If Social Security denies your disability claim, you face mounting medical bills and a lengthy appeal process. You paid into the system for years, and now you confront the complexities of reconsideration requests and Administrative Law Judge hearings.
The Social Security disability process involves complex federal regulations, strict deadlines, and detailed medical evidence requirements. One mistake or missed deadline might require restarting your entire claim. Appeal windows pass quickly, while you can struggle to understand what went wrong.
At Bailey & Galyen's Bedford headquarters, our attorneys have represented disability claimants throughout Tarrant County for over 40 years. We understand Social Security Administration procedures and pursue benefits at every stage of the process.
Table of Contents
- Key Notes about Bedford SSDI Cases
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Bedford SSDI Appeal
- Understanding SSDI vs. SSI Benefits Eligibility
- The Bedford SSDI Appeal Process Stages
- Medical Evidence That Strengthens Bedford SSDI Claims
- Common Qualifying Conditions in Bedford SSDI Cases
- Attorney Fee Structure for Bedford SSDI Cases
- FAQ for Bedford SSDI Lawyers
- Contact Our Bedford SSDI Lawyers Today
Key Notes about Bedford SSDI Cases
- You have 60 days from your denial letter to file an appeal. Missing this deadline means starting the entire application process over from the beginning.
- Administrative Law Judge hearings are a critical stage where detailed medical evidence and legal presentation are particularly important.
- SSDI attorneys work on contingency under SSA-regulated fee agreements, meaning you owe no upfront costs and payment is owed only upon approval of your benefits.
- SSDI requires a sufficient work history and recent employment, whereas SSI provides benefits based on financial need, regardless of an individual's work record.
- Medical evidence development proves critical. Opinions of your treating physicians and detailed records often determine whether SSA approves your claim.
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Bedford SSDI Appeal
Our Bedford office serves as Bailey & Galyen's headquarters. We have over 40 years of experience representing disability claimants throughout the appeals process. Our attorneys understand the medical evidence requirements and hearing procedures that determine case outcomes.
We handle cases at every stage: initial applications, reconsideration appeals, ALJ hearings, Appeals Council reviews, and federal court litigation when necessary. Our team works with your medical providers to develop the evidence record to support your application.
The Bedford office offers accessible representation for individuals with disabilities. Our facility offers convenient parking and accessibility features. We schedule appointments that accommodate your medical treatments and limitations.
Understanding SSDI vs. SSI Benefits Eligibility
Social Security administers two separate disability programs—Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—each with different eligibility rules, benefit structures, and medical coverage.
| Program | Work History Required | Income/Asset Limits | Benefit Amount | Healthcare |
| SSDI | Yes. You must have earned enough work credits through prior employment where you paid Social Security taxes. | There are no asset limits, but earned income must remain below Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels to qualify. Earning above SGA can make you ineligible, even if you are medically disabled. | Based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) from your work history. The amount varies by individual and is capped by a yearly maximum. | Eligibility for Medicare generally begins after a 24‑month waiting period, which starts from the date of SSDI entitlement and may be partially satisfied by retroactive benefits. Medicaid is not automatic for SSDI recipients but may be available in limited cases if the person also qualifies for SSI or meets strict state income requirements. |
| SSI | No prior work history is required | SSI is a means‑tested program with strict limits on both income and countable assets. | Based on a federal base rate, which may be reduced by countable income and supplemented by the state. The final monthly payment can vary depending on individual circumstances. | In most states, including Texas, Medicaid eligibility begins immediately once SSI benefits are approved. |
Social Security Disability Insurance requires earning enough work credits through payroll taxes paid into the system. Most applicants need 20 work credits earned in the last ten years before the disability began. Older applicants need up to 40 credits over their working lifetime. Work credits are earned based on your covered work and wages (or self-employment income)—not the number of hours you work. Social Security awards credits when you reach certain annual earnings thresholds, and you can earn up to four credits per year.
Supplemental Security Income assists disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Some individuals qualify for both programs simultaneously. A Bedford SSDI lawyer evaluates your work history, income, and assets to determine which benefits you might receive under each option to help you determine which is best for you.
The Bedford SSDI Appeal Process Stages
Understanding the appeals process and meeting strict deadlines is essential. The Social Security appeals process follows specific stages with defined timeframes.
Reconsideration Review Stage
After the initial denial, you have 60 days to file a reconsideration request. This deadline counts from the date you receive the denial letter. Missing this window requires starting over with a new initial application.
Reconsideration involves review by a different SSA examiner. You may submit additional medical evidence supporting your disability claim at this time if necessary.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing in Bedford SSDI Cases
The ALJ hearing is an important stage in the disability appeals process. If your request for reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request an ALJ hearing. The Fort Worth hearing office handles cases for Bedford residents.
