If you’ve suffered an injury or been diagnosed with a medical condition that prevents you from working, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Navigating the SSDI application process, however, can be complex, and mistakes can lead to delays or denials of your claim. An experienced Dallas SSDI lawyer can help guide you through the complex process of applying for and obtaining these crucial benefits, alleviating your stress along the way.
At Bailey & Galyen, we understand how critical these benefits can be for you and your family. Our Dallas-based SSDI lawyers have over four decades of experience assisting clients across Texas, and we’re here to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
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Dallas SSDI Guide
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your SSDI Claim?
- Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Common Reasons for SSDI Denial
- The SSDI Application Process in Dallas: How We Can Help
- Additional Benefits of SSDI
- Contact the Dallas SDDI Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen Today
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your SSDI Claim?
Bailey & Galyen is one of Texas’s most trusted law firms, known for its dedication to client service and our comprehensive legal knowledge.
When you choose us to handle your SSDI claim, you benefit from:
- Over 40 Years of Experience: Our firm has advocated for clients across Texas for four decades. We understand the intricacies of the SSDI process and know how to navigate the system effectively.
- Board-Certified Attorneys: Several of our attorneys are board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a mark of excellence in their respective fields. Our expertise spans multiple practice areas, ensuring we can address any legal challenges you may face.
- Personalized Service: At Bailey & Galyen, we believe that every client deserves individualized attention. We take the time to understand your unique situation, listen to your concerns, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your needs.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We handle all SSDI claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully secure your benefits. This ensures that you have access to quality legal representation without upfront costs.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to the final resolution of your case, we’re with you every step of the way. Our team is available to answer your questions, provide updates, and offer guidance whenever you need it.
- Proven Track Record: We’ve helped countless clients across Dallas and Texas secure the SSDI benefits they need to support themselves and their families. Our success is built on a deep understanding of the law, meticulous preparation, and relentless advocacy.
Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is need-based, SSDI is available to those who have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes during their working years.
If you accumulated sufficient work credits and meet the medical criteria, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.
Eligibility Requirements for SSDI in Dallas
To qualify for SSDI, you must:
- Work Credits: You must have worked long enough and recently enough to have accumulated sufficient Social Security work credits.
- Severe Medical Condition: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
- Inability to Work: You must be unable to perform your previous job or adjust to other work due to your medical condition.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a stringent evaluation process to determine eligibility, and even minor errors in your application can lead to a denial. That’s why you need an experienced SSDI lawyer.
Common Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI
While the SSA evaluates each case individually, some conditions that often qualify for SSDI benefits include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back injuries, arthritis)
- Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
- Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder)
- Respiratory illnesses (e.g., COPD, asthma)
- Cancer
- Immune system disorders
Having one of these conditions doesn’t automatically qualify you for SSDI. The SSA will assess how your condition impacts your ability to work and function in daily life.
Common Reasons for SSDI Denial
The notoriously challenging SSDI application process results in the denial of many initial claims. Some common reasons for denial include:
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: Your application must include comprehensive medical records that clearly demonstrate the severity of your condition. Missing or inadequate documentation can result in a denial.
- Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: If you don’t follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor, the SSA may question the seriousness of your condition and deny your claim.
- Income Exceeding SGA Limits: If you’re earning more than the SGA limit, the SSA may determine that you’re not disabled, regardless of your medical condition.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Application: The SSDI application is lengthy and detailed. Any errors, omissions, or inconsistencies can lead to a denial.
- Lack of Recent Work History: To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits within a certain period before becoming disabled. If you don’t meet this requirement, your claim may be denied.
At Bailey & Galyen, we’ll thoroughly review your case, help you gather the necessary evidence, and ensure your application is accurate and complete. If your claim has been denied, we’ll guide you through the appeals process, fighting tirelessly to secure your benefits.
The SSDI Application Process in Dallas: How We Can Help
The SSDI application process in Dallas can be complex and daunting, but understanding the steps involved can help ease some of the anxiety. At Bailey & Galyen, we guide our clients through every stage of the process, ensuring they have the best possible chance of success.
Step 1: Initial Application
The SSDI application begins with filing an initial claim with the Social Security Administration. This involves completing several forms that detail your medical condition, work history, and daily activities. You’ll also need to provide medical documentation, such as doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment plans, to support your claim.
