Dekalb Social Security Disability Lawyers

Most people anticipate working until retirement age, but intervening events can lead to illness, injury, or other medical conditions that prevent you from earning an income. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two disability programs that provide financial support if you qualify. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs differ in terms of eligibility, but they share one common element: It can be difficult to meet the strict criteria if you do not have a legal background, potentially leading to a denial of your application.

Unfortunately, even SSDI/SSI claimants who do qualify can suffer a rejection through inadvertent errors or omissions. As such, it is critical to rely on experienced legal counsel who can guide you through the process. Our Tuite Law attorneys are prepared to tackle the challenges, please contact us to schedule a free consultation with our Dekalb Social Security disability lawyers right away. Some background information may also be helpful.

Though the two programs are different, the process of filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits is generally the same. You must fill out the designated forms and include sufficient documentation showing that you meet the medical requirements established by SSA. In sum, you must prove that you have a medical condition that prevents you from working or severely limits your ability to perform work-related tasks. This illness or injury must be one that is expected to last more than a year or result in death.

In addition to the medical requirement, there are specific criteria depending upon the program to which you apply:

1. SSDI is a type of insurance that you pay for while working, and the premiums come out of your paycheck. You may qualify if you have accumulated a sufficient work history.
2. SSI is needs-based, so your work history is not relevant. You must prove that you are eligible because your income and/or assets fall under thresholds established by SSA.

Despite meeting the requirements for SSDI or SSI, many applications are still denied. Fortunately, you still have options, and our Dekalb Social Security disability attorneys at Tuite Law will help you take things to the next level. Your first course of action is filing a Request for Reconsideration, through which our lawyers will ask SSA to have another look at your claim and any new information. Additional steps may include:

• Going through a disability hearing that is presided over by an administrative law judge (ALJ);
• Requesting review by the SSA Appeals Council; and
• Filing an appeal in a federal court.

For more information about the SSDI or SSI claims process, please contact Tuite Law at (815) 965-5777. We can schedule a no-cost case assessment with a Social Security disability attorney in Dekalb. After we learn more about your situation, we can determine how to move forward with your SSDI/SSI claim.