You can apply for SSD benefits by phone, online at www.ssa.gov or you can go to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office. If you hire me to represent you, my office will assist you with submitting your application online for benefits

Generally speaking, the SSA will consider all information provided in your application which includes the following:

• Work history for the past 15 years
• Type of work 
• Physical and mental requirements of the jobs
• The medical conditions that keep you from working
• The severity of those conditions
• Medical records 

It is important to remember that even if your doctor says you can’t work your claim is decided based on the SSA’s definition of “disabled”.  Having and experienced disability attorney on your side is the best way to make sure you present the strongest case possible.

They must find that you have a severe impairment that is documented in your medical records that prevent you from:

Doing the types of jobs you have done over the last 15 years
and
Any other type of work

As you can see, it doesn’t matter if you can’t do the last job you worked. You have to prove that you can’t do any job, and it doesn’t even have to be a job in your local area. There are SSA rules that may make it easier for persons 50 years of age and older to be found disabled, but there is no guarantee you will win just because you are older. Whether you are young or older, I help sick and injured persons everyday who cannot work and I am ready to go to work to help you in your claim for disability benefits.

There are many, but the 3 most common mistakes I see persons make who don’t use an experienced disability attorney are:

Missing important deadlines

After your application is submitted, the SSA will mail you forms and give you brief periods of time (usually 10 days) to provide detailed information. These include work history and function report forms. Failure to provide this information will give them a good reason to delay or deny your claim

Failing to provide all information requested when you apply

The initial application is your opportunity to give the SSA your thorough and complete history. For the SSA to consider a mental or physical condition, you must provide detailed information about those conditions and where you have gotten medical treatment. The SSA typically will get your past medical records going back for one year from the date you tell them that you became disabled. If you leave out a condition or a medical provider, it could be lower your chances of getting your benefits.
Providing incorrect information

The date you became disabled is important
An inaccurate date can lower the amount of back due benefits you may be entitled to. It can also affect whether the SSA gets all of your medical records necessary to evaluate your claim and that could lead to a delay or denial.

Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, so the lawyer only gets paid if he/she wins your case.  The contingency fee is 25% of any back due benefits you may be owed, but the fee is capped at $6000.   So, if you are awarded $10,000 in back due benefits, the lawyers’ fee is $2500.  However, if you are awarded $30,000 in back due benefits, the fee would be $6000 since 25% of $30,000 would be more than $6000.  The attorney fees are withheld from your back due benefits by the SSA and sent you your lawyer. No fees are taken or charged for future payments.