GRAND RAPIDS SOCIAL SECURITY LAWYER

Whether you have a valid Social Security claim depends on your individual circumstances and the benefits you are applying for. You may have a valid claim in Grand Rapids, Michigan, if you:

• Have a severe and long-term medical condition preventing you from working.
• Are struggling financially and meet the resource limits for SSI.
• Have a deceased spouse, parent, or other relative who worked and paid into Social Security.
• Are nearing or have reached retirement age and have a work history.

Navigating Social Security claims can be complex, especially when applications are denied. Morgan & Morgan can help. Consult one of our Social Security attorneys if:

• Your condition has been denied as not meeting SSA's criteria.
• You’re unsure about eligibility or have questions about work credits.
• You need help with documentation or appealing a denied claim.

The application process for Social Security Disability benefits can be complex, but it’s manageable with preparation:

• Gather required documents: Collect medical records, employment history, tax returns, and information about your condition.
• Complete the application: Apply online at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office.
• Submit medical evidence: Provide comprehensive documentation from your healthcare providers to support your claim.
• Wait for a decision: It typically takes 6-9 months to receive an initial decision.

Filing an incomplete or inaccurate application or missing an important deadline can jeopardize your ability to receive disability benefits. An experienced Morgan & Morgan attorney can help ensure your claim is properly prepared and submitted on time.

An initial decision typically takes six to nine months, although processing times can vary. If your claim is denied and you appeal, the process may take several additional months or, in some cases, a few years. An attorney can review your claim and provide a more specific estimate based on its circumstances.

No, you do not need a lawyer to sign up for Social Security Disability benefits, but having one can be highly beneficial. The process of applying for disability benefits can be complex, involving detailed paperwork, strict deadlines, and a strong need for comprehensive medical documentation. Many initial claims are denied due to incomplete applications or insufficient evidence. An experienced disability attorney can:

• Ensure accuracy: Help you complete your application thoroughly and accurately to avoid errors that lead to denials.
• Gather supporting evidence: Help gather and organize medical records and other supporting documents to strengthen your claim.
• Navigate complexities: Explain Social Security Administration (SSA) rules and help ensure you meet all applicable requirements.
• Advocate for you: Represent you during appeals, administrative hearings, or at any stage of the process if your claim is denied.

At Morgan & Morgan, our Social Security Disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee unless your claim is approved. While it’s not mandatory to hire a lawyer, doing so can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Two primary types of Social Security disability benefits may be available, depending on your financial circumstances, work history, and eligibility.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Eligibility: SSI is based on financial need and is generally available to people with limited income and assets.
• Funding source: Benefits are funded through general tax revenue rather than Social Security payroll taxes.
• Benefit amount: The amount may depend on your individual circumstances and any available state supplements. SSI benefits are generally lower than SSDI benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• Eligibility: SSDI is based on your work history and whether you have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes.
• Funding source: Benefits are funded through Social Security payroll taxes.
• Benefit amount: Your monthly benefit is based on your previous earnings and is often higher than SSI benefits.

Several steps may help improve your chances of receiving benefits:

• Provide thorough medical evidence: Submit detailed medical records, diagnostic test results, treatment notes, and statements from your healthcare providers.
• Continue receiving treatment: Attend scheduled appointments, follow prescribed treatment plans, and keep records showing your efforts to manage your condition.
• Work with Morgan & Morgan: An experienced attorney can help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and supported by the necessary evidence.
• Be honest and specific: Clearly describe how your condition affects your daily activities and ability to maintain employment.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits depends on:

• Work credits (for SSDI): Based on your age and work history, you must have earned enough credits through Social Security taxes.
• Income and assets (for SSI): Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program with strict income and resource limits.

