Do I Apply On My Own, Or Use An Advocate?
How do I begin the application process?
If you are disabled and think you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, your first question may be, “how do I begin the application process?” The process begins with educating yourself on the eligibility requirements. There are many free resources available on the internet, including this site, for you to read and complete a self-assessment. Or you may have a friend, family member or a medical professional who is familiar with the process and can give you an indication of whether or not you are likely to qualify.
You can also contact a professional representative such as an Advocacy group like Freedom Disability, or an attorney’s office who represents Social Security Disability cases. At Freedom Disability, we work with first-time applicants and those interested in appealing a denied application.
The Advantage of Using a Professional
The advantage of allowing a professional to review your case is that (1) it’s free and (2) if after reviewing your case, a professional offers to spend their time and resources representing you, then you know you have a better than average chance to win benefits through the government. Then you can choose to either apply on your own, or take advantage of the knowledge and experience of a professional.
So what do you have to lose by applying on your own? Applying on your own exposes you to the risk of not winning your case, or not winning in the first round, which may delay receipt of your cash benefits for years. Backlogs at the Hearing Court Appeals level are one to three years depending on where you live, so winning your case, and winning early, are critical if you need disability benefits. Freedom Disability has the knowledge and experience to ensure a strong case, the first time.
If you select Freedom Disability to help you through this process and represent your case, there are no upfront fees. We are only paid if you win, and our fee percentage is set by the Social Security Administration at 25 percent of your retroactive award, capped at a maximum of $6,000. This percentage fee only applies to the retroactive lump sum award due you for the time it took to approve your case, not your ongoing monthly cash award. For more on how to calculate our costs, please click the link to see our page, “What is the cost of Social Security Disability representation?”
Advocate vs. Attorney?
Should I select an advocacy group or law firm to represent me? The performance of advocacy groups and law firms will vary across each organization but there are a few differences to look out for.
- Does the advocacy group or law firm specialize in Social Security Disability cases? At Freedom Disability, our sole business and the focus of our organization is getting people disability benefits through the government. And should you require help at a Hearing Level Court Appeal, you will be represented by one of our Advocates who is accredited by the Social Security Administration, having passed their rigorous test for knowledge and experience in the field of disability (SSDI) representation.
- Do you work directly with the person who will be making your case to the government? At Freedom Disability, you work directly with our Advocates who spend time to listen and understand your situation so that they can put together the best case possible.
- Does the advocacy group or law firm accept first-time applications? Some groups will not work first time applications. Freedom Disability welcomes first time applicants.
More on Freedom Disability
Freedom Disability is a national Social Security Disability advocacy group headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut. We provide education and representation services to individuals interested in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Founded in 2003, Freedom Disability was created to bring an innovative new model to professional Social Security representation, which is having a professionally trained advocate assist an individual with every stage of the disability application process, resulting in superior service and greater success rates. Our professional Disability Advocates provide compassionate and efficient advocacy services to thousands of claimants every month. Freedom Disability is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.
Freedom Disability represents the disabled community through a team of specially trained Advocates. Our Advocates are experts in the area of Social Security Disability, working directly with clients each day to build their disability case and get them the benefits they deserve. If a case requires a court appeal, our SSA-Certified Advocates will represent the applicant in their local state. The SSA Certification is only awarded to representatives who pass a rigorous testing process by the Social Security Administration, proving their expertise in the field of Social Security Disability. Freedom Disability is proud to provide people throughout the country with the advocacy they need to get the benefits they deserve.
- There are no upfront fees for our application or appeal services.
- There are no consultation fees for assessing your eligiblity for benefits.
- There are no upfront costs for collecting medical records on your behalf.
- We receive a percentage fee on back benefits for you and your dependents.
Our fee is determined by SSA and is paid to us by SSA only if we win your case.
I really don’t know if this is appropriate for me to do? I have tried for too many years to get help and disability, but to no avail ! Each and every time it seems a fruitless waste of time: like spinning your wheels and getting nowhere. I was told by SS that I was disabled from doing my job: BUT I was too young, too educated, and I could do sedentary work at that particular time !
It seems that SSA feels that you are able to work and earn above Substantial Gainful Allowance. This year that amount is $1,000 a month. You would have to prove that your current medical condition prevents you from doing any kind of work to qualify for SSDI. Perhaps you could get help from other types of disability insurance related to your job. Or, you could qualify for SSI if you have low income and few resources. It is important to accumulate 20 quarters (5 years) of work credits within the last 10 years to reapply for SSDI, which is another qualifying factor.
i also have tried for ss several time and was also got told the same u was
I HAVE TRIED FOR TOO MANY YEARS TO GET A JOB, BUT NO LUCK. EVERY TIME I HAVE APPLIED FOR A JOB THEY TELL ME THAT I WON’T BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE JOB DUTIES.
I WAS BORN HARD OF HEARING AND MY HEARING HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE YEARS. I BELIEVE THIS IS WHY I HAVE SUCH A HARD TIME GETTING A JOB. I HAVE HAD JOBS IN THE PAST AND IT NEVER SEEMED TO BOTHER MY BOSSES.
BUT OF COURSE, ITS BEEN MORE THAN 13 YEARS SINCE I LAST HAD A JOB.
I HAVE APPLIED FOR SSI BUT THEY HAVE REJECTED ME MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT. MY DOCTOR HAS FILLED OUT THE FORMS AND HAS PROVIDED THEM WITH THE PROPER INFORMATION REGARDING MY DISABILITY.
