Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SSDI and SSIDI?
What happens during the application and decision process?
Should you have a representative?
How can my services help you become entitled to disability benefits?
When do you need my services?
What does this service cost?

What is the difference between SSDI and SSIDI?

SSDI (Social Security Disability) is a non-means tested program which requires the disabled worker to have worked under Social Security (i.e., paid FICA taxes) for five of the ten years prior to the date you became disabled. Certain younger workers can qualify with less work.

SSIDI (Supplemental Security Income Disability) is a means tested program for people who have not worked long enough to be eligible for SSDI or who have a very low SSDI payment and who have limited income and resources. SSIDI is not a part of the Social Security System but operates under the same rules and regulations.

What happens during the application and decision process?

Applying for and establishing entitlement to social security disability benefits is not an easy process. It requires patience and knowledge. To go through the process alone can be time consuming and frustrating.

The rules of disability established by the U.S. Congress are complex. The procedure is a several stage process which has been difficult in the past and has recently been made more difficult by changes in the law and agency rulings. The official U.S. Government definition of "disability" is not the same one that your family doctor, or if you have private disability coverage, the one that your insurance company uses.

At the present time only 35% of applicants for disability benefits are approved at the initial claim level and many do not secure just relief until they have a hearing before an administrative law judge - about one and one half years later.

Should you have a representative?

The congress has, because of the complexities of the Social Security Disability Act, made it possible for claimants for disability to have representation at any time during the application process. Representatives may be a family member, an attorney or a non-attorney advocate. Attorney and non-attorney representatives have substantial knowledge of the Social Security Statutes and regulations, including changes in the disability laws, regulations and rulings.

A representation decision is yours to make.

How can my services help you become entitled to disability benefits?

I have thirty years experience with the Social Security Administration from the inside. I know the law. I know the process and I have a positive track record. I know what information needs to be in the claim file and how it should be presented. I have specifically designed forms that elicit key information about various medical and mental conditions from your treating physicians.

When do you need my services?

I can be of assistance at any time during the process of applying for benefits.

You can hire me to walk you through the entire process from the initial application. I make the appointment, help to fill out the forms correctly and act as your liaison with SSA. I work with your doctors to obtain the specialized information required by SSA to make the proper decision.

I can be hired at the reconsideration stage of the process and help you obtain the required medical evidence. I review your file and develop all the information that was missed or presented in the wrong manner at the initial level.

I can be hired at the hearing stage of the process. I will work with you to obtain new and more relevant medical evidence and then I will, if appropriate, request an immediate review of your file, and if that should not prove successful, I will represent you at the hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

What does this service cost?

Nothing! Unless I am sucessful!

If your claim is approved, then my fee is 25% of the past due benefits payable or a maximum of $5,300.00, whichever is the smaller amount. Under certain circumstances, i.e., when no past due benefits are payable, you are billed at a reasonable hourly rate. Any fee must be approved by the Social Security Administration.