How Can I Obtain Benefits?
Trying to obtain disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be a frustrating and ultimately unsuccessful endeavor. It can also be intimidating — especially when you don’t understand exactly what you have to do or know what to expect.
At McKown & Myers, LLP, you can find the answers and experienced legal help you need to make a successful claim. Our firm has dedicated its practice to disability claims.
The disability claims process for both Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is essentially the same. What follows is a basic description of some of the stages you may have to go through along the way.
Obtain A Diagnosis
Without proper medical documentation, there is no point in filing a disability claim. Equally important is the way in which the medical evidence and doctors’ reports are presented. With decades of litigation experience as a firm and dealing with the SSA, we know what evidence they’re looking for and how to present it properly.
File A Claim
This can be done at your local Social Security office or online through the SSA’s official website. You do not need a lawyer to prepare and file this claim. However, we are certainly available to answer any questions about this initial claim process.
Wait For A Decision
After the claim has been filed and you have had your interview, the Social Security Administration will begin reviewing your file. It will look at the medical records and evidence you’ve submitted. It may ask you to see one of its own doctors for further evaluation. At some point, generally less than six months later, it will issue a determination that approves or denies benefits.
Appeal The Decision If Your Claim Is Denied
If you are denied benefits (most people are at the initial claims stage), you have the right to appeal that decision. Included in the appeals process may be administrative appeals (requests for reconsideration and administrative law judge hearings), an administrative review by the Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia, and last, taking your case to federal court, including federal appeals courts.
Most Initial Applications Are Denied — But We May Be Able To Change The Outcome
For answers to other questions about either type of disability claim (SSD or SSI), do not hesitate to call or contact our Marion disability claim lawyers to ask for a free consultation. In the Marion, Indiana, area, you can reach us by phone at 765-668-7531.