Disability Advocates Group is committed to helping injured and disabled individuals secure the disability benefits they need. Our team provides clear guidance, trusted legal support, and a personalized approach that helps clients move through the SSD process with confidence.
Why Choose Us?
- 5-star client satisfaction
- Free consultations
- Personalized guidance at every stage
- Strong record of successful SSD and SSI claims
- Clear communication and case updates
- Decades of combined experience in disability law
Understanding SSD
If you suffered an injury or medical condition that prevents you from working, you may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. These benefits offer monthly financial support when a long-term medical impairment makes full-time work impossible. Understanding the two programs, SSDI and SSI, is the first step toward determining eligibility.
What Is SSD and How Does It Work?
Social Security Disability includes two federal programs, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. SSDI provides benefits to disabled workers with a qualifying work history, while SSI helps disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Both programs require proof of a long-lasting medical condition that prevents substantial gainful employment.
The Two SSD Programs Explained
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- Provides benefits to individuals who paid into the Social Security system
- Requires accumulated work credits
- Designed for workers who become unable to continue gainful employment
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Provides benefits to disabled individuals with limited income and assets
- Does not require work credits
- Uses strict resource and income limits
Who Qualifies for SSD Benefits?
A person qualifies for SSD when they have a medical impairment expected to last at least 12 months, is listed in the SSA Blue Book or medically equivalent, and prevents substantial gainful activity. SSDI claimants must also meet work credit rules, while SSI applicants must fall within income and asset limits.
What Conditions and Requirements Determine Eligibility?
To qualify for SSD, an applicant must meet:
- A diagnosed medical condition expected to last 12 months or result in death
- Impaired ability to perform substantial gainful activity
- Blue Book listed impairment or evidence proving disability severity
SSDI work history requirements include:
- Earning sufficient work credits
- Having enough recent credits based on age at disability onset
SSI financial requirements include:
- Countable income below a monthly limit
- Assets under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples
- Excluded items such as primary residence, one household vehicle, and necessary personal items
The SSD Application Process
The SSD application requires detailed medical, financial, and work documentation. Applications may be submitted online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. After filing, the SSA reviews non-medical qualifications and then forwards the case to Disability Determination Services for a medical review.
What Are the 5 Steps in the SSD Disability Determination?
The SSA uses a five-step evaluation to decide if an applicant meets its definition of disability:
- Determine whether the applicant is earning above substantial gainful activity limits.
- Confirm the presence of a severe impairment.
- Evaluate whether the condition meets or equals a Blue Book listing.
- Assess whether the applicant can perform past relevant work.
- Determine whether the applicant can adjust to other work based on limitations.
Why Does the Social Security Administration Deny Claims?
The Social Security Administration denies a majority of disability benefits applications on initial review. The agency issues denials for various reasons, such as:
- Providing insufficient medical evidence to establish a qualifying disability (e.g., lack of an official diagnosis, no evidence of extended duration, inadequate evidence of symptoms)
- Failing to seek or follow prescribed treatment
- Earning too much income through work
- Failing to respond to requests for supplemental information or documentation
- Failing to attend consultative examinations
- Lacking sufficient work history (for SSDI claims)
- Filing incomplete application paperwork, or inaccuracies or inconsistencies in paperwork
Fortunately, the SSA allows applicants to appeal the initial denial of their claims rather than having to start over by filing a new application.
The SSD Appeals Process
An applicant whose claim is denied can pursue an administrative appeal within 60 days of the decision date. The administrative appeals process in the Social Security Administration involves three levels:
- Reconsideration: A new reviewer reassesses the claim with any additional evidence submitted.
- Administrative Hearing: Applicants may appear before an administrative law judge to present evidence, testimony, and legal arguments.
- Appeals Council Review: The Appeals Council may dismiss the request, issue a new decision, or remand the case back to the judge for further review.
If an applicant completes all administrative appeals without success, they may file a lawsuit in federal district court.
How Can an SSD Lawyer Help?
A Social Security disability attorney can give you a better chance of success during the confusing SSD application process. A lawyer can help you file or appeal a claim by:
- Reviewing your medical, financial, and work records to assess your eligibility for disability benefits
- Explaining your legal options to you
- Helping you prepare your application, including gathering necessary supporting documentation
- Communicating with the SSA on your behalf during the application review process
- Reviewing and explaining the basis for a denial letter and evaluating your appeal options
- Pursuing the administrative appeals process
FAQs
How long does it take to get a decision on SSD benefits?
Most initial decisions take three to six months, depending on the complexity of the medical evidence and whether the SSA requests additional information.
Can I work part-time and still qualify for SSD?
Yes, you may work part time as long as your earnings stay below substantial gainful activity limits and your job duties do not conflict with your stated limitations.
What happens if the SSA needs more information?
The SSA may request additional documentation, contact your doctors, or schedule a consultative exam. Responding quickly helps prevent delays or denials.
Contact Our Firm Today for Assistance
Need help applying for SSD benefits or appealing a denial? Contact Disability Advocates Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an SSD attorney to discuss your case and how we can help.
