Although Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is intended to act as a safety net for injured or disabled Americans who are struggling to pay their bills or burdened with lost wages, more than half of eligible applicants are initially denied. At Morgan & Morgan, we understand how debilitating an injury, especially a permanent disability, can be and how a rejected SSDI application can add insult to injury.

Unfortunately, the SSDI claim process can be confusing and is not always transparent. This causes many applicants to abandon their claims even if they are eligible under the law. One of Morgan & Morgan’s specialized SSDI attorneys can help you navigate the process and secure the benefits that you need to get back on your feet. 

Here’s a rundown of what disability claims attorneys do.

An Attorney Can Help You Determine If You’re Eligible For Benefits

It can be difficult to know if you are eligible for SSDI benefits. That’s why it’s important to immediately retain an attorney who can help establish that you meet the following criteria:

• You earn below a specific amount each month
• Your disability is severe enough that it prevents you from working for a year or more
• You can no longer perform the work you did previously
• You are unable to find gainful employment in another capacity
• Your disability is included in the SSA’s list of disabling conditions. Some of these conditions include but are not limited to:
  • Mental disorders, such as PTSD, autism, or bipolar disorder
  • Musculoskeletal problems, such as spine or back injuries
  • Immune system disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, HIV/AIDS
  • Digestive tract conditions, such as Crohn's Disease
  • Neurological disorders, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or epilepsy

An Attorney Can Fight Back If Your Application Was Denied

Retaining an attorney immediately can help speed up the process of petitioning for SSDI benefits and ensure that you are not rejected because of technicalities or errors in your application. A specialized Morgan & Morgan attorney will guide you through the following steps:

• Prepare your claim: Your attorney will gather all information and documentation pertinent to your claim, including accident and medical reports, bank account information, employment history, and expert testimony. The SSA will ask for a lot of proof in order to approve your application and your attorney can ensure that you have all the necessary materials. 
• Communicate with the SSA: Your attorney will communicate with the SSA on your behalf and keep you up-to-date on the progress of your application so you can focus on your recovery. 
• Assess the SSA’s offer: Your attorney will ensure that SSA’s offer will meet all your needs. 
• Appeal: If necessary, your attorney will be ready to file an appeal and, if all else fails, to go to trial in the case that the SSA rejects your application.

An Attorney Can Guide You Through the Appeals Process

In theory, your initial application should be approved by the SSA so that you immediately start receiving the benefits needed to put your life back together. Unfortunately, over 50% of applicants are initially denied. 

The process of appealing a denied claim can be convoluted, so it’s important to have an attorney that you can trust by your side. Morgan & Morgan attorneys are specialized in SSDI law and know the ins-and-outs of how to get you the benefits that you need. These are the steps that your attorney will take, if necessary, to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

• Reconsideration: At this stage, your attorney will ask that your application be reviewed by a claims examiner who was not involved in the initial rejection, in order to preserve impartiality. Your attorney may also supplement your initial application with additional information that they believe would make your application stronger. 
• Hearing: If your application is denied again, your attorney can request a formal hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At this stage, your attorney will prep you for the judge’s questioning and present the gathered documentation for their review.
• SSA Appeals Council: If the judge does not rule in your favor or does not meet your needs, your attorney can petition to have your case presented to the Appeals Council. 
• Federal Court: If your case is denied by the Appeals Council or if they refuse to hear your case, your attorney can file a lawsuit in Federal Court. Morgan & Morgan’s SSDI attorneys are committed to securing you the compensation that you need and are not afraid of the courtroom.

You Can Afford Us

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe that everyone should have access to comprehensive representation regardless of their current financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency basis, which means that we don’t get paid unless we recover benefits for you. Furthermore, our fee never comes out of your pocket. 

Contact Morgan & Morgan

In a perfect world, you wouldn’t need an attorney to secure the benefits that you are entitled to. But the reality is that more than half of applications for SSDI benefits need an attorney to sort through the complicated process. With an army of over 800 attorneys and 3,000 team members, Morgan & Morgan wants to dedicate our resources to fighting for you. We’re For The People, and we’re here for you. 

Don’t wait. We’ve already recovered more than $15 billion for our clients and we want to recover for you. See how we can help you by filling out a free consultation form today.