During the hearing, the judge asks questions about your medical conditions, limitations, work history, and daily activities. Your attorney presents your case, questions you and any witnesses, and examines medical evidence.
Appeals Council and Federal Court
If the ALJ denies your claim, you may request an Appeals Council review within 60 days. The Council reviews the judge's decision for legal errors. If the Council denies review or affirms the denial by the ALJ, you may file a lawsuit in federal court within 60 days.
Medical Evidence That Strengthens Bedford SSDI Claims
Successful disability claims require comprehensive medical evidence demonstrating that your limitations prevent substantial work activity. Strong evidence includes:
- Complete treatment records from all physicians, hospitals, clinics, and mental health providers documenting diagnoses, treatments, medication side effects, and response to therapy
- Treating physician opinions detailing your functional limitations, what activities you can perform, for how long, and how frequently
- Diagnostic test results, including imaging studies, lab work, pulmonary function tests, cardiac studies, and neurological examinations
- Mental health evaluations documenting cognitive limitations, concentration deficits, social functioning restrictions, and psychiatric symptoms
- Medication lists and side effects showing treatments you've tried and how they affect your functioning
- Daily activity statements describing how your conditions limit household tasks, self-care, and routine activities
Attorneys obtain records, work with physicians to develop detailed opinions, and present this evidence at hearings.
Common Qualifying Conditions in Bedford SSDI Cases
Bedford residents file disability claims based on numerous medical conditions:
Physical Conditions: Musculoskeletal disorders include back injuries, arthritis, and joint problems. Cardiovascular conditions include heart disease and congestive heart failure. Respiratory conditions include COPD and asthma. Neurological disorders include multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and neuropathy.
Mental Health Conditions: Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia significantly impact concentration, persistence, pace, and social interaction.
SSA maintains a listing of impairments that qualify when medical evidence meets specific criteria. Cases that don't meet listing criteria might still qualify through medical-vocational allowances based on your age, education, work history, and residual functional capacity.
Multiple conditions often combine to prevent work even when each condition alone might not qualify. Attorneys present evidence showing how impairments interact.
Attorney Fee Structure for Bedford SSDI Cases
Social Security disability attorneys work on contingency under SSA-regulated fee agreements. This means no upfront costs and payment only upon approval.
Attorney fees equal a percentage of your past-due benefits (back pay), subject to SSA-established caps. SSA withholds the approved fee from your back pay and pays your attorney directly after approving your claim. You receive the remaining back pay plus ongoing monthly benefits.
If SSA denies your claim at every level, you owe no attorney fees. This structure makes legal representation accessible to individuals with disabilities who lack the income to pay hourly fees.
FAQ for Bedford SSDI Lawyers
Can I Work While Applying for SSDI?
Limited work activity might not disqualify you, but earnings above substantial gainful activity (SGA) levels generally bar SSDI eligibility. SSA evaluates whether your work demonstrates the ability to perform substantial employment despite claimed limitations. Discuss work activity with an attorney before accepting employment during the application process.
What Happens If SSA Approves My Claim?
You may receive: 1) up to 12 months of retroactive benefits for the period before you applied, subject to the five-month waiting period and your established onset date; and 2) back pay for unpaid months after your entitlement begins through the award date. Medicare eligibility starts 24 months after entitlement.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Initial SSDI Application?
Attorney representation during initial applications may help you get your claim approved sooner and without the need for an appeal. Many applicants seek representation after denial. Attorney involvement at the reconsideration and hearing stages proves particularly valuable, as legal knowledge and evidence presentation affect outcomes.
What If My Bedford SSDI Claim Was Denied Multiple Times?
Prior denials do not prevent eventual approval with proper representation and evidence development. New evidence, improved medical documentation, and effective hearing presentation may overcome previous unfavorable decisions. Contact a Bedford SSDI attorney to evaluate whether your case merits continued pursuit.
Contact Our Bedford SSDI Lawyers Today
Disability claims involve strict deadlines, complex medical evidence requirements, and detailed federal regulations. Missing appeal windows or inadequately developing your medical record may affect your claim outcome.
Bailey & Galyen has represented Social Security disability claimants for over 40 years from our Bedford headquarters office. Our attorneys handle cases at every appeal stage and work under SSA-regulated contingency fee agreements with no upfront costs.
If Social Security denied your disability claim or you need help with your application, contact Bailey & Galyen for a confidential consultation today. Call our Bedford office at (817) 345-0580 to discuss your SSDI case with our disability attorneys.