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Social
Security Disability / SSI
The Henry law firm has been
providing legal representation for people with Social
Security Disability claims for over 30 years. During that
time, we have successfully handled thousands of claims
helping disabled people get their Social Security Disability
(SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Some
of the questions people commonly ask us about their
disability claims are listed below.
What is the difference between Social Security Disability (SSD)
and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
You
must have worked and paid into the Social Security system in
order to be eligible for SSD. SSI, however, is a needs-based
program. You must have resources and income that fall below
certain minimum levels to be eligible for this program. Both
programs have the same disability requirements, and you must
be unable to engage in any substantial activity to be
entitled to either Social Security Disability or SSI
benefits.
How do I apply?
You
must contact your local Social Security office and inform
them that you wish to apply for disability benefits or SSI.
They will take information from you and usually with
schedule you an appointment to process your application.
Should I talk to a Social
Security Disability Lawyer before I apply?
We believe
your chances of being approved are substantially better if
you talk to an experienced attorney before you apply.
We will help guide you through the application
process.
Is it common to be denied
benefits?
It is not uncommon for
disability benefits to be denied initially. It may be
necessary for you to attend a hearing before an
Administrative Law Judge, where you will be given an
opportunity to explain your disability in detail with the
help of an attorney.
When will my hearing be scheduled?
Because of the volume of claims pending before the
Administrative Law Judges, it could take from several months
to more than a year for a hearing to be scheduled once it is
requested. During this time your attorney will obtain
medical records and reports to improve the likelihood that
your claim will be approved and that you will receive
benefits.
Who pays for these reports?
Our
law firm will advance the costs for obtaining medical
records and reports. You may be asked to reimburse us for
the costs we incur in obtaining theses medical records and
reports, but will not owe us fees unless your
claim is approved.
What will happen at the hearing?
You
will meet with us before your
hearing and we will help you to understand the
information that will be asked of you at the hearing. At the
hearing you will testify about your work history,
impairments, treatment, limitations, and daily activities.
You will usually be questioned by your lawyer as well as the
Administrative Law Judge.
How long will it take before I get a decision?
It
usually takes about two months, and sometimes longer, for
the Social Security Law Judge to process your claim and
issue a decision after the hearing has been held.
If my claim is denied by the Administrative Law Judge, can I
appeal?
If
your claim is denied by the Administrative Law Judge you can
appeal the decision by filing a request for review with the
Appeals Council. We will review your decision by the
Administrative Law Judge and if you want to appeal, our
office will file a Request for Review with the Appeals
Council.
How does my lawyer get paid?
If
you are found eligible for SSD or SSI, the Social Security
Administration will withhold 25% of your past due benefits
to pay your attorney's fees out of the back benefits due to
you and your dependants. The Social Security Administration
will send a check directly to us.
Contact an Experienced
Attorney
If you want to
apply or have applied for Social Security Disability or SSI
and have been denied the benefits which you deserve, let us help.
For a FREE
CONSULTATION to discuss your claim, call 1-800-491-8133
or visit our contact page.
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