Lubbock, TX SSDI Lawyer

Living with a disability that keeps you from working is hard enough—fighting for the benefits you’ve earned shouldn't make things harder. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) exists to provide financial support to workers who’ve contributed to the system but can no longer maintain substantial employment due to long-term medical conditions. Yet in Texas, nearly two-thirds of initial SSDI applications are denied, leaving thousands of qualified individuals in limbo every year.

At Bailey & Galyen, our Lubbock SSDI attorneys work directly with people throughout the city to ensure their SSDI claims are handled with care, precision, and persistence. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of how SSDI cases move through the system in Lubbock, we help clients take each step confidently, from application to appeal.

If you’re struggling to get SSDI benefits or preparing to file your first application, contact us today. We offer free, confidential consultations, and you won’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover benefits for you.

 

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

SSDI is a federal program funded by payroll taxes. Its goal is to provide monthly income to people who can’t work due to a qualifying medical condition expected to last at least a year or result in death. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which people qualify for based on financial need, SSDI qualification depends on your work history and contributions to the social security system.

Who Qualifies for SSDI Benefits in Texas?

Qualifying for SSDI involves more than just having a medical condition. Applicants must show a strong work history and meet other key requirements:

Work Credit Requirements

The number of work credits needed to qualify for SSDI depends on your age and how long you’ve worked. Most people need at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Medical Qualification Standards

Your condition must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. This means it has to prevent you from performing substantial work and must be expected to last at least a year or result in death.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits

If you're earning more than a certain amount per month—$1,550 for most applicants in 2025—the SSA may determine you're capable of substantial work, even with a diagnosed condition. Exceeding the SGA limit can affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits.

Duration of Disability

Short-term or partial disabilities don’t qualify. The condition must interfere with basic work activities for at least 12 months or be terminal.

The SSDI Application Process

Applying for SSDI involves a series of steps that must be completed carefully to avoid delays or denials.

Filing Your Initial Application

You can apply online, by phone, or in person at the Lubbock SSA office near 17th Street. You'll need detailed personal information, work history, and a description of your medical condition.

Documentation and Evidence

Successful claims include strong medical records, physician statements, treatment histories, and proof of how your condition limits your ability to work.

Timelines and Processing

Initial reviews often take 3 to 6 months, but many Lubbock-area applicants wait longer. Delays can result from incomplete paperwork or backlogs at the SSA office.

Why Are So Many SSDI Applications Denied?

The SSA denies nearly 70% of first-time applications in Texas. Applicants in South Overton, Arnett Benson, and other parts of Lubbock often find themselves confused about what went wrong.

Technical vs. Medical Denials

Technical denials involve paperwork, income limits, or work history. Medical denials happen when the SSA concludes your condition doesn’t limit your ability to work enough.

Frequent Mistakes

Many applicants leave out important medical information, fail to follow up with doctors, or misunderstand how to describe their condition's impact on daily activities.

How SSA Evaluates Whether You’re Disabled

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine whether an applicant has a disability that qualifies them for SSDI benefits. It will ask:

1. Are you working at a substantial gainful level?
2. Do you have a severe impairment?
3. Is your condition found in the SSA’s list of disabling conditions?
4. Can you do work you've done in the past?
5. Can you do any other types of work?

If you meet the SSA’s definition of disability, then it will further assess your eligibility for SSDI benefits by looking at your work credits, the duration of your disability, and whether any income you earn exceeds the allowable limit.

How Can a Lubbock SSDI Attorney Improve Your Chances?

An SSDI lawyer plays a key role in presenting a complete and accurate case to the SSA. At Bailey & Galyen, our experienced SSDI attorneys in Lubbock assist with:

Initial Applications

We ensure that all required forms are complete and correctly filed and that your case includes every piece of supporting evidence available.

Medical Documentation

We work closely with your healthcare providers to gather detailed, relevant records. Clear, consistent medical evidence often makes the difference.

Doctor Coordination

We request statements that describe exactly how your condition limits your work ability, using language the SSA expects to see.

Exam Preparation

Our attorneys help prepare you for SSA-ordered exams so you know what to expect and how to accurately describe your symptoms.

The Appeals Process for Denied Claims

If your application gets denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal, and many successful cases win approval during this process.

Request for Reconsideration

The first step in appealing a denial is to ask the SSA to take another look at your claim. This request must be made within 60 days of your denial.

Administrative Hearings

If the SSA still denies your claim, we’ll request a hearing before a judge at the Lubbock Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).

Appeals Council & Federal Court

If the judge rules against you, your case can go to the Appeals Council and, if needed, federal court.

What Happens at an SSDI Hearing in Lubbock?

The hearing is a formal meeting with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You’ll answer questions about your condition and symptoms, including how they affect your life.

Judge's Role

The ALJ reviews evidence, hears testimony, and issues a decision. We prepare you thoroughly so you feel confident going in.

Your Testimony

You’ll explain your limitations in your own words. Clear, honest answers often carry more weight than complicated medical jargon.

Expert Witnesses

Vocational and medical experts may testify. We cross-examine them to challenge inaccuracies and support your case.

How Our Lubbock SSDI Lawyers Build Strong Cases

At Bailey & Galyen, we treat every case with the attention it deserves.

Case Evaluation

We begin with a thorough review of your medical history, work background, and claim documents.

Evidence Strategy

Our team focuses on getting persuasive documentation that speaks directly to SSA’s requirements.

Trusted Medical Input

We know which medical details carry the most weight and work with doctors to get clear reports.

Vocational Testimony

When needed, we present expert vocational analysis to show how your condition limits employability.

SSDI Benefit Calculations

Your benefit depends on your past earnings. We help you estimate what you might receive based on your work record.

Back Pay

If your claim is approved, you could receive payments going back to the date you first became disabled.

Benefits for Dependents

Family members may qualify for additional benefits based on your SSDI approval.

Medicare Access

Approved SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.

What Makes SSDI Cases in Lubbock Unique?

The Lubbock SSA office often has longer processing times. We stay on top of timelines so you don’t fall through the cracks.

Judge Patterns

Local ALJs each have their own decision trends. Our familiarity with them helps tailor hearing strategies.

Medical Resources

Access to certain specialists may be limited in West Texas, which can affect documentation. We help you fill those gaps.

Work Landscape

Jobs in agriculture, energy, and manual labor dominate the region. We consider how these physical demands impact disability claims.

Contact Our Experienced Lubbock SSDI Lawyers Now

SSDI claims move on strict timelines. Waiting too long to get help may hurt your case. Let the team at Bailey & Galyen handle the legal work while you focus on your health.

Call 806-758-7305 today for your free, confidential consultation. We won’t charge any fees unless we recover benefits on your behalf.