When a serious medical condition prevents you from working, trying to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits adds another layer of complexity to your life. A knowledgeable Weatherford, TX SSDI lawyer provides the guidance necessary to make sure your benefits application is successful.
If you have questions about whether you qualify and what information you need to gather, Bailey & Galyen can help you find answers and build your claim. Contact our Weatherford office today at (817) 886-3375 for a consultation.
Key Takeaways for Weatherford SSDI Lawyer
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires specific and detailed medical evidence to approve a disability claim.
- Most initial SSDI applications are denied, making the appeals process a standard part of securing benefits.
- An experienced attorney can represent you at all levels of appeal, including a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your SSDI Claim
You need someone who can help you present your case to the SSA effectively. Our firm provides dedicated support to residents of Weatherford and Parker County as they pursue the benefits they need.
Here is why many in the community choose us:
- Local Knowledge: From the historic Parker County Courthouse to the businesses around the Weatherford Town Square, we know this area and its people. We use this local connection to provide personalized legal support.
- Focused Approach: We synthesize complex medical records and work histories into a coherent case file designed to meet the SSA’s strict criteria. We formulate a clear strategy from the beginning.
- Comprehensive Support: A skilled Weatherford, TX SSDI lawyer will manage your case from the initial application through all stages of the appeals process. We’ll shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your health and well-being.
Let our team help you move forward. Call Bailey & Galyen in Weatherford today at (817) 886-3375.
Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits
The SSA uses strict rules to determine who qualifies for SSDI. Your eligibility depends on two primary factors: your medical condition and your work history. A Social Security Disability attorney in Weatherford can review your situation and assess your qualifications.
The Definition of Disability
The SSA has a specific definition of disability. You must show that a medically determinable physical or mental impairment prevents you from engaging in any "substantial gainful activity" (SGA).
The condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA evaluates how your symptoms limit your capacity to perform basic work-related activities.
Our attorneys help you gather and present the medical evidence needed to demonstrate these limitations to the claims examiner.
Work History Requirements
SSDI is an insurance program funded through payroll taxes. To be eligible, you must have a sufficient work history during which you paid into the Social Security system. The SSA uses a system of "work credits" to measure this.
Those over 60 generally need 40 credits to qualify, with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years before the onset of disability. The number of required credits is lower for younger workers.
We can help you obtain and review your Social Security statement to confirm your work credit eligibility and resolve any discrepancies.
What To Do After a Denial
It’s a frustrating reality that the majority of initial SSDI applications are denied. Many people give up at this point, but a denial isn’t the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision, and this is often when having a Weatherford SSDI lawyer becomes most valuable.
If you received a denial notice from the SSA, follow these steps:
- Note the Deadline: Note the deadline to file an appeal given in your denial notice. You typically have 60 days.
- Review the Reason: Read the notice carefully to identify the specific reason for the SSA's decision.
- Continue Treatment: Continue with all of your scheduled medical treatments and doctor appointments.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Consult a lawyer to review your file and handle the appeals paperwork.
Why You Need a Weatherford, TX SSDI Lawyer for an Appeal
Appealing a denied SSDI claim in Parker County requires a methodical legal strategy. Deadlines are strict, and the evidence needed at an ALJ hearing differs from what is required at the initial application stage.
An attorney helps you meet these deadlines and prepares the necessary legal briefs. They can review the SSA's reasoning for the denial to identify weaknesses in your file and then work to strengthen your case by obtaining additional medical evidence or expert opinions.
At the hearing, your Weatherford SSDI lawyer advocates for you and works to resolve any questions the judge has about your inability to work.
FAQ for Weatherford, TX SSDI Lawyer
What Conditions Typically Qualify for SSDI in Texas?
A wide range of severe physical and mental conditions may qualify for SSDI. The key is not the diagnosis itself but how the condition's symptoms limit your ability to work.
Common qualifying categories include musculoskeletal disorders (like back injuries), cardiovascular conditions, mental health disorders (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety), neurological disorders (like multiple sclerosis), and certain cancers.
How Can a Weatherford, TX SSDI Lawyer Strengthen My Initial Application?
An attorney can strengthen your initial application by ensuring it is complete, accurate, and supported by sufficient medical evidence. They help you avoid common mistakes that lead to technical denials.
A lawyer can also review your medical records to see if they clearly communicate the severity of your functional limitations and may request additional, more detailed statements from your doctors to formulate a stronger case from the beginning.
What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) eligibility is based not only on your disability status but also on your work history and the Social Security taxes you have paid. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, is a needs-based program for individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged and who have very limited income and resources, regardless of their work history.
Your Clear Path Forward
The path to securing SSDI benefits doesn’t have to be another source of stress. You can move forward with confidence when you have a dedicated advocate working to protect your interests. Our team at Bailey & Galyen is ready to help you pursue the financial stability you need.
Let us manage the details of your claim, from gathering documents to representing you in front of a judge. For assistance with your case in Weatherford, contact us at (817) 886-3375 to get started.
Speak to a SSDI Lawyer Today
For a free initial consultation with one of our SSDI Lawyers at an office near you, contact us online or call us at 844-402-2992. Se habla español.
We provide comprehensive legal counsel to individuals seeking help with a SSDI issues including We have offices conveniently located in Arlington, Bedford, Burleson, Carrollton, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Mansfield, Mesquite, Plano, and Weatherford.