Bemis, Roach and Reed Legal

Questions about social security disability claims

Social Security benefits (SSDI or SSI) are difficult to obtain.  There are deadlines for filing, endless paperwork to complete, and complicated guidelines for determining whether you will be eligible.  Most people would benefit from having an attorney on their side when the application is filed.  It is even more important to have a lawyer on your side if you have been denied benefits.

Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability?

If you are a disabled worker, you are entitled to monthly cash benefits if you meet the following conditions:
Have a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration;
Have filed an application for disabled worker's benefits for the period during which an application is effective;
Have disability insured status;
Have completed a five-month waiting period, unless you are exempt from this requirement; and
Have not reached full retirement age.

Your benefits begin with the first month that you meet all of the conditions above.

The Social Security Administration considers you "disabled" and entitled to disabled worker's benefits if you meet the following conditions:
You cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental impairment. You must not only be unable to do your previous work, but also any other type of work considering your age, education, and work experience; (Note: It does not matter whether such work exists in your immediate area, whether a specific job vacancy exists, or whether you would be hired if you applied for work. )
Your impairment(s) must be established by objective medical evidence;
It is expected that your impairment(s) will either result in death or last for at least 12 months in a row; and
Your impairment(s) must be the primary reason for your inability to engage insubstantial gainful activity.

Can I Afford to Hire an Attorney to Help Me Fight a Denial?

One of the problems most applicants face is a lack of money.  They are unable to work and sometimes do not even look for an attorney because they believe they cannot afford it.  At Bemis, Roach & Reed, you will never have to pay out of pocket for representation on your Social Security Disability claim.  Our firm takes Social Security Disability cases on a contingency fee.  We charge 25% of the back benefit award with a maximum of $6,000.00.