Compassionate Social Security Lawyer Protecting Carleton and Wyandotte Families
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve spent a considerable portion of your life working and paying into the Social Security system. Should you become temporarily or permanently disabled, it’s only fair that you receive some of that back in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unfortunately, far too many disabled workers are denied the Social Security benefits to which they’re entitled.
Appealing Your SSDI Claim
If your claim has been denied simply because the claim’s examiner didn’t think your medical evidence was strong enough, you may be able to appeal the denial. In Michigan, there are four stages to the SSDI appeals process:
- Submit a request for re-consideration with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Request and attend a hearing with an administrative law judge
- Request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council
- File an appeal with the United States District Court of Eastern Michigan or Western Michigan
In theory, a denial can be overturned during any one of these stages, but in practice it is typically during the hearing with the administrative law judge that your appeal is most likely to bear fruit. Your social security lawyer can help you prepare for this hearing so that you can make your case in the most effective way possible. Though it can take awhile to secure this hearing — up to a year in some cases — about half of all cases that come before the administrative law judge are approved. Having a dedicated SSDI representative on your side will almost certainly increase your chances of success, earning you the benefits you deserve.
Qualifying for SSI Benefits
Individuals with no prior work history, or whose employment history is not sufficient enough to qualify for SSDI benefits, may nevertheless be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Those who qualify for SSI benefits — typically those who are blind, disabled, or elderly with little income — are also automatically eligible for Medicaid. If you have questions about obtaining SSI benefits or wish to appeal a denied SSI application, call one of our two Michigan offices to speak with a seasoned SSI lawyer today.
No Recovery, No Fee for SSDI or SSI
At Mark E. Stern Disability Attorney, we never charge a fee for SSDI or SSI cases unless we’re successful in obtaining your benefits, and even then we are only entitled to a percentage of your past-due benefits that we agree on in writing at the outset. Consultations for these cases are always free, so there’s no sense in putting off until tomorrow what can be accomplished today. Call now to receive customized, results-oriented legal representation.
