When a significant medical condition keeps you from working, your financial future can feel uncertain. Pursuing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a complex process, but an experienced Arlington SSDI lawyer can provide the clear direction you need.
If you have questions about your eligibility and the required documentation, Bailey & Galyen can help. Contact our Arlington office at (817) 752-3155 to schedule a consultation.
Key Takeaways on an Arlington SSDI Lawyer
- An attorney will manage all deadlines and communications with the Social Security Administration (SSA) on your behalf.
- Approval for SSDI benefits hinges on providing thorough medical documentation that meets the SSA’s strict criteria.
- Initial denials are common, but you can legally appeal the decision.
- Working with legal counsel from the start can help you avoid common application errors and improve your chances of success.
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your SSDI Claim
We provide dedicated support to Arlington and Tarrant County residents, building each case with clarity and strength.
Here is why many in our community trust Bailey & Galyen:
- Dedicated Local Presence: With offices on South Cooper Street and Debbie Lane, we serve clients across Arlington. Our team is familiar with the local Social Security Administration offices and medical providers, allowing us to build a case relevant to our community.
- Client-Focused Approach: We take the administrative weight off your shoulders. Our team handles the paperwork, communicates with the SSA, and prepares you for any hearings.
- Strategic Case Construction: Your Arlington SSDI lawyer will meticulously construct a comprehensive case file that tells a coherent story, connecting your medical evidence to your work history to show why you can no longer maintain employment.
Let us help you take the next step. Call Bailey & Galyen in Arlington today at (817) 752-3155.
How To Tell If You’re Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits
To determine eligibility for SSDI, the SSA follows a strict set of criteria. Your qualification rests on two main elements: your medical impairment and recent work history. One of our Arlington SSDI attorneys can evaluate your circumstances to see if you meet these requirements.
The Definition of Disability
The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) because of a medically proven physical or mental condition. The impairment must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or result in death.
The evaluation focuses on how your symptoms impact your ability to perform job-related tasks. Our lawyers can help you compile the medical records necessary to demonstrate the limitations on your ability to work.
Work History Requirements
Since SSDI is an insurance program paid for by taxes, you must have a sufficient work history and contributions. The SSA measures this using work credits. Individuals over 60 need 40 credits to be eligible, with 20 of them earned in the decade preceding the start of their disability.
Applicants who are 60 years old or younger may qualify for SSDI with fewer than 40 work credits. We can assist you in reviewing your Social Security statement to verify your status.
4 Steps To Take After a Denial
Don’t get discouraged if your application gets denied; most of them do initially. You have the right to challenge the decision, which is the point at which an Arlington SSDI lawyer becomes an indispensable ally.
If the SSA denied your claim, take these actions:
- Note Your Appeal Window: Your denial notice specifies a deadline for your appeal, usually 60 days.
- Review Their Reasoning: Review the letter to identify the SSA's exact reason for its decision.
- Maintain Your Medical Routine: Continue attending all your doctor's appointments and following prescribed treatment plans.
- Talk With a Lawyer: Contact an attorney to assess your denial. They can discuss your options with you and manage the appeals process.
How an Arlington SSDI Lawyer Helps Your Appeal
An Arlington SSDI attorney works to turn your denial into a strong, persuasive appeal. Here’s how an attorney can help your appeal:
- Case Strategy Development: Your attorney pinpoints the exact reasons for the SSA’s denial and builds a focused legal strategy to counter them effectively at your hearing.
- Gathering Evidence: We work directly with your medical providers to gather the specific evidence needed for an appeal, such as detailed reports on your functional limitations.
- Cross-Examination: If the SSA hires vocational or medical experts to review your eligibility, a skilled lawyer will know how to question them at hearings in order to challenge any unfavorable testimony.
- Professional Representation: Our team acts as your advocate before the judge, presenting all legal arguments and managing hearings so you can focus on providing clear and honest testimony.
FAQ on Arlington SSDI Lawyers
Can I Still Apply for SSDI if I Have Never Been to a Specialist?
You can apply, but securing approval may present more challenges. The SSA gives significant weight to the opinions of medical specialists who treat your specific condition. If a general practitioner provides your only treatment, the SSA may determine the evidence lacks sufficient detail.
An attorney can advise you on whether a specialist's opinion could strengthen your case.
What Does the SSA Consider To Be "Substantial Gainful Activity"?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally considers monthly earnings over $1,550 ($2,590 for blind individuals) as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This threshold typically adjusts each year. If you earn more than the SGA limit, the SSA will likely find that you do not have a qualifying disability, regardless of your medical condition. The SSA maintains an updated list of SGA amounts on its website.
How Does the SSA Evaluate a Disability Claim Based on Mental Health?
The SSA evaluates mental health claims by reviewing records from therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. They look for evidence of your diagnosis, treatments, and how your symptoms affect your daily living and your ability to function in a work setting.
How do you pay for an SSDI lawyer?
We handle Social Security Disability cases on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you do not pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. The fee is a percentage of the past-due benefits you receive, and federal law strictly limits both the percentage and the maximum dollar amount.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program available to individuals who have a sufficient work history and have paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that provides benefits to people with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history.
We can help you determine for which program, or programs, you may qualify.
What happens during an SSDI hearing?
An SSDI hearing takes place before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). During the hearing, you will provide testimony about your medical condition and how it limits your ability to work. The judge will ask you questions and may also hear testimony from a medical or vocational witness.
Your attorney prepares you for the hearing, presents the legal arguments for your case, and questions any witnesses on your behalf.
Call Bailey & Galyen Today
Let a dedicated advocate manage your claim, so you can confidently approach the future. The team at Bailey & Galyen can help you seek the financial stability you need. We’ll handle every detail of your case, from compiling evidence to representing you in hearings.
If you need assistance with your SSDI claim in Arlington, call us at (817) 752-3155.