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Facing a disability that hinders your ability to work can lead to significant financial strain, escalating medical expenses, and an uncertain future. In Virginia, as of December 2022, there were 187,134 disabled workers receiving Social Security Disability benefits. However, obtaining these benefits can be challenging.
The Social Security Disability (SSD) system is designed to offer support, but many find the journey arduous—prolonged waiting periods, intricate paperwork, and unforeseen denials can make the process daunting.
Without proficient legal assistance, your claim might face delays or rejections, depriving you of the essential benefits needed for daily living and medical care. Numerous individuals with valid disabilities are denied due to incomplete paperwork or insufficient medical evidence.
You don’t have to handle this journey by yourself. Our Virginia Social Security Disability attorneys are committed to securing the benefits you’re entitled to. Whether you’re initiating an application or contesting a denial, we guide you through the detailed paperwork, collect medical documentation, and represent you in hearings—allowing you to prioritize your health while we handle the rest.
Reach out now—let’s advocate for the benefits you deserve. Contact us online | Or call
When seeking Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, it’s important to understand the two primary programs available—Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program has different eligibility requirements and benefits designed to support individuals in need.
SSDI is available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Unlike needs-based programs, SSDI eligibility is based on work history and having a qualifying medical condition.
SSI is a needs-based program designed for individuals with limited income and resources who are unable to work due to a disability. Unlike SSDI, it does not require a work history and is funded by general tax revenue rather than Social Security taxes.
Applying for social security disability (SSD) benefits can be a difficult and frustrating process, especially when you’re dealing with medical challenges and financial uncertainty.
A successful SSD claim requires detailed paperwork and strict compliance with Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements. Our team ensures your application is properly completed, supported by the necessary documentation, and submitted correctly the first time.
We focus on avoiding common errors that lead to delays or denials, giving you the best chance of approval from the start.
Strong medical documentation is essential for an SSD claim. We work directly with doctors, specialists, and expert witnesses to collect the medical records and statements needed to prove the severity of your condition.
By providing the SSA with clear, comprehensive evidence, we help build a compelling case that demonstrates why you qualify for benefits.
If your claim has been denied, we take immediate action to appeal the decision. Our lawyers handle every stage of the appeals process, from filing reconsideration requests to representing you at hearings.
We take the legal burden off your shoulders, so you don’t have to handle the appeals process alone.
Beyond getting your claim approved, we ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to. Our team carefully reviews your work history, earnings record, and medical condition to determine the highest possible SSDI or SSI payments available to you.
We also explore options for retroactive and back pay to help you recover the benefits you may have missed.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your SSD case. Contact us online | Or call
Determining your eligibility for social security disability (SSD) benefits can be a complicated process. Our team is here to help assess whether you qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both. The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies strict guidelines, and your eligibility depends on factors like your medical condition, work history, or financial situation.
To qualify for SSD benefits, you must meet specific medical and work-related or financial criteria established by the SSA. The SSA enforces a strict definition of disability, so not all medical conditions are automatically eligible.
Eligibility depends on whether you meet the SSDI work history requirements or the SSI financial need criteria, along with providing evidence of a disabling medical condition. Below, we break down these requirements in more detail.
SSDI is available for individuals who have worked and contributed to the Social Security system. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits through previous employment, typically requiring around 10 years of work. Younger individuals may qualify with fewer credits.
SSI is for individuals with limited income and assets who may not have a strong work history. Eligibility is determined by financial need, rather than work credits, making it an option for those who don’t qualify for SSDI.
In addition to meeting the work history or financial need criteria, applicants must have a medical condition that prevents them from working. The SSA maintains a list of disabling conditions, including:
Our law firm carefully evaluates your qualifications and walks you through every step of the application process to increase your chances of approval. We ensure your application is thorough, supported by solid medical evidence, and presented in a way that meets SSA’s stringent criteria.
Even if your condition isn’t listed on the SSA’s official list of disabilities, you may still qualify if it significantly limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. We collaborate with medical professionals to gather the necessary documentation, ensuring your case is as strong as possible.
Applying for social security disability (SSD) benefits involves several steps, each requiring detailed information and supporting evidence. A mistake or missing document can lead to delays or denials. Our team is here to guide you through every stage of the process.
