Oakland County Social Security Disability Lawyer
Disabilities create significant challenges for millions of Americans. Some struggle to find appropriate medical care or at-home assistance. But perhaps the greatest challenge is trying to financially support yourself when a bodily limitation prevents you from working.
Helpfully, the federal government has created the Social Security Disability (SSD) program to provide benefits to those who cannot work due to a medical condition. Unfortunately, receiving benefits is incredibly difficult. Most applicants are denied quickly. Workers might be confused about what they should do, and they often don’t know where to turn. Please contact Nationwide Disability Law if you have questions or need help with an application. Our firm relies on decades of experience helping disabled workers navigate the system and win the benefits they deserve. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an Oakland County Social Security Disability lawyer.
Important Facts About Social Security Disability Benefits
Did you know:
- Social Security Disability Benefits are different from workers’ compensation?
- You can receive SSD benefits even if you are injured or disabled outside of work?
- You can receive SSD benefits potentially indefinitely, depending on your disability?
- SSD benefits are funded by workers’ taxes?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that administers the SSD program. Workers pay taxes with each paycheck into the system, and a worker with sufficient credits can receive benefits if they have a qualifying disability. For most applicants, the question will be if they are sufficiently disabled under the law.
The criteria for eligibility are tough. A worker must have a “severe” disability as defined by SSA. Typically, a medical condition is so serious a worker must stop working or significantly reduce their hours. Workers can only receive benefits if they show they cannot return to an old job or transition to a new one.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Disabled workers must first apply for benefits. The application process is complex and requires large amounts of information. After applying, an examiner at the Disability Determination Services office will review the application. About 70% of all applicants are denied.
Nationwide Disability Law can help any disabled worker seeking benefits. We can:
- Review whether you qualify for benefits. We can check your work history and examine medical information.
- Compile helpful information and evidence. We can smooth out the application process by ensuring you have all required information. We can also check your application to make sure it is complete and error free.
- Request reconsideration if you are denied. On reconsideration, a different examiner reviews your file. Around 16% of applicants are approved on reconsideration.
- Attend your hearing. An appeal hearing takes place before an administrative law judge. We can present evidence to show you qualify for benefits.
- Take next steps. We might bring additional appeals on your behalf, including all the way to federal court. Let us review the options that make sense for you.
Michigan County Social Security Disability FAQs
The application process of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is confusing to many people. At Nationwide Disability Law, our Oakland County Social Security Disability attorney receives many questions from the public about disability benefits, and we reproduce our answers below.
How long does it take to receive a decision?
Typically, applicants wait 3-6 months to receive a decision. If you are denied, then you have 60 days to file a request for consideration, which can take several months.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
This is another disability program run by the Social Security Administration. SSI is a need-based program for the disabled. If you don’t have enough work credits, or if you haven’t worked recently, then you might qualify for SSI.
What is the average monthly SSDI benefit?
In 2024, the average amount is $1,537. The maximum monthly benefit is $3,822. Of course, if you are approved, the amount you will receive will depend on various factors, such as how much you have earned over the years.
What percentage of applicants get approved?
The numbers will fluctuate depending on the year. Historically, more than 70% of all applicants are initially denied. However, about 1 in 8 are approved after reconsideration, and another 1 out of 3 are approved by an administrative law judge after a hearing.
One of the best things you can do is hire an experienced SSD benefits attorney to represent you. A lawyer can improve your chances of obtaining approval by finding sufficient evidence to support your claim that you are disabled. We know what evidence to present to an administrative law judge and how to make a compelling case at a hearing.
What are common reasons an application is denied?
Your denial notice should spell out the exact reason you were denied. However, some of the most common reasons are:
- You did not provide required information on your application.
- You do not have enough work credits.
- You are working above Substantial Gainful Activity levels, meaning you make too much in a month.
- You did not have sufficient medical evidence of your condition.
- Your condition is not expected to last at least a year.
What is a request for reconsideration?
After your initial application is rejected, you can request reconsideration. Essentially, your application goes back to Disability Determination Services. A new examiner will take a fresh look at the application. Unfortunately, more than 80% of those requesting reconsideration end up getting denied for a second time. The good news is you have a higher chance of getting approved for benefits from an administrative law judge after a hearing.
How much time do I have to appeal?
After rejection, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. If still denied, you have 60 days to request an appeal before an ALJ.
Do I need a lawyer to request disability benefits?
No. The law does not require that you hire a lawyer. However, you have a better chance of receiving benefits by working with a lawyer.
Call Us Today for Help with Your Disability Case
Disability benefits are an important lifeline for workers. Contact our firm to speak with an Oakland County Social Security Disability lawyer.
