Denied Social Security benefits or need help applying?

You may qualify if:

• You have a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• You meet SSA medical and work credit requirements (for SSDI), or income limits (for SSI)

The SSA maintains a list of qualifying impairments, often called the “Blue Book.” Common qualifying conditions include:

• Back injuries and spinal disorders
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Neurological disorders
• Mental health conditions (depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Long COVID and chronic fatigue–related conditions

You can still qualify even if your condition is not listed, as long as it prevents you from working.

More than half of all initial disability applications are denied. Common reasons include:

• Incomplete medical records
• Missing paperwork or deadlines
• SSA determines you can perform “other work”
• Errors in application forms
• Lack of legal representation

A denial does not mean you don’t qualify. It often simply means your case wasn’t properly documented. An experienced Social Security benefits lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help ensure that your application is filed correctly and on time, help you appeal denials, and fight for the benefits you need and deserve.

If your claim was denied, you have the right to appeal. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.

A disability attorney at Morgan & Morgan can identify errors in the denial, gather stronger medical evidence, represent you at hearings, and help to improve your chances of approval.

The timeline varies, but many appeals take several months to over a year, especially if a hearing before an administrative law judge is required. While the process can be lengthy, approved claims often include back pay for the time you were eligible but not receiving benefits.

You are not required to have a lawyer, but applicants with legal representation are statistically more likely to be approved, especially during appeals and hearings. Morgan & Morgan’s disability lawyers can help to ensure your case is properly prepared, supported, and presented.

At Morgan & Morgan, our experienced disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning the Fee Is Free®.  You pay nothing upfront or out of pocket, and fees are only paid from your settlement if you win.

If you don’t win, you don’t owe attorney fees. This fee structure allows everyone a chance at justice with no risk.

Morgan & Morgan can help Social Security benefits applicants at every stage of the disability process, including initial applications, denials and appeals, disability hearings, and even complex medical and work history cases.

Our experienced disability attorneys handle the legal burdens and complicated processes so you can focus on what matters most—your health.

Multiple denials are common and not the end of the road. Many successful disability claims are approved only after one or more appeals. Morgan & Morgan can step in at any stage to review your case and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Getting started is easy. Morgan & Morgan offers free case evaluations, and you pay nothing unless benefits are awarded. If your disability prevents you from working, our team is ready to help you pursue the financial support you deserve.

Contact us today to learn more.