On Point for You - When It Matters Most
If you’re struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, you’re likely facing overwhelming financial stress, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. As of December 2021, approximately 2.8% of Washington, D.C.’s population aged 18–64 were receiving Social Security Disability benefits. However, securing these benefits isn’t always easy.
The Social Security Disability (SSD) system is supposed to provide relief, but for many, it feels like an uphill battle—long wait times, confusing paperwork, and unexpected denials can make the process frustrating and exhausting.
Without expert legal help, your claim could be delayed or denied, leaving you without the benefits you need to cover basic living expenses and medical care. Many people with legitimate disabilities are denied simply due to missing paperwork or lack of medical documentation.
You don’t have to face this process alone.
Our Washington DC Social Security Disability lawyers are here to fight for the benefits you deserve. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, we help you through the initial complicated paperwork, gather medical evidence, and represent you in hearings—so you can focus on your health while we take care of the rest.
Reach out now—let’s fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us online | Or call
There are two main types of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits:
Each has different eligibility requirements and benefits.
SSDI is for individuals who have worked and contributed to the Social Security system through payroll taxes. It is not based on financial need but instead on a person’s work history and medical condition.
SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources who cannot work due to a disability. Unlike SSDI, it does not require work history and is funded by general tax revenue, not Social Security payroll taxes.
Understanding which program you qualify for is just the first step. The application process is complex, and even small errors can lead to delays or denials. That’s where we come in—our Washington DC disability lawyers are here to help.
Determining if you’re eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be complex, but our team can help assess whether you qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both. The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies strict guidelines, and meeting the requirements depends on your medical condition, work history, or financial situation.
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, applicants must meet specific medical and work-related or needs-based criteria established by the SSA. The agency enforces a strict definition of disability, meaning not all medical conditions automatically qualify.
Eligibility depends on whether you meet SSDI work history requirements or SSI financial need criteria, along with proving a disabling medical condition. Below, we break down these requirements in more detail.
SSDI is available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits through past employment, with most applicants needing around 10 years of work. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
SSI is designed for individuals with limited income and assets who may not have a strong work history. Eligibility is based on financial need rather than work credits, making it an option for those who don’t qualify for SSDI.
In addition to work history or financial need, applicants must have a qualifying medical condition that prevents them from working. The SSA maintains a list of disabling conditions, including:
The SSD process can be overwhelming, especially when facing medical and financial challenges. Our social security disability attorneys are dedicated to increasing your chances of approval by guiding you through every step, ensuring accuracy, and advocating for your rights.
Filing for SSD benefits requires precise documentation and strict adherence to Social Security Administration guidelines. Our team ensures that every detail of your application is accurate, reducing the risk of delays or denials.
Medical evidence is the backbone of a successful SSD claim. We work closely with doctors, specialists, and expert witnesses to compile comprehensive medical records that demonstrate the full extent of your disability.
By ensuring that the SSA has clear and compelling evidence, we strengthen your case and eliminate gaps that could lead to a denial.
If your claim has been denied, we can immediately step in to handle your appeal, gathering new evidence and strengthening your case. Our lawyers handle all aspects of the appeals process, including filing reconsideration requests, preparing legal arguments, and representing you in hearings.
We minimize your stress by taking on the legal burden, ensuring you don’t have to navigate the appeals process alone.
Beyond securing approval, we focus on ensuring you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to. Our team reviews your earnings record, work history, and medical condition to calculate the maximum benefits available under SSDI and SSI.
We also explore additional options, such as retroactive and back pay, so you don’t leave money on the table.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your SSD case. Contact us online | Or call
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, which is why our team is here to guide you through every stage of the process.
Filing your SSD application correctly is key to securing benefits as quickly as possible. The Social Security Administration requires detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and daily limitations. Any missing or inaccurate details can result in delays or denials.
Our team ensures your application is complete, properly documented, and submitted correctly the first time. We help gather necessary records and present your case in a way that meets SSA requirements.
Once submitted, your application goes through a thorough review by the SSA, where officials determine if you meet medical and work-related eligibility criteria. This step involves evaluating 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 secure 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 SSD claims are denied, even for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. The SSA has strict requirements, and even small mistakes can lead to a denial. Below are some of the most common reasons claims are rejected:
If your claim was denied for any of these reasons, don’t give up. We break down exactly what steps to take next.
Contact us today to get the help you need with your SSD claim. Contact us online | Or call
A denial does not mean the end of your case—many applicants successfully appeal and secure benefits.
If your claim was denied, taking the right steps quickly can improve your chances of approval. Below is the process for challenging a denial and how we, as your lawyers, can help at each stage:
We handle every stage of the appeals process, reducing your stress and increasing your chances of success.
Living with a disability is already challenging—dealing with the Social Security Disability system shouldn’t make it harder. We know that when you’re unable to work due to a serious medical condition, every day can be a struggle, both physically and financially. Our firm is committed 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 go through it alone. We are here to fight for you, handle the legal complexities, and take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on your health.
Get in touch with us:
Contact us today to get started on your SSD claim
SSDI benefits vary based on your work history and earnings. In 2024, the average SSDI payment was around $1,537 per month, with a maximum of $3,822 for those with a high earnings record. Your exact amount depends on your lifetime earnings and contributions to Social Security.
Yes, you can appeal a denial or submit a new application. Many claims are denied initially due to missing information or insufficient medical evidence. Our lawyers can review your case, strengthen your application, and guide you through the appeals process to improve your chances of approval.
SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Eligibility depends on your work history and financial situation. We can help determine which program you qualify for and ensure your application meets SSA requirements.
You can file a claim yourself, but having a lawyer significantly improves your chances of approval. We ensure your application is complete, backed by strong medical evidence, and meets SSA requirements, reducing the risk of denial and delays. If denied, we handle your appeal.
Possibly. The SSA may require a consultative exam (CE) with a government-appointed doctor to assess your condition. If this happens, we prepare you for the exam and ensure the results accurately reflect your disability to strengthen your case.
Statistics show that applicants with legal representation are more likely to be approved than those who apply alone. A lawyer ensures your claim is properly documented, presents medical evidence effectively, and represents you at hearings, increasing your chances of success.
