The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial support to those unable to work via Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These federal programs can provide claimants with the money they need to support themselves.
However, sometimes Social Security Disability claims are denied. At Underwood Law Office, we can act as your legal representative and guide you through the claims process. If you need to file an appeal, a Fort Worth Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm can evaluate your case.
How Our Fort Worth Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help You
At Underwood Law Office, we’re proud to provide legal representation to those in need. If you’re facing a claim denial, or you need help filing your initial claim, a Social Security Disability lawyer from our team can support you by:
- Pushing for the fair outcome of your claim
- Acting as your representative throughout the appeals process
- Advising you on your best next steps
- Gathering evidence to support your claim for benefits
- Representing you at hearings about the decision on your claim
- Helping you file paperwork and meeting important deadlines
- Answering your questions about the claims process
We understand that the process of applying for benefits can become tricky and complicated. You do not have to handle this yourself with our firm on your side.
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Fort Worth, call (972) 535-6377
We Can Help You File for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Fort Worth
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a form of supplemental income designed to support anyone who is:
- Older than 65
- Blind
- Disabled
In addition to these qualifiers, you must also have the following:
- A limited income
- Limited resources
If you have questions about resource and income distinctions, a Fort Worth social security disability lawyer from our firm would happily answer them.
Fort Worth Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), unlike SSI, doesn’t consider age. By paying taxes, you earn credits that go toward your SSDI eligibility. These are the primary eligibility factors for SSDI:
- You’ve earned a certain number of work credits
- You meet the SSA’s definition of disability
If your condition prevents you from working, a Social Security disability lawyer from our firm can help you seek benefits.
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How Is Disability Determined by the SSA?
To qualify for benefits, you’ll need to prove to the SSA that you’re disabled. Generally, the SSA defines “disability” in the following way:
- You are unable to participate in a substantial gainful activity (SGA), a term that refers to employment. Essentially, you must be unable to make a certain amount of money each month.
- Your physical or mental inability is linked to a medical condition that will last for longer than 12 months or end in death.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the process for determining overall disability involves steps that include:
- Assessing if you can participate in gainful employment: Each year, the SSA publishes SGA income thresholds. If you are making more than the income threshold, you may not be considered disabled by the SSA.
- Disability severity assessment: To receive a disability assignment, your condition must qualify as “severe.” Severe disabilities impact an individual’s ability to work and move through life for no less than 12 months.
- Matching the disability to a known listing: The SSA maintains a listing of disabilities. During this step, the SSA will look to match your disability to a listing. If your condition does not match a listing, the SSA must decide if your condition is equally severe to a condition that is on the list.
- Work performance prior to the disability: This step entails comparing your previous work ability to your present work ability. Or, in simpler terms, the SSA will ask, “can you do the job you had before you became disabled?” Then, the SSA will determine if you could feasibly shift industries to find a different job.
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Our Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help You Apply for SSI and SSDI
SSI and SSDI are technically different programs, but they follow a similar application process. Generally, it includes:
- The completion of an online or in-person application
- The SSA will review your application
- Your application is forwarded to a relevant state agency
- The relevant state agency either approves or denies your application
Before you apply, you need to gather several types of documentation and information, including:
- Information regarding your medical condition
- Work history
- Date and place of birth
- Educational history
For a complete list of required application information, review the SSA’s checklist.
What if Your Claim Is Denied?
If your SSI or SSDI claim is denied, you can participate in the appeals process. This process has four steps. At each step, you either receive approval or must proceed to the next step to contest your denial further. The steps include:
- Reconsideration: A reconsideration involves an SSA employee re-reviewing your application.
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): During this hearing, an ALJ will consider the merits of your application. You can explain your case and tell the judge why you are seeking benefits. A lawyer from our firm can represent you in this hearing.
- Appeals Council review: The appeals council can determine if the ALJ made an error when they denied your claim for benefits.
- Federal court: Finally, you can take your claim to a relevant federal court if the other steps don’t produce a desirable result.
Remember, a case denial isn’t the end of the road. In fact, it’s quite common to receive an initial denial on a claims application. We have experience helping those who have received a claim denial seek the benefits they need.
Contact Our Fort Worth Social Security Disability Team Today
If you need help applying for Social Security Disability benefits, our legal team can help. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today. We understand disability matters and can provide straightforward answers to your difficult questions.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form