Applying for disability benefits can be challenging, with lengthy wait times for decisions to be made as well as worrying about providing the right documentation and evidence that your disability will meet the SSA’s criteria.
It is common to find that initial applications are denied, making it almost certain that additional waiting times are involved while the appeal process is engaged. Contact a skillful Social Security disability lawyer in Texas today. Disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees and you only make payment if your application is approved. Fill out a free case evaluation.
Why Disability Claims Are Denied in Houston
Initial claims for disability are routinely denied by the SSA. In fact, the approval rate is around 30 – 35% of claims. The main reasons for denied applications are a lack of medical evidence, not completing all sections of an application form, insufficient information about your work history and personal financial details.
The 3 SSA offices in Houston are located at:
13302 Westheimer Rd · Tel: +1 866-592-1608.
8989 Lakes at 610 Dr · Tel: +1 800-772-1213.
5414 Aldine Mail Rte Rd ·Tel: +1 800-772-1213.
It is taking on average 3 to 6 months to process initial applications in Houston. Stages of an appeal can take much longer, with wait times of more than a year in Houston for reconsideration and an ALJ hearing.
Considering how long applications are taking to process in Houston, you should ensure your initial application is prepared as well as possible with the help of an experienced disability lawyer.
How a Disability Lawyer in Houston Helps at Every Stage
The disability benefits assessment process goes through four main consecutive stages, which are:
Initial application – Reconsideration – ALJ hearing – Appeals council
How far your application goes along this series of steps depends on whether your application needs to be appealed following a denied claim.
Initial application
Your disability lawyer can help to ensure that what medical evidence you have of your disability will meet the SSA’s criteria for that condition. The lawyer will also check to see that you have sufficient evidence of work history (for SSDI) and /or income and assets (especially for SSI).
Reconsideration
Following a denied claim, you can appeal with the help of your lawyer. The first step of an appeal is to request reconsideration. Your lawyer will review the SSA’s reason for rejecting your application and ensure that relevant evidence is strengthened.
ALJ hearing
The next stage in an appeal is to request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Your lawyer can prepare you for the hearing, so that you feel more confident when answering questions posed by the judge or medical experts.
The final step in a disability appeal, if all else fails, is an appeal to the SSA’s Appeals Council or to a federal court. You will need your lawyer to represent you if it gets to this stage.
Conditions That May Qualify for Disability Benefits
Houston based disability lawyers are used to dealing with all medical conditions that the SSA are likely to consider serious enough to approve disability benefits. Physical and mental conditions which lawyers are used to handling include such things as:
- chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes,
- back and spinal injuries,
- auto-immune disorders, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis,
- cancers,
- mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders,
- neurological disorders.
These are just a few of the disabling conditions for SSDI.
What to Expect From the Disability Process in Houston
All SSA disability application assessments go through the same series of stages, depending on whether your initial application is approved or denied, in which case you may decide to appeal. Understanding the SSDI application process helps you know what to expect.
You first submit your completed application with as much relevant documentation as you can supply. The SSA may take up to 6 months or more in Houston to send you a written decision. An application that has been rejected may still be appealed. This involves a request for reconsideration, then an ALJ hearing and finally, if all else fails an appeal to the Appeals Council or a federal court.
As the whole process, depending on the need to appeal, can take well over a year, which means it is important to keep on top of what is happening at every stage and be as proactive as possible to keep the application moving forward.
When Hiring a Disability Lawyer Makes the Biggest Difference
There are points in the application process where a disability lawyer can make the biggest difference. The main times when you should contact a lawyer are after a denied claim letter has been received and you need to appeal a disability denial, if you are unsure whether your medical evidence is complete or convincing enough, if you have had to stop working because your disability has worsened, if you are worried about an ALJ hearing or if a final appeal to the SSA’s Appeal Council is necessary.
Get Help From a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Houston
When you arrange a free consultation with a disability lawyer in Houston, you will be able to confirm whether you have any reasonable chance of being approved for benefits and have the application process explained clearly.
Disability lawyers in Houston work on a contingency fee system, which means that you only pay legal fees after your application has been finally approved, so there are no upfront fees. Legal fees for disability consultation are capped federally.
Contact a Social Security Disability lawyer in Houston to understand your options and get your claim on track toward approval. Fill out a free case evaluation today.
