Social Security/Disability

To receive benefits under social security/disability you must have a physical or mental problem severe enough that it prevents you form working for the next twelve months. Eligibility is determined on whether you are able to perform a job, not necessarily your old job, taking into account your age, education and training and the limitations that you suffer from.

There are two programs: Social Security Disability SSD and Supplemental Security Income SSI. You are eligible for SSD if while working you suffered a disability and you had worked twenty out of the last forty quarters. SSI has no prior work requirement but the benefit is based on financial need. If you have been denied benefits, consider requesting reconsideration by obtaining the form from the social security office and file it within sixty days.

With the help of an attorney you or other witnesses can testify about your condition and how it affects your ability to work. Additional medical records can be offered into evidence. A frequent question is how do I pay my attorney? When we accept your case we are paid 25% of your past due benefits. There is no fee unless you are found eligible for benefits except for small out of pocket expenses such as copying of medical records or payment to doctors for medical reports.