Social Security Disability — your questions, answered

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to be 'insured.' SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is need-based — it's for disabled, blind, or older people with very limited income and resources, whether or not they've worked. Some people qualify for both. We'll figure out which programs fit your situation.

In general, you may qualify if you have a medically documented physical or mental condition that keeps you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months (or is terminal). It's not about a diagnosis alone — it's about how your condition limits what you can do. The best way to find out is a free consultation where we look at your specific facts.

Whatever you have — denial letters, your list of doctors and medications, and any paperwork from Social Security. Don't worry if you're missing things; just call. The consultation is free, and we'll guide you from there.

Not at all. Most claims are denied the first time — even strong ones — and many are won on appeal. A denial is the beginning of the process, not the end. The important thing is to act quickly, because you have a limited time to appeal.

Usually 60 days from the date you receive the denial notice (Social Security assumes you got it 5 days after the date on the letter). Miss that window and you may have to start over. If you've just been denied, call us right away so we can protect your deadline.

There are four: (1) Reconsideration — a fresh review of your file; (2) a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, where having a representative matters most; (3) Appeals Council review if the judge denies you; and (4) a lawsuit in federal court. We handle every stage and prepare you for what to expect.

Nothing up front, and nothing at all unless we win. Our fee in a disability case comes out of your past-due benefits (back pay) and is limited by federal law — typically 25% of back pay, up to a maximum the Social Security Administration sets. If there's no back pay, there's no fee.

You're allowed to handle a claim yourself, but the odds improve significantly with experienced representation — especially at the hearing stage. We know what the judge is looking for, what evidence wins, and how to present your case. And because there's no fee unless you win, there's little risk in having us on your side.

It depends on the stage and how backed up Social Security is. Initial decisions often take several months; a hearing can take longer to be scheduled. We can't speed up the government, but we keep your case moving, keep you informed, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

You appear before an Administrative Law Judge — in person, by video, or by phone — who asks about your condition, your work history, and your daily limitations. We prepare you beforehand so there are no surprises, present your medical evidence, and question any experts the judge calls. You will not face it alone.

Often, yes. If you're approved, you may be owed past-due benefits going back to when your disability began (subject to program rules and waiting periods). Part of our job is making sure you receive everything you're entitled to, not just benefits going forward.

Possibly, but earnings matter. Social Security looks at whether you're doing 'substantial gainful activity,' and there are special rules and trial-work provisions. Before you take or change a job during a claim, talk to us — a wrong move can hurt your case.