Helping Michigan Individuals and Families Resolve Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Matters

Social Security Disability / SSDI

We all grew up believing that an honest day’s work is the way to succeed financially, but work is simply not possible for everyone. Disabilities can limit many areas of life, including the ability to maintain a full-time job. The Social Security Administration provides financial support for eligible individuals who, because of a disability, cannot earn an income by working. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), also referred to as Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB), covers individuals who have a certain amount of work history when they develop a disability that impedes their ability to work for one year or more. This federal program provides monthly benefits to those who have worked, paid Social Security taxes, and then developed or suffered a disability that prevents them from earning an income through work.

Navigating the SSDI application process can be somewhat confusing and daunting, which is why the dedicated legal team at Warren & Schairbaum, PLLC, is committed to working alongside every client we serve. We encourage you to call our Ann Arbor office today to learn more about the SSDI eligibility requirements and to discuss your situation in light of them.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits in Michigan

Social Security Disability Insurance is provided as part of the Social Security Disability Act Title II (commonly called “Title 2”), which includes other benefits related to your earnings. Once the Social Security Administration decides that you qualify, you can be paid benefits retroactively starting as much as one full year before the month that you applied, depending on when your inability to work began. Eligibility for Medicare comes with these benefits, but it doesn’t begin until 24 months after your first Disability Insurance Benefit month. If you are wondering whether you qualify for SSDI benefits, consider taking the following steps.

Steps

One: Find Out if You Meet the SSDI Eligibility Requirements

Your local Social Security office will tell you if you meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI. Call 800-772-1213, or simply log in to your SSA.gov account to verify eligibility. Once eligibility is established (either financial eligibility for SSI or work credits for DIB), you must prove that you meet the definition of “disabled” as defined by Social Security. The claim process can be complicated and lengthy, and not everyone who applies will qualify.

Two: If You Meet the Eligibility Requirements, Decide Whether to Apply

Generally speaking, you should consider applying for SSDI if the following are true:

You have a severe mental or physical condition.
This condition has lasted, or is expected to last, a full year or longer.
This condition limits your capacity to hold a full-time job.

You may not want to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if any of the following factors apply to your situation:

Your doctor does not believe your condition is severe.
The condition is expected to be temporary and last less than one year.
You are able to work in order to earn a sufficient income.
You haven’t worked enough to qualify for benefits.

What You Can Expect During the SSDI Application Process

Our clients often ask, “How long does it take to apply for and get my disability benefits?” Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. We will never needlessly delay the process and will do everything in our power to get your benefits as quickly as possible. But most of the procedures are beyond our control. The administrative process takes time (and a good deal of patience). Each person’s claim has unique medical facts and circumstances. For some applicants, the process requires more time than for others.

Fortunately, you can hire an attorney at any point in the process — even if you’ve been denied benefits. An experienced Social Security disability attorney may be able to help you appeal the decision.

The typical stages of the disability determination process include: 1) Applying. 2) If you win, you should receive benefits in 30-60 days. If you are denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. 3) If your reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. 4) A judge will hear your case at a hearing. If you win, you will receive benefits. If you lose, you have 60 days to file another appeal.

Learn More About Your SSDI Eligibility Today

At Warren & Schairbaum, PLLC, we believe in providing top-tier legal guidance that’s customized to address your unique needs and goals. We know the law and the system well enough to give a reliable assessment of your likelihood of success. No matter what your specific questions may be, we are ready to assist you and help you identify the most strategic path forward.

How to Apply for Benefits

The SSDI application process can be completed online. When you apply, you will need to provide several pieces of information, so it’s helpful to have the following items or documents at the ready:

Your social security number
Banking information (in case your claim is successful)
Education – last school attended, dates, address
List of diagnoses
List of medical providers and history of your treatment since onset
List of medications

If you are applying for SSDI benefits because of a disability, you will also need to provide contact information for any doctors, hospitals, or medical clinics that have treated you.

If you need help accessing SSDI benefits or determining whether you qualify for SSDI in Michigan, the dedicated and caring legal team at Warren & Schairbaum, PLLC, is ready to assist you. Please call our Ann Arbor office today at (734) 769-9300 to get started with a trusted SSDI attorney.

Ann Arbor's Go-To SSDI/SSI Law Firm For Effective Legal Advocacy and Support

Warren & Schairbaum has been advocating for people seeking disability benefits since 1998. Our attorneys can help you get the SSI and SSDI/DIB benefits you deserve. We know the ins and outs of the system, and we understand how these benefits can improve the lives of our clients. Whether you’re just starting to apply or need to appeal a denial, contact us. We work for your best interests with knowledge and compassion.

You’ll get the help that only a strong legal team can provide:

Reviewing Social Security files
Gathering and analyzing evidence
Deciding the best course to take
Writing briefs for hearings and appeals
Presenting your best case to the Social Security Administration

No matter what the details of your situation may be, we are ready to help you understand your available options so you can make informed decisions with greater certainty and confidence.

Securing the Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits you need can be a confusing and even discouraging process. That’s why the dedicated legal advocates at Warren & Schairbaum, PLLC, are ready to work alongside you. Please call our Ann Arbor office today at (734) 769-9300 to get started with an experienced SSDI/SSI attorney.

Plan for your future with confidence. At Warren & Schairbaum, we provide expert legal guidance on estate planning, long-term care, Medicaid eligibility, and Social Security disability benefits. Let us help you navigate the complexities and secure the support you need.

Need help securing SSDI benefits in Michigan? Warren & Schairbaum, PLLC provides expert legal guidance for applications, appeals, and disability claims. Contact our trusted SSDI attorneys today for support.