In Dallas, this process can be completed online, over the phone, or in person at a local SSA office. However, because the application is lengthy and detailed, many applicants find it beneficial to have an experienced SSDI attorney assist them. At Bailey & Galyen, we help our clients complete their applications accurately and thoroughly, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to a denial.
Step 2: Initial Review by the SSA
Once your application is submitted, the SSA will review it to determine if you meet the basic eligibility requirements for SSDI. This includes evaluating your work history and whether you have earned enough work credits. The SSA will also assess whether your income falls below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
If you meet these initial criteria, your application will be forwarded to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in Texas, where a more detailed review of your medical condition will be conducted.
Step 3: Medical Review by DDS
The Texas DDS office will evaluate the medical evidence you provided to determine if your condition meets the SSA’s definition of a disability. This is a critical step in the process, and the quality and completeness of your medical documentation are essential. The DDS may also request additional information or require you to undergo a consultative examination with a doctor.
Our attorneys at Bailey & Galyen work closely with clients and their healthcare providers to ensure that all necessary medical evidence is submitted. We help you gather and present your medical records in a way that clearly demonstrates the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
Step 4: Decision on Your Claim
After reviewing your application and medical evidence, the DDS will decide on your SSDI claim. Unfortunately, many initial applications are denied, often due to insufficient medical evidence or errors in the application. If your claim is approved, you’ll begin receiving SSDI benefits, including back pay for the time you were disabled but not yet approved for benefits.
If your claim is denied, don’t be discouraged. You have the right to appeal the decision, and many claims that are initially denied are approved during the appeals process.
Step 5: Reconsideration
If your initial application is denied, the first step in the appeals process is a request for reconsideration. This involves asking the SSA to review your claim again, considering any additional evidence or information you provide. In Texas, this step is often handled by the same DDS office that conducted the initial review but by a different examiner.
Our attorneys at Bailey & Galyen will review the denial, identify any weaknesses or errors in your original application, and submit new evidence if necessary. We’ll handle the entire reconsideration process on your behalf, increasing your chances of success.
Step 6: Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If your claim is denied at the reconsideration stage, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a critical stage in the SSDI application process, and it’s where having an experienced SSDI lawyer can make a significant difference.
At the hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present your case in person, submit additional evidence, and call witnesses, such as medical experts. The ALJ will ask questions about your condition, work history, and how your disability affects your daily life.
Bailey & Galyen’s attorneys will prepare you thoroughly for the hearing, help you present your case effectively, and advocate on your behalf. We have extensive experience representing clients at SSDI hearings in Dallas and know how to address the ALJ’s concerns and questions.
Step 7: Appeals Council and Federal Court
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review the ALJ’s decision for errors and may either grant or deny your request for review. If they deny your request, or if the Appeals Council upholds the denial, your final option is to file a lawsuit in federal court.
At Bailey & Galyen, we’re prepared to take your case to the Appeals Council and, if necessary, to federal court. Our attorneys are committed to pursuing every available option to secure the SSDI benefits you deserve.
Additional Benefits of SSDI
In addition to monthly financial benefits, qualifying for SSDI may provide you with access to other important resources, including:
- Medicare Coverage: After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, you’ll automatically qualify for Medicare, which can help cover medical expenses related to your disability.
- Dependent Benefits: If you have children under 18, they may qualify for benefits based on your SSDI claim, providing additional financial support for your family.
- Return-to-Work Incentives: If you can return to work, the SSA offers several programs that allow you to test your ability to work without losing your SSDI benefits. These include the Trial Work Period (TWP) and the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).
At Bailey & Galyen, we’ll help you understand all the benefits you’re entitled to and how to maximize them.
Contact the Dallas SDDI Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen Today
If you’re struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, don’t navigate the SSDI process alone. The experienced attorneys at Bailey & Galyen can assist you every step of the way. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to securing the benefits you need to support yourself and your family.
Our Dallas SSDI lawyers offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. Contact us today at (972) 449-1241 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we’re available for evening and weekend appointments upon request.
Remember, you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. At Bailey & Galyen, we’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the financial assistance you deserve.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Dallas Office
2777 N Stemmons Fwy Suite 1150
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 972-449-1241
