Social Security Disability
If you cannot work due to a disabling medical condition, you may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, obtaining these vital public benefits is challenging because of the strict eligibility requirements. In addition, the application process is lengthy and complicated, with various forms and supporting documents that you must provide to the SSA. The best way to protect your rights and interests is to work with our capable disability attorneys. We will leverage our comprehensive knowledge of the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to guide you through all aspects of the claims process. Our legal team will:
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Assist with submitting your disability application
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Work with your doctors to collect medical evidence that supports your claim
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Take over communications with disability examiners
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Enlist medical and vocational experts to serve as witnesses
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Handle your disability appeal
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Represent your interests during your disability hearing
Although the SSA frequently denies initial benefit claims, having an experienced disability lawyer increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. You can depend on our legal team to provide trustworthy advice, help you overcome any language barriers, and fight for the disability benefits you need and deserve.
What is a Disability?
The SSA defines a disability as a medical condition that prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA). Your condition must have lasted for at least one year to be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA maintains a list of qualifying impairments; however, you may still qualify if your condition is not listed but is medically equivalent to a listed impairment.
What types of disability benefits are available?
The SSA offers two disability programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – To qualify for SSDI, you must (1) meet the medical criteria, (2) have paid into the Social Security system through income tax deductions, and (3) have earned sufficient work credits based on your employment history.
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – This program is only available to individuals who are blind, disabled, and over 65 years of age, as well as children under 18 with a qualifying medical condition. SSI is a means-tested program, meaning your income and financial resources cannot exceed a specific threshold.
Disability Benefits Appeals Attorney
When the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies a disability benefits claim, they will send you a letter explaining the denial and your right to appeal the decision. To begin the appeals process, you must file a Request for Reconsideration with the SSA within 60 days of receiving the denial notice.
During the reconsideration process, a medical consultant and disability examiner not involved in the initial decision will re-evaluate your claim. However, they will only approve your claim if there is a new diagnosis or evidence that the medical condition has worsened.
If they deny your reconsideration, the next step in the appeals process is to request a disability hearing. The hearing is not a court proceeding but an informal meeting overseen by an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ is not a “judge” but an SSA attorney who will uphold or overturn the denial.
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can seek a review by the Appeals Council. They will decide whether to overturn the decision, remand it to the ALJ for further reconsideration, or deny the claim. Let our team help you navigate the appeals process and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Preparing Your Disability Application
If you can't work due to a disability and don't know how where to start, we are here to begin the application process for you every step of the way.
Appealing A Disability Denial
The majority of Disability application are initially denied. You're not alone. Let us help you get the approval you deserve to start receiving benefits.
Disability Case Hearing
Never go to your disability hearing alone. When you have a professional disability specialist with you, your approval chances are doubled.
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Working and Receiving Disability Benefits
SSD is short for Social Security Disability. It is part of the U.S. Social Security federal program that gives extra money each month to people who qualify. You qualify for SSD if you have a “total” disability, and you have: 1) Worked long enough and recently enough, and 2) Paid enough in social security taxes. The program is complex and has various rules and requirements. In order to determine if you are eligible for SSD benefits if you are still employed, you need to know the fundamental rules.
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Mental Health and Disability Benefits
If you or someone you know struggles with mental health issues, the good news is that this may not necessarily be visible, or obvious to others around them. However, mental health challenges can be huge, and these illnesses must be treated on par with physical health challenges. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes various mental disorders as potentially disabling conditions, provided they are severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity.
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5 Reasons Disability Claims Get Denied
Social Security provides a way for people who may have a disability that prevents them from working to receive compensation. Social Security Disability Insurance covers people who suffer from a medical condition that is expected to last longer than one year or result in their death. However, the majority of folks who apply for SSDI coverage each year receive a disability claim denial. By working with an experienced Disability attorney, this application process will have a much greater success rate.
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Common Misconceptions About SSD
Many people who suffer a disability in Michigan are concerned about their ability to collect Social Security Disability (SSD). This is because there are so many misconceptions surrounding SSD payments. As a result, far too many folks don’t realize they are eligible to receive SSD. In order to debunk these Social Security myths, it is helpful to understand some facts regarding eligibility and payments of SSD. This includes your ability to retain an experienced Social Security Disability attorney.
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Qualifying Conditions
If you’re unable to work due to a serious medical condition, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, not every medical issue qualifies, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific criteria that must be met. At The Nunley Law Group, we help individuals throughout this complex process—ensuring they understand what conditions qualify and how to present strong evidence for their claim.
Here’s what you need to know about qualifying conditions and eligibility for SSDI.
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Difference Between SSD & SSI
Like many laws and legal concepts, a great number of people get Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) confused. However, they differ in critical ways, and being eligible for one doesn’t necessarily mean you will be eligible for the other. Both are federal programs that provide benefits to people with disabilities, but they serve different groups. SSD is based on your work history and payroll tax contributions, while SSI is need-based and designed for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
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Disability Benefits For Minors
When a child is diagnosed with a serious physical or mental health condition, it can have a profound impact on the entire family. These conditions often affect the child's ability to grow, learn, or engage in everyday activities. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to assist families caring for children with qualifying disabilities, providing much-needed financial support during challenging times.
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Most Common Disability Claims
Each year, millions of Americans apply for Social Security Disability benefits after a serious physical or mental health condition leaves them unable to work. The application process can be confusing, stressful, and overwhelming, especially without experienced legal guidance. At The Nunley Law Group, we provide skilled and compassionate representation to help clients navigate the Social Security Disability system and fight for the benefits they need and deserve.
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Disability Hearing Insight
Your guide to understanding what to expect during a Social Security Disability hearing. If your initial application is denied, this hearing is a crucial step in the appeals process. You’ll appear before an administrative law judge to present your case, explain how your condition affects your ability to work, and provide supporting evidence. At The Nunley Law Group, we prepare you for every step of the hearing, advocate on your behalf, and work to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
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Preparing for a Social Security Disability Interview
An overview of what to expect and how to prepare for your initial meeting with the Social Security Administration (SSA), explaining what information and documents to gather, how to describe your medical condition, and what to expect during the interview process. At The Nunley Law Group, we help clients prepare thoroughly so they can confidently present their case and take the right steps toward securing Social Security Disability benefits.
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Appealing a Disability Denial
We understand how discouraging it can be to receive a denial letter. The reality is that most people who apply for Social Security Disability benefits are issued a "Notice of Disapproved Claim," you’re not alone—many claims are initially denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA) due to technical reasons rather than a determination of disability. Having an experienced disability lawyer can make all the difference when appealing a denial.
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Social Security Disability Dependent Benefits
If you’re unable to work due to a disability, certain family members—such as your spouse, children, stepchildren, and in some cases, grandchildren—may be eligible to receive up to 50% of your Social Security Disability benefit. These dependent benefits offer valuable financial support for your loved ones during a difficult time. While they must be applied for separately, the application can be submitted at the same time as your disability claim.