Social Security
1. Contact the U.S. Social Security Administration on your behalf;
2. Assist with securing social security benefits, including retroactive benefits;
3. Inquire about the status of disability claims and appeals;
4. Assist with obtaining new or replacement social security cards.
The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) delivers services through its network of over 1,400 offices throughout the country. They are committed to delivering Social Security services to the public. The Social Security Administration provides information about:
- Eligibility for SSA programs
- Applying for retirement benefits
- Calculating benefit amounts
- Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What if I do not want to apply online?
You may contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1(800) 772-1213 or TTY: 1(800) 325-0778. An agent can help you find your local office, send you the correct forms, and answer questions that you may have.
Do I qualify for Social Security Disability?
You must be unable to perform work of any kind and your disability must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. You must also have earned enough "credits" – at least 5 years of work in the 10 year period prior to the onset date for your disability. In addition, you must be fully insured under Social Security, which means you must have worked for 40 quarters (10 years). The 5 years of work prior to becoming disabled counts in calculating the 40 quarters. The SSA receives numerous applications for disability benefits. Because of the large volume of applications, it can take a long period of time to receive a decision.
What can I do if my application for disability is denied?
If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision. You must file the Request for Reconsideration, a complete review of your claim. This will be completed by a staff member in your local office. This person must not be the same person that made the original decision in your claim. If you still disagree with the new decision from the Request for Reconsideration, you will file an appeal that will go to your local Office of Hearings and Appeals. The appeal will be reviewed by an Administrative Law Judge and may take several months. If you get denied again, you may appeal. This appeal will go to the Appeals Council and will take about two years to be decided. If you receive disability benefits, the benefits won't begin until the sixth full month after the date the Social Security Administration decides the disability began. In addition, you must wait two years before you qualify for medical coverage.
You can file an appeal or read more about Social Security’s definition of a “disability” online with the Social Security Administration’s Internet Appeal.