Filing your SSD application correctly is essential for securing benefits quickly. The SSA requires detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and daily limitations. Any missing or inaccurate details can result in delays or denials.
Once submitted, your application goes through a thorough review by the SSA to determine if you meet the medical and work-related eligibility criteria. The SSA evaluates your medical records, work history, and whether your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
We monitor your case throughout this process, ensuring that SSA has all required documentation. If additional evidence is needed, we help gather and submit it promptly to prevent unnecessary delays.
Many SSD claims are denied at the initial stage, often due to insufficient medical evidence or technical errors. A denial does not mean you are ineligible—many applicants successfully appeal and win benefits.
If your claim is denied, we take immediate action to appeal the decision.
From requesting reconsideration to representing you at hearings, we handle every aspect of the appeals process to give you the best chance of securing benefits.
Many social security disability (SSD) claims are denied, even for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict requirements, and even small mistakes can lead to a denial. Here are some of the most common reasons SSD claims are rejected, grouped by category:
If your claim has been denied for any of these reasons, don’t give up. We’re here to help you take the next steps and guide you through the process. Contact us online | Or call
A denial of your Social Security Disability (SSD) claim is not the end of the road—many applicants successfully appeal their denials and secure the benefits they deserve. If your claim was denied, taking the right steps quickly can significantly improve your chances of approval:
Many SSD claims are denied due to missing information, insufficient medical evidence, or procedural errors. We thoroughly review your case, explain your available options, and take immediate action to strengthen your claim.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a written explanation for every denial, outlining the reasons for rejection. We carefully analyze this notice to identify the weaknesses in your application and determine the most effective next steps.
After a denial, the first step is to request reconsideration—a fresh review of your case by a different SSA evaluator. We handle this process, ensuring that all necessary medical evidence and supporting documents are submitted to increase your chances of approval.
A lack of strong medical documentation is a common reason for denials. We work with your doctors, specialists, and expert witnesses to gather the strongest possible medical evidence to support your claim.
If reconsideration is denied, the next step is a hearing before an ALJ. This is often your best opportunity to win benefits. We fully prepare you for the hearing, submit new evidence, and advocate on your behalf during the proceedings.
If your claim is still denied after the ALJ hearing, we can take your case to the Social Security Appeals Council, which reviews whether the judge made any legal or procedural errors. We present strong legal arguments to seek another review.
If all other appeals are exhausted, the final option is to take your case to federal court. While this is rare, we are fully prepared to represent you in court and fight for the benefits you deserve.
We handle every stage of the appeals process, reducing your stress and increasing your chances of success. If your claim was denied, don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your case and take the next step toward securing your Social Security Disability benefits.
Contact us today to get the help you need with your SSD claim. Contact us online | Or call
Living with a disability is already challenging—handling the Social Security Disability system shouldn’t add to that burden. We understand that when you’re unable to work due to a serious medical condition, it’s a daily struggle, both physically and financially. Our firm is dedicated to easing that burden by helping you secure the benefits you deserve.
If you’re facing a denied claim or feeling overwhelmed by the application process, you don’t have to handle it alone. We are here to fight for your rights, handle the legal complexities, and take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on your health.
Get in touch with us:
Note: We have conference centers for personal interviews or, if preferred, our attorneys can conduct interviews via phone or Zoom.
Contact us today to get started on your SSD claim. Contact us online | Or call
While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, having a lawyer significantly improves your chances of approval. Lawyers help ensure your application is complete, supported by medical evidence, and meet SSA guidelines, reducing the risk of delays or denials.
On average, the process can take 3 to 5 months for an initial decision in Virginia. However, if your claim is denied and you need to appeal, the entire process can take over a year depending on the stage of the appeal.
The fastest way to get approved for disability benefits is through the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance program, which fast-tracks certain severe conditions. If approved through this program, benefits may be granted within weeks, though most claims take several months to process.
The amount of Social Security disability benefits varies based on your work history and past earnings. On average, Virginia residents receive about $1,200 to $2,400 per month, but the exact amount depends on your earnings record and contributions to Social Security.
Yes, you can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is needs-based and doesn’t require a work history. SSI benefits are available to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged 65+ and have limited income and resources.
