Social Security Disability and SSI Claims

 There two Social Security programs for disabled individuals.  Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI) are based on the individual’s payroll tax contributions. Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) are for those claimants without sufficient credits to be insured and are not payable to persons with excess income or resources. The medical standards for both programs, however, are the same.  

  A claim for SSDI or SSI can be started in person, at a local Social Security office; by telephone (1-800-772-1213); or online, at ssa.gov. A decision on an initial claim takes approximately 60 to 75 days and notification is in writing. If the claim is denied, there is a 60 day deadline to appeal. A written decision on this appeal also can take about 60 days. There are also 60 days to appeal this decision. The next step in the process is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which may take several months to schedule.     

  There is no consultation fee and no attorney’s fees or costs unless we win your case. The attorney’s fee is 25% of any Social Security Disablity or SSI back-due benefits only and must be approved by the Social Security Administration. The fee is currently capped at $6000 and will be withheld and paid directly from any back-due benefits.