Working your way through the administrative maze of the Social Security Administration can be difficult and frustrating. Unfortunately, this is especially true for persons with disabilities who are seeking benefits under Social Security's disability programs, either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
At Hickman Menashe, P.S., we understand that this is a difficult process and we stand ready to help clients navigate their way through the SSDI and SSI disability maze. If your application for SSDI or SSI has been denied, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment to see if our lawyers can help you. Please be aware that most appeals must be filed within 60 days of Social Security's decision.
We stand ready to help clients prove that they are disabled according to Social Security's strict definition of disability, which excludes short-term or partial disability. For Social Security purposes, disability means having a serious disabling condition that is expected to last more than 12 months, or result in death, and that prevents a person from engaging in any gainful employment. In making this determination, Social Security uses a complicated five-step process.
Most people apply for SSDI or SSI on their own, and in many cases that makes sense. However, many of these initial applications are denied and people find that they have to ask for an appeal.
The first level of appeal is a request for reconsideration. If a reconsideration is denied, the next step is to ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. It's at this stage, either before or after the hearing request is made, that we usually represent clients. And it's at this stage that many worthy cases, denied earlier in the process, are won. Appeal is also possible after an unfavorable administrative hearing decision, but if the appeal involves petition to federal court, we will refer those cases to attorneys who specialize in that work.
We are here to help you through the Social Security disability process. You do not have to conquer this massive bureaucracy on your own. As Social Security's rules require, we receive no fee unless your case is won. Contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can help you explore your legal options.
