Are you eligible?
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or Title II)
- You must prove that you cannot work to earn a living because of your disability
- You must have a disability that is considered “severe” by the Social Security Administration
- Your disability must meet the Social Security’s List of Impairments that are automatically defined by law as “severe”. If the condition (or medical conditions) is not on the list, then it is compared to conditions on the list. If the severity meets or equals the listed impairments, you might qualify for benefits.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI or Title XVI)
- You must prove that you cannot work to earn a living because of your disability
- You must show that you have little to no income and very few resources.
If your medical condition is severe and you cannot work, you may be eligible or both SSDI and SSI. Call Disability Advisors at 1-800-249-7507 or fill out the FREE Disability Evaluation on this page to find out more. We offer the guidance you need.
Qualifying for Disability
If you are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment, the first step is to complete a Social Security Disability application. Disability Advisors can guide you through this process. If you feel confident about the process, you can apply on your own online at www.ssa.gov or by calling Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Information will be collected about you and your disability including your medical history, work history, and education level. You may also be asked to submit to a consultative exam with a doctor contracted with the Social Security Administration.
The application asks for complete and accurate information. It is very important you fill this form out as detailed as possible. The more proof you have of your disability, the better your chances will be towards a favorable outcome.
Disability Advisors can work with you to complete the application and ensure you have the best chance of receiving an approval of your initial claim. Based on industry data, over 65% of claimants are denied benefits at the initial level.
To get the guidance you need, call us today at 800-249-7507.
If you Initial Application is or has been Denied it is critical to appeal the decision immediately.
Five Levels Might Be Needed to Obtain Disability. Read More »
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follow the same application and review process with the Social Security Administration. There are a possible five levels that an applicant might be required to follow before a final decision is made.
Read below for more information on each level:
Level One - Initial Application
If you are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment, the first step is to complete a Social Security Disability application. Information will be collected about you and your disability including your medial history, work history, and education level. You may also be asked to submit to a consultative exam with a doctor contracted with the Social Security Administration. Don't be discouraged if your initial claim is denied. Approximately 60% of claimants do not receive benefits at this level.
Level Two - Reconsideration
In most states (40 of 50), there is a claim reconsideration process. If you are denied at the initial level, you must file for reconsideration within the first 60 days of your denial. Once you file this appeal, it will take three to five months to get a decision. Although there is a possibility of getting your claim overturned, it is most likely that your claim will once again be denied. Don't lose hope. If you have a genuine disability. Most claims take to stage three before they are approved.
Level Three - Hearing - most cases are determined here!
The best chance for your denial to be overturned is through a hearing with a Social Security Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You must file for a hearing within 60 days after the denial of your reconsideration. Those that obtain representation at this level almost double their odds for a favorable outcome. It is currently taking the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review eight to 16 months to schedule a hearing from the date they receive the hearing application.
Level Four - Appeals Council
If you have a genuine disability, we will continue to fight for you. If the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) does not award you benefits, we can take your case to an Appeals Council. We understand the law and we know how various jurisdictions throughout the nation handle cases. The Appeals Council will review the ALJ's decision for any procedural error. Unfortunately, this step is taking 12-18 months for review.
Level Five - Federal Court
If your disability claim has been denied through all of the available administrative appeals, you can appeal your claim to the Federal Court. Very few of our cases warrant this level of appeal.
