How can an attorney advocate help me? Attorneys are experienced in meeting the strict deadlines required by the Social Security Administration. Attorneys are experienced in reviewing and evaluating medical records and in gathering and presenting evidence on behalf of their client. There is no better advocate than a lawyer experienced in preparing and presenting medical evidence on behalf of a client.

How long will it take to receive my disability benefits? The entire process from beginning to end could take up to five years. The average is about 400 days.

What is the difference between Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Social Security Disability is taken from the pool of funds that are used for retirement benefits. To qualify for Title II benefits one must have paid in for 20 quarters over the last 10 years. Supplemental Security Income is for those who are disabled, but do not have enough credit to qualify for Social Security Disability Title II.

Should I apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) Title II or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Title XVI? Always apply for both in case you are turned down.

Does age make a difference when I apply for benefits under Title II or Title XVI? Yes. The Social Security Administration looks at age as one of the factors in determining disability. The Social Security Administration evaluates age as follows:

• 18-49 is a younger worker
• 50-54 is closely approaching advanced age
• 55-59 is advanced age
• 60-64 is closely approaching retirement age

Does education level make a difference when applying for benefits under Title II or Title XVI? Yes. The Social Security Administration looks at education level as one of the factors in determining disability. The Social Security Administration evaluates education as follows:

• up to 6th grade is marginal
• up to 11th grade is limited
• H.S. graduate or GED is high school
• College is more than high school.

Does the exertional levels make a difference when I am applying for benefits under Title II or Title XVI? Yes. The Social Security Administration evaluates exertional level as follows:

• Sedentary: sitting 6 hours of an 8 hour day; standing and/or walking at least 2 hours per day; lifting up 10 pounds.
• Light: standing 6 hours out of an 8 hour day; lifting up to 20 pounds using foot pedals.
• Medium: standing all day; lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Heavy: standing all day; lifting up to 100 pounds.
• Very heavy: lifting over 100 pounds.

How does the Social Security Administration evaluate claims? The Social Security administration uses a sequential evaluation system that has 5 basic steps.

1. Is the claimant working?
2. Is the condition or combination of conditions severe?
3. Does the condition meet or equal a listed impairment?
4. Is the claimant able to return to past relevant work?
5. Can the claimant perform any other work in the national or local economy?

What is the Grid? The Grid is a series of listed disabilities/impairments broken down by body systems. See the Grid listings.

What To Bring To The First Appointment

1. Your Social Security Number.
2. Birth Certificate or other proof of age.
3. Names and addresses of all hospitals and doctors where you have been treated as an inpatient or outpatient.
4. Name and dosage of all medications you have taken including how often and side effects.
5. A list of your employers names and addresses for the last 15 years.
6. All documentation for a third party such as birth certificate for child or a death certificate of a deceased spouse.

Click here to view a printable copy of our Two-Tier Fee Agreement.

To download our Social Security Disability Interview Form, click here.