Meeting these requirements is the first step toward securing benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability very specifically. To qualify, you must:

• Be unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA): Your condition must prevent you from earning more than the monthly SGA threshold.
• Have a severe impairment: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities, such as walking, lifting, or remembering.
• Have a condition expected to last 12 months or result in death: Temporary or short-term conditions typically don’t qualify.
• Be listed in the SSA’s Blue Book: The SSA’s Blue Book identifies medical conditions and criteria that may qualify for approval. If your condition is not listed, you may still be eligible, but you will need strong medical evidence showing that it is equally severe and limits your ability to work.

Yes, you can apply online on the SSA website. Be prepared to upload medical records, work history, and personal information. It is recommended that you proceed with the help of an experienced attorney to maximize your chances of approval without delays. Speak to a member of our legal team today for help with a free case evaluation.

If your claim is denied, your attorney can appeal through these steps:

• Request for reconsideration: Submit additional evidence and corrections within 60 days.
• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing: Present your case before a judge.
• Appeals council review: Request a review of the judge’s decision.
• Federal court: As a final resort, file a lawsuit in federal district court.

Each stage requires careful preparation and adherence to strict deadlines.

Many applicants receive a denial after their initial application. Common reasons may include:

• Insufficient medical evidence: The records provided do not clearly establish the severity of the condition or how it limits the applicant’s ability to work.
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment: An applicant does not follow a recommended treatment plan without a valid explanation.
• Insufficient work history: The applicant has not earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits.
• Income above allowable limits: The applicant earns more than the applicable income or substantial gainful activity limits.

Understanding these common issues may help you avoid mistakes that could weaken your claim. An experienced Morgan & Morgan attorney can help review your application, address potential problems, and pursue a favorable outcome.

Strong medical evidence is the backbone of any successful disability claim. The most effective records include:

• Diagnostic tests: Imaging, blood tests, or other objective results.
• Physician notes: Detailed documentation from your doctor about your symptoms and limitations.
• Treatment history: Proof that you’ve pursued and followed prescribed treatments.

Having your doctor write a supporting statement can also strengthen your claim.

The Social Security Administration periodically reviews disability cases to determine whether a person still qualifies for benefits. These reviews are commonly referred to as Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs).

The frequency of reviews often depends on the likelihood of medical improvement. Some cases may be reviewed within a few years, while others involving permanent conditions may be reviewed less often.

During a review, the SSA may examine updated medical records, treatment history, work activity, and other information related to the disability.

In some cases, a person may qualify for both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits at the same time. This is commonly referred to as receiving “concurrent benefits.”

SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid while working. To qualify, you generally must:

• Have enough work credits based on your age and employment history
• Have a qualifying disability that prevents substantial gainful activity

SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. To qualify for SSI, you generally must:

• Have limited income and assets
• Be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older

To receive both SSI and SSDI benefits, you must meet the medical requirements for disability while also meeting SSI’s financial limits. This commonly happens when a person qualifies for SSDI but receives a relatively low monthly payment because of a limited work history or lower lifetime earnings.

For example, if a person qualifies for SSDI but receives a monthly benefit amount below the SSI payment threshold, SSI may provide additional benefits to supplement that income.

There are also additional factors that may affect eligibility for concurrent benefits, including:

• SSI resource limits for individuals and couples
• Eligibility for Medicaid through SSI
• Eligibility for Medicare after receiving SSDI benefits for the required period

When you apply for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may evaluate whether you qualify for both SSDI and SSI through the same application process.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of qualifying medical conditions known as the “Blue Book.” Certain severe conditions that meet the SSA’s medical criteria may qualify for disability benefits more quickly or with less additional review.

Examples of conditions that may qualify include:

• Advanced cancers
• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Certain neurological disorders
• Serious heart conditions
• Severe mental health disorders
• Some genetic or autoimmune conditions

However, simply having a diagnosis does not automatically guarantee approval. The SSA also evaluates how severely the condition limits your ability to work and whether it is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Medical records, treatment history, physician documentation, and test results are often critical in supporting a disability claim. An experienced attorney can help determine whether your condition may meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements before you begin the application process.

Yes. Certain mental health conditions may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits when they significantly limit your ability to work and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.

