Georgia law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Atlanta (near the Fulton County Courthouse). For example, see SSDI consultation in Atlanta. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Georgia.

Social Security Disability help in Arizona

We prepare social security disability documents for Arizona law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Phoenix (near the Maricopa County Superior Court). For example, see SSDI consultation in Phoenix. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Arizona.

Social Security Disability help in Pennsylvania

We prepare social security disability documents for Pennsylvania law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Philadelphia (near City Hall, home of the Court of Common Pleas). For example, see SSDI consultation in Philadelphia. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Pennsylvania.

Social Security Disability help in Washington

We prepare social security disability documents for Washington law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Seattle (near the King County Courthouse). For example, see SSDI consultation in Seattle. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Washington.

Social Security Disability help in Colorado

We prepare social security disability documents for Colorado law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Denver (near the Denver City and County Building). For example, see SSDI consultation in Denver. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Colorado.

Social Security Disability help in Massachusetts

We prepare social security disability documents for Massachusetts law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Boston (near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse). For example, see SSDI consultation in Boston. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Massachusetts.

Social Security Disability help in Nevada

We prepare social security disability documents for Nevada law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Las Vegas (near the Regional Justice Center). For example, see SSDI consultation in Las Vegas. Similarly, see SSI consultation in Nevada.

Social Security Disability help in New Jersey

We prepare social security disability documents for New Jersey law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newark (near the Essex County Hall of Records). For example, see SSDI consultation in Newark. Similarly, see SSI consultation in New Jersey.

Social Security Disability help in North Carolina

We prepare social security disability documents for North Carolina law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Charlotte (near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse). For example, see SSDI consultation in Charlotte. Similarly, see SSI consultation in North Carolina.

We also help clients in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See every location we cover.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.