How the Social Security Administration Works
You need an experienced disability lawyer to help you get disability benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a vast government agency responsible for a range of public benefits, including two disability insurance programs:
- Social Security Disability (SSD) insurance is funded by payroll taxes
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) funds come from the general revenue of the United States.
The process is slow and frustrating. We recommend you seek the assistance of an attorney at David Allen & Associates from the beginning of your claim with the SSA.
What happens when you apply for SSD or SSI
More than half of the initial disability applications to the SSA are denied and must proceed through a series of additional attempts to receive benefits. When your disability claim is denied by the SSA, you must apply for reconsideration. You do not have to provide any further evidence, but doing so can improve your chances of having your claim approved. Our social security lawyers examine your application and add any materials that substantiate your claim.
Your hearing before an administrative law judge
The administrative hearing is your first opportunity to be heard in person. If you have not engaged a lawyer by this point, we strongly suggest that you contact us. Our disability attorneys know how to give the SSA the additional evidence it is looking for. Many cases are successfully resolved at the hearing stage when a skilled lawyer is present.
Appealing your case after the hearing
If the administrative hearing is not successful, we request a review by the SSA's Appeals Council. Our Sacramento and Oakland disability attorneys fight to have your case reviewed and we present as much new evidence as possible to persuade the Appeals Council to decide in your favor.
Filing a lawsuit in federal court
The Appeals Council may decline to review your case, or it may issue an unfavorable decision. Even when that happens, our attorneys are committed to getting you the benefits you deserve. At that point, we advise you of your chances of winning if we bring a federal lawsuit.
Work with motivated lawyers who understand the Social Security Administration
SSA cases can take years to be resolved. You can reduce your wait time with the help of the tenacious social security disability attorneys at David Allen & Associates. Contact us online or call us at 1-877-876-4800 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
You do not pay attorney's fees unless we successfully help you collect disability benefits.