Qualifying conditions may include depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and other serious mental health conditions. The SSA may consider your medical records, treatment history, the severity of your symptoms, and how the condition affects your daily activities and ability to maintain employment.

Thorough medical documentation from psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other healthcare providers can be especially important when supporting a claim involving a mental health condition.

Yes, it is possible to receive disability benefits while working part-time, but certain rules and income limits apply. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has guidelines to determine whether part-time work disqualifies you from receiving disability benefits. Here’s a breakdown:

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA uses a concept called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to evaluate your work. SGA refers to the level of income that demonstrates your ability to engage in significant work.

For 2026, the SGA limit is:

• $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals.
• $2,830 per month for blind individuals.

If you earn more than the SGA limit, you will generally not qualify for disability benefits, as the SSA assumes you can engage in substantial work.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

If you are already receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the SSA allows you to test your ability to work through a Trial Work Period (TWP) without losing your benefits.

• You can earn any amount during the TWP without it affecting your SSDI benefits, as long as you report your earnings to the SSA.
• The TWP lasts for nine months (within a rolling 60-month period) where monthly earnings exceed $1,210 in 2026.

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

After completing the Trial Work Period, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) lasting 36 months. During this time:

• You can still receive benefits in months when your earnings are below the SGA limit.
• If your earnings exceed the SGA limit, benefits may stop, but can be reinstated if your earnings drop again.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Part-Time Work

For SSI, part-time work may not disqualify you from benefits, but your income will affect your monthly payment.

• The SSA reduces SSI benefits by $1 for every $2 of earned income over $85 per month.
• SSI has strict resource and income limits, so maintaining low earnings is crucial to continue receiving benefits.

Work Incentives and Support Programs

The SSA offers work incentive programs to encourage individuals to work without fear of losing their benefits prematurely:

• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs): Costs related to your disability that are necessary for you to work (e.g., transportation, assistive devices) can be deducted from your earnings when determining SGA.
• Ticket to Work Program: This free program helps disability beneficiaries receive training and support to transition back into the workforce.

Factors to Consider When Working Part-Time

• Physical and mental capabilities: The SSA assesses whether your work activity shows you are capable of full-time work.
• Consistency of work: Occasional or limited work may not affect your benefits, but steady employment could cause the SSA to review your continued eligibility.
• Reporting requirements: Report all work activity and earnings to the SSA to help avoid overpayments, penalties, or other issues.

A disability representative is anyone legally permitted to represent you in a disability claim. The representative can be a family member, lawyer, paralegal, or any other legal professional specializing in Social Security Disability cases.

Many people choose to work with a disability lawyer when pursuing Social Security Disability benefits. Compared with other professionals who may assist with these claims, an attorney can offer distinct advantages throughout the application and appeals process.

You can speak with a disability representative at Morgan & Morgan with no obligation or cost to you. Contact us anytime for a free case evaluation.

Morgan & Morgan’s Social Security lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our Social Security lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you gain access to the resources of America’s Largest Injury Law Firm™, with more than 1,100 attorneys nationwide and over 700,000 clients helped. Our firm has the experience and resources to handle complex injury claims.

Your case may be supported by a team that can include attorneys, paralegals, case managers, and other legal professionals working together to move your claim forward. You may also have a primary point of contact who can help answer questions and keep you informed throughout the process.

Social Security Disability claims can be complicated and often involve extensive medical documentation, strict deadlines, and detailed eligibility requirements. Morgan & Morgan has more than 1,100 attorneys nationwide and has helped clients pursue the benefits they may be entitled to seek.

Our attorneys understand how difficult it can be to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, particularly after a denial or while managing a serious medical condition that limits your ability to work. We help clients prepare strong applications, collect supporting evidence, and navigate the appeals process when needed.

Morgan & Morgan handles Social Security Disability claims on a contingency-fee basis, so there are no upfront costs, and you only pay if your claim is successful. If you are considering applying for benefits or appealing a denial, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.