Experienced Disability Lawyers Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve
Life can quickly overwhelm you when you’re unable to work because of an injury or illness. You may wonder how you’ll be able to support yourself and your loved ones while medical bills and other expenses weigh on you relentlessly.
Millions of Americans struggle in a situation like this every day. If you need to claim disability but aren’t sure where to turn, or if you have applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits only to be denied, don’t lose hope. An experienced Bedford, TX SSDI lawyer with Bailey & Galyen may be able to help you.
Our dedicated team of SSDI attorneys has helped hundreds of people throughout Texas obtain the SSDI benefits they need and deserve. We can evaluate your case, work history, medical condition, and other key factors so you know your best options moving forward.
Bedford, TX SSDI Guide
What Is SSDI and How Does It Help?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program designed to help individuals who can no longer work because of a health condition. SSDI provides a monthly payment to qualifying individuals, helping cover essential expenses like rent, groceries, and medications. These benefits can be critical when you are unable to keep your job because of chronic pain, a debilitating injury, or a serious illness.
Many people confuse SSDI with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), another form of government assistance administered by the SSA. While both programs pay benefits, SSDI is available only to those who have built up enough Social Security work credits, usually by working a certain number of years and paying Social Security taxes.
SSI, on the other hand, is based on financial need. If you have questions about which program applies to your situation, a Bedford SSDI lawyer with Bailey & Galyen can help you find solutions to your circumstances.
Why Does Social Security Deny So Many SSDI Claims?
Every year, the SSA denies far more first-time applications than it approves, including many eligible applications. When reviewing applications, the SSA looks closely at your medical records, work history, and overall ability to perform any substantial work. While you may be eligible for government disability payments, your application could still be denied for various reasons, including:
- Insufficient medical evidence: The Social Security Administration needs complete medical records, doctors’ notes, test results, and other documents proving that your condition prevents you from working.
- Lack of recent work history: SSDI requires recent work credits, typically accumulated within the last 10 years. If you have not worked enough, you might not qualify.
- Failure to follow prescribed treatment: If your doctor has recommended treatment options, and you do not follow them without a valid reason, the SSA may deny your claim.
- Prior denials: Filing a brand-new claim after a denial instead of pursuing an appeal may result in repeated denials.
No matter the reason for denial, you have the right to appeal. At Bailey & Galyen, we treat your case with the care and personal attention it deserves. Our team can prepare and submit a detailed application or appeal on your behalf.
Health Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI
While not every health issue qualifies for SSDI, many physical and mental conditions can form the basis of a claim. The SSA provides a list of medical conditions and impairments that can qualify for SSDI. There are many qualifying conditions, but some of the more common ones include:
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Heart disease
- Severe arthritis
- Depression and anxiety
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, ALS)
- Stroke-related impairments
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Diabetes with complications
- Kidney disease requiring dialysis
- Liver disease
How We Help at Bailey & Galyen
Bailey & Galyen takes a supportive approach to each stage of your SSDI case. We work with you to collect medical records, evaluate claim requirements, and prepare appeals if necessary. Our firm has provided legal services across Texas since 1982.
Over the last four decades, we have grown into one of the largest consumer law firms in the state, with a 5-star Google rating from nearly 1,000 clients. We are proud to serve clients in Bedford and throughout Texas.
When you come to us with your SSDI claim, you can expect:
- Personal attention: Our attorneys listen with compassion. We know that each individual’s experience is unique. We work to understand the impact your condition has on your daily life.
- Clear guidance: We communicate with you about deadlines and paperwork in plain language. This eliminates guesswork and lowers stress.
- Commitment to results: We strive to provide you with the best possible support for your claim, from filing the initial application to preparing an appeal if necessary.
- Flexible services: We take calls 24/7, offer Spanish language services, and keep you informed of any progress or changes to your claim.
While we cannot guarantee outcomes, we do promise to give you the best possible shot at obtaining the benefits you deserve.
Appeals and Administrative Hearings
If the SSA denies your initial application, you typically have 60 days to appeal. The appeals process for a denied SSDI claim follows four main stages:
- Reconsideration: A different examiner reviews your paperwork, along with any additional information you provide.
- Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge: If reconsideration does not overturn the denial, you can present your case in person. Your case will go before a judge, supported by updated medical records, doctor statements, and your personal testimony to explain how your condition impacts your life.
- Appeals Council review: If you disagree with the judge’s decision, you can request a review by the Appeals Council, which may return your case for another hearing or issue its own ruling.
- Federal court appeal: As a final option, you can file a lawsuit in federal court if you are not satisfied with the Appeals Council’s decision or denial of review.
SSDI FAQs
Will I lose benefits if I start feeling better?
Your benefits could decrease if you improve enough to return to substantial work. Social Security conducts continuing disability reviews, but changes happen only if there is clear evidence that you can perform meaningful work.
Can my family get benefits?
Certain family members, like dependent children, may receive family benefits on your record. This can boost household income when you face financial hardship. Exact eligibility depends on Social Security rules and your benefit amount.
What if I can work a little?
SSDI benefits do not always end if you attempt “trial work periods.” The SSA allows some limited work to see if you can handle a job. Always keep detailed records of your hours and wages and let Social Security know about your attempts to return to work. Consulting with an experienced Bedford SSDI lawyer can help safeguard your benefits should there ever be any question about your abilities.
Our Firm’s Promise
When you trust Bailey & Galyen’s experienced Bedford SSDI attorneys, you’ll be backed by legal professionals who are truly dedicated to helping clients through life’s challenges.
We know that medical bills, mortgage payments, and other expenses pile up quickly, along with your frustration and anxiety. We are here to lead your case through the notoriously difficult SSDI approval process so you can focus on living again.
Our mission is to secure the best possible results for you and your family while providing the level of care and commitment that has made our firm grow into the award-winning full-service law firm it is today.
When To Hire a Lawyer for Your SSDI Claim
Many people seek help after a denial of their initial disability claim, but hiring an experienced Bedford, TX SSDI attorney from the beginning can reduce obstacles and delays. Whatever your situation, Baily & Galyen may be able to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
- Initial application: We organize documents and present your case clearly.
- Reconsideration: If Social Security denies your claim, we gather more evidence and correct any application errors that may have occurred.
- Administrative hearing: We prepare your case to go before an administrative judge.
- Appeals Council and beyond: If needed, we can request further review and continue fighting on your behalf.
Take the Next Step With Bailey & Galyen’s Experienced SSDI Attorneys
Do you need help applying for SSDI? Did the SSA deny your SSDI disability application? Do you need help with an appeal? The experienced SSDI lawyers at Bailey & Galyen are here to talk with you. We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can learn more. Call us any time at (817) 345-0580 or fill out our short online form to schedule your meeting.