How Do I Prove I am Disabled

1. You have not worked earning more than $1000* a month for at least 12 months or longer OR it is likely you will be unable to earn more than $800 a month for 12 months or longer.
2. The reason you are unable to work more is because you have one or more physical or mental conditions with symptoms that severely affect your ability to work.
   
3. If you have a specific physical or mental condition with a certain level of severity as described in the Social Security regulations, you may be found disabled without further proof
4. Your physical or mental condition prevents you from doing the specific work you have done in the past 15 years prior to becoming disabled.
   
5. Your physical or mental condition prevents you from doing any other type of work that may exist in the United States given your age, education, and past work skills.

*Amount subject to change in the law each year.

Social Security Claims – Dos and Don’ts

1. DO Apply immediately for Social Security disability benefits, if your physical or mental condition significantly affects your ability to work a full time schedule. If your condition improves and you are able to return to full work, at the time you can easily dismiss your claim at any time without any penalty. If you delay applying, you could lose important benefits.
   
2. DO Apply for BOTH Title 2 SSDIB and Title 16 SSI, no matter what you believe or what you are told verbally by a Social Security employee.
   
3. Do not accept, at any time, what a Social Security employee tells you verbally. GET IT IN WRITING. If they are wrong (and they can be), you will have written evidence of what they mistakenly told you.
   
4. Do Read completely everything the Social Security Administration sends you.
   
5. Do not ignore Social Security deadlines!
   
6. Do (If needed) have someone assist you in completing all forms and timely submit them to Social Security. If you cannot do it yourself, as experienced attorneys we can assist you in completing forms.
   
7. Do Inform the Social Security Administration of EVERY person (doctor or otherwise) or organization (hospital or otherwise) you have seen for your physical and/or mental problems for at least as long as your medical conditions have affected your ability to work.
   
8. Do not give up if you receive a denial from the Social Security Administration! Timely appeal the denial or allow us to appeal for you.
   
9. Do contact an experienced attorney, if you have questions about your rights.
   
10. Do not hesitate or avoid hiring an experienced attorney or representative, even if you do not have the money to pay for a lawyer. No fee will be owed until you are found disabled and owed past due benefits.