We can help you gather proper evidence that displays what your physical and psychological limitations truly are and help you work toward getting the benefits you deserve. We have helped people do just that for many years and we can help you do the same.
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How does the Disability Determination process work?
Apply for Social Security Benefits
You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) online or at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office. You must file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through a Social Security Office by phone or in person.
SSA Denies
After the claim is reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS) they may approve or deny your claim. If you disagree with their decision, you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to file your appeal.
Request for Reconsideration
After the ‘Request for Reconsideration’ is filed, a different person at DDS will review your claim and make their own determination. If you disagree with their decision, you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to file your appeal.
Request for Hearing
The second appeal is called a ‘Request for Hearing’ and at this point your file is sent to the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) where an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review your file and schedule a hearing. During that hearing, an ALJ will question you and your attorney about your claim and determine whether you qualify for benefits.
Hearing Decision
You will receive a letter in the mail explaining the Hearing Decision. If you disagree with the decision, you may start a new application or request an Appeals Council Review. If you disagree with the Appeals Council decision, your attorney may file a lawsuit for your claim in Federal District Court.
Resources
Social Security Administration
To view the Social Security Administration website, please click the link below.
Social Security Updates
Check out the latest updates to Social Security Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security Income.
Impairments
Please click the link below to see the listing of impairments that are considered automatic qualifiers for disability benefits.
Apply For Disability
If you would like to apply for Social Security Disability benefits online, please click the link below.