Social Security Disability

Applying for Social Security disability benefits with or without an advocate can be difficult due to how long a claim can take and the high chance of being denied. Statistically, 70% of all SSDI and SSI claims are denied after the initial application. What does this mean for SSD and SSI applicants who are disabled and need help? That they should follow this advice tip: learn everything you can about the approval system to better your chances of winning on appeal, with or without the help of a disability attorney or lawyer.

The information, tips and advice presented here can help you understand:

How to apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration
How the SSDI and SSI system works
What SSA doesn't tell you about the application and appeal process
What you can do on your own as a disabled applicant to help your case
When you should consider getting a disability representative or attorney, and
What you should never do that might potentially harm your case.

Social Security Disability Basics

An Overview of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Here's a basic introduction to how Social Security Disability works.
What Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Benefits?

SSI provides disability benefits for low-income disabled people who don't qualify for Social Security.
What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability (SSDI) and SSI?

Both SSI and SSDI disability programs offer cash benefits for disabled individuals, but the financial eligibility requirements are very different.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits

How Do You Qualify Medically for Social Security Disability or SSI?

There are several ways you can prove your illness or condition qualifies as a disability.
Can You Qualify for Both SSDI and SSI Disability Benefits?

Yes, in certain circumstances, you can collect SSI and SSDI at the same time. This is called a concurrent claim.

Appealing a Disability Decision

Social Security Disability Appeals: Reconsideration, Hearing, Council, Court

Appeals are offered to Social Security disability and SSI claimants after all levels of decisions, save the last --federal district court. (When claimants lose in federal court, they can either give up or start a brand new claim for monthly disability benefits and backpay.)
The Social Security Disability Process Visualized: From Application to Award

How many disability claims are filed with Social Security? How many win benefits? How does it work?

Filing for Social Security Disability

Make Sure Your Doctor Is Supportive of Your Disability Case

If your doctor won't help you on your SSD or SSI case, consider switching.

Questions About Social Security and SSI Disability

When Is a Person Considered Disabled by Social Security Disability?

For Social Security disability or SSI purposes, to be considered disabled, a person must have an impairment, either medical, psychological, or psychiatric in nature.

Social Security Disability Survey Statistics: What We Learned From Our Readers

Survey Statistics: Is a Social Security Disability Lawyer Worth It?

Our survey showed that hiring a disability lawyer makes a big difference in the outcome of SSDI and SSI claims.
Survey Statistics: Can a Nonlawyer Advocate Help You Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Our survey showed that readers who used nonlawyer representatives were less likely to get disability benefits than those who used attorney representatives.
Survey Statistics: How Much Does a Social Security Disability Lawyer Cost?

Even though disability attorneys’ fees are capped at $6,000, the majority of our readers told us their attorneys received less than that amount.

Talk to a Disability Lawyer

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