Get Help Securing the Disability Benefits You Deserve
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Lawyer
Guiding you through Social Security Disability Insurance claims from application to approval.
Experienced Support at Every Step
What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a serious medical condition and have a sufficient work history.
These benefits are based on your past earnings and contributions to Social Security.
These benefits are based on your past earnings and contributions to Social Security.
Disability Benefits Legal Help
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
You may qualify for SSDI if you meet the Social Security Administration’s requirements for disability benefits.
Cannot work due to medical issues
You must have a physical and/or mental condition that prevents you from performing substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether your disability makes it impossible to do your past work or adjust to other work.
Condition may last 12 months or be fatal
Your disability must be long-term or terminal. Temporary illnesses or injuries usually do not qualify for SSDI
benefits.
Earned Enough Work Credits
You need a sufficient work history, meaning you’ve paid Social Security taxes through employment. Generally,
the number of work credits required depends on your age at the time you become disabled.
Not Engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
You cannot be currently earning above a certain monthly threshold while working. SGA is considered a level of
work activity that demonstrates the ability to earn a living.
Our Collaborative Approach
How to Apply for SSDI
01
Submitting an application online through the Social Security Administration
02
Calling to apply over the phone
03
Working with a disability law firm to guide your application
Your professional Guide for navigating SSI applications
SSDI Application Process
Applying with legal support can help ensure your application is complete and properly documented.
01
Complete in take with attorney
02
File application:
Reviewed by Disability Determination Services
Reviewed by Disability Determination Services
03
If denied, file Reconsideration appeal:
Reviewed by Disability Determination Services
Reviewed by Disability Determination Services
04
If denied, file Request of Hearing appeal:
Hearing takes place with claimant, judge and attorney
05
If denied, could potentially appeal with Appeals Council:
Appeals Council reviews to decide whether or not to ask the judge to reassess the claim with a new hearing.
06
If Appeals Council does not grant a new hearing, appeal at the Federal level
Our Process
Timeline Expectations
We guide clients through the SSDI/SSI process step by step to make it clear, simple, and efficient
- From intake to application: one week
- From application to SSA mailing authorization paperwork: 1-2 weeks
- From SSA processing claim to sending it to DDS: 1 week - 1 month
- From DDS processing the claim to assigning it to an examiner: 1-6 months
- From an examiner completing their work on the claim and issuing a decision: 3-8 months.
- Overall Initial Level: 4 - 14 months depending on several factors. Most commonly 8-12 months.
- From receiving a denial to filing an appeal: we usually call within a week.
- From filing an appeal to a case examiner at DDS working then claim again: 1-4 months.
- From an examiner at DDS working it to making a decision: 3-6 months.
- Overall Reconsideration Level: 4 - 12 months depending on several factors. Most commonly 4-8 months.
- From receiving a denial to filing an appeal: we usually call within a week
- From the time we request a hearing to receiving a hearing notice: 4 months
- From the time we request a hearing to the hearing taking place: 6 months (The Hearings Office is required to notify a claimant of their hearing at least 75 days prior to hearing date.)
- Overall Request of Hearing Level: 6 months. This is the most consistent because there is no reviewing of the claim, just the administrative process of getting judges assigned to claims and matching schedules for judges and attorneys.
- Some judges issue an informal decision at the hearing.
- If a decision is not made at the hearing and no additional evidence is needed: 1-3 months
- If a decision is not made at the hearing and we need to collect additional evidence (medical treatment that occurred close to hearing so we need those records): our office will request extensions until we receive the medical evidence we need. That can extend the timeline but a month or so.
- Once all medical evidence has been submitted: 1-3 months.
- Overall Decision Level: Same day - 4 months. In specific situations, this could take longer (judge retires, takes a while to receive medical records)
- Overall - for claims that end up at a hearing level, the most frequent timeline is close to two years.
01 Initial application timelines
Application Timeline Overview
- From intake to application: one week
- From application to SSA mailing authorization paperwork: 1-2 weeks
- From SSA processing claim to sending it to DDS: 1 week - 1 month
- From DDS processing the claim to assigning it to an examiner: 1-6 months
- From an examiner completing their work on the claim and issuing a decision: 3-8 months.
- Overall Initial Level: 4 - 14 months depending on several factors. Most commonly 8-12 months.
02 Reconsideration Timelines
Timeline for Reconsideration and Appeals
- From receiving a denial to filing an appeal: we usually call within a week.
- From filing an appeal to a case examiner at DDS working then claim again: 1-4 months.
- From an examiner at DDS working it to making a decision: 3-6 months.
- Overall Reconsideration Level: 4 - 12 months depending on several factors. Most commonly 4-8 months.
03 Request of Hearing Timelines
Appeal and Hearing Process
- From receiving a denial to filing an appeal: we usually call within a week
- From the time we request a hearing to receiving a hearing notice: 4 months
- From the time we request a hearing to the hearing taking place: 6 months (The Hearings Office is required to notify a claimant of their hearing at least 75 days prior to hearing date.)
- Overall Request of Hearing Level: 6 months. This is the most consistent because there is no reviewing of the claim, just the administrative process of getting judges assigned to claims and matching schedules for judges and attorneys.
04 Decision Timeline
Hearing Decision Timelines
- Some judges issue an informal decision at the hearing.
- If a decision is not made at the hearing and no additional evidence is needed: 1-3 months
- If a decision is not made at the hearing and we need to collect additional evidence (medical treatment that occurred close to hearing so we need those records): our office will request extensions until we receive the medical evidence we need. That can extend the timeline but a month or so.
- Once all medical evidence has been submitted: 1-3 months.
- Overall Decision Level: Same day - 4 months. In specific situations, this could take longer (judge retires, takes a while to receive medical records)
- Overall - for claims that end up at a hearing level, the most frequent timeline is close to two years.
Our Expertise in Supporting Your Success
How We Help
About SSDI
Frequently asked Questions
What is the difference between SSDI/SSI?
SSDI:
- The only income limits come from earnings from employment. Must have gross earnings below $1690 monthly. This adjusts annually.
- Based on work history and work credits that have been earned.
- If granted, eligible for Medicare. Must be disabled for two years before you can enroll.
SSI:
- No earnings whatsoever. Limits also apply to other sources of income including savings accounts, vehicles, properties, spousal income, VA benefits, early retirement, private pension
- Do not need to qualify based on work history
- If granted, eligible for Medicaid. Eligible to enroll immediately
How to find your local SSA phone number?
Follow the link Field Office Locator | SSA
Where to view status updates (online)?
Follow the link to create an account my Social Security | SSA
Do you have to have an attorney in the same state as your residence/claim?
No, these are claims through a federal program. You can retain an attorney in any state.
I have a pending claim and Social Security is sending me for a consultative exam, what does this mean?
Usually SSA will schedule a consultative exam if they need more information than what is in your personal medical records.
Can I move while applying for disability?
Yes, Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income is a federal program.You will need to update your attorney and the Social Security Administration so they can update your information and transfer your claim to the appropriate office.
Will I get backpay?
It’s possible, but it depends on what SSA determines your onset date to be.
- If you have an SSDI claim, your back pay can potentially date back up to a year prior to your application date.
- If you have an SSI claim, your back pay can potentially date back to your application date.
How much will my payments be?
- For SSDI, your payments are dependent on how much you have paid into the system. You can get this amount from the SSA office.
- For SSI, there is a fixed amount, which adjusts annually. You can find this amount online at SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2026.
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