I AM 41 YEARS OLD AND ITS NOT GETTING ANY EASIER FOR ME TO GET A JOB ESPECIALLY SINCE MY HEARING IS GETTING WORSE AS WELL. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY SITUATION, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.
THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Denise,
Unfortunately, our SSDI advocacy services wouldn’t be able to help you. There’s not much we can do if you haven’t paid into Social Security through a recent-enough work history. That’s a major factor to be eligible for SSDI and it seems that your income resources are too high for SSI. There are social service agencies that help people with certain disabilities find appropriate work. Perhaps your local SSA office can help you find those services.
i am deaf and i am 65 yrs old and i had been sssdi monthly but not enough cash and need
more……please!
thanks!
I’m 60 years old. I have been employed in professional positions for all but one year of the past 10 and for 20 of the years before that. It appears I am losing my eye site and it is becoming more and more difficult to perform my job. My left eye has been diagnosed as macular degeneration and has a consistant vision of 20/200. My right eye seems to be a mystery to the retina specialist. The vision is all over the board from visit to visit. One time it is 20/100 the next 20/600. He can’t seem to figure out what is wrong but thinks my retina is hardening. I work on a computer all day and it puts so much strain on my right eye that I go home with severe headaches. I’m not sure I can do my job much longer and am considering retirement and applying for Soc Sec disability. I am am considering giving up a terrific job just to end the pain in my eye and headaches but am fearful that I will be rejected for benefits. Any advice for me?
Barb,
There is no doubt that applying for disability benefits and then getting approved is very hard. Social Security is very strict about their work history criteria and if the disability meets their definition as a condition that keeps someone from working at any job. You could have a good case if your doctors can verify that your condition is preventing you from working. And since you are currently working, you must be making below SSA’s current monthly allowance, called substantial gainful allowance (SGA), which is $1,000 in 2010. Read our Eligibility article for more information. It would be worth it to contact us to talk through your condition with an Eligibility Consultant. Your other option would be to continue to work until age 62 when you can take early retirement. Please call 866-761-5942 for more advice.
My daughter, who will be 23, Nov 1st. was diagnosed approx.8 years ago with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bi-Polar, and Borderline Personality Traits. She received Special Ed. Services in High School and was out placed at various times to other schools. She is attending college in VT, but has lost over a year in academic credits due to her mental health condition. She was not capable of getting a driver’s license or holding down any kind of part time work. She also has other physical problems, including PCOS, Thyroid and Endocrine issues, skin disease, etc. We have been supporting her financially in hopes that she will gradually be independent. She is highly intelligent, but her mental and physical health prevent her from functioning normally. We are unable to continue to support her financially much longer. She is currently failing school again, etc. and is talking about needing disability. She is currently not in therapy or on meds., but has been, on and off over the years. We are trying to secure doctors in VT, but it is difficult, as she can be non-compliant, etc. She plans to stay in VT. Can she apply for benefits? In VT or CT? Should be obtain an advocate or lawer? Please offer any advise on how to proceed.
Pauline,
You may be able to get benefits for your daughter based on your own Social Security work record. It would be best to go to your local Social Security office to find out what options you may have to help your daughter. The SSA Web site also explains benefits for dependent children with disabilities. I hope this helps.
i want to apply for disability
I have worked for 35 years and paid into social security. I have more than enough credits. In July last year I had a malignant melanoma removed from my leg. I have no health insurance and was told I need to get medcaid. Well, they (medicaid) have turned me down 3 times. I have no qualifying person living with me and I’m not 65. ( I am 55). This past month, I had a partial hysterectomy. They found a cancerous growth. I now have to get treatment. But again-no insurance or money. I applied to soc. sec. in November, but was denied because I didn’t keep a doctors appointment. I was bleeding very bad and couldn’t make the appointment. Can you help me?
Henny,
The best thing to do is to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants who can assess your situation. A key component to a claim for Social Security disability insurance is medical history. It is very important to keep your doctor appointments, especially if it is a Consultative Exam (CE) with an SSA-appointed medical professional. If your first application was denied you have 60 days to appeal. Please call 866-347-2910 to find out if we can help you with your claim. Also, there are medical clinics to help people without insurance.
Hi I am a restaurant manager who has been working in this field for more than 35 years…I am Diabetic and its getting harder and harder each day to stand for long periods of time…My feet hurt alot from standing but the nature of the buisness I am in is to do so each day…I am salaried, with good health insurance…but im afraid there may come a day when I cant go to work anymore due to my health…my doctor basically says it is old age, but I am only 51 and the clock is ticking for me…I need your advice…should I apply for Disability now…while I am still working or should I wait till I become un able to stand anymore due to my Diabetic condition? My sugars have been running Ok and I see my doctor regularly and I do take 50 units of insuline daily with medications as well…High blood pressure pill and Metformin and acid reducer…what is your advice? Thank you! Garry
Garry,
If you were to apply for disability benefits now, you would not qualify unless you are making no more than substantial gainful activity, or $1,000 a month. Also, the process to get approved for disability is very difficult, and it can take a long time. Social Security takes into consideration a person’s age, work skills and ability to retrain for other work, as well as their medical condition, which must meet SSA’s strict definition of disability. And, it can take one to three years to get a decision. If you’re able to manage your health and you are making a good salary and getting insurance, perhaps now is not the time to apply. But, we can’t advise you on what to do. Should the day come that you need disability benefits, however, we strongly advise that you not try applying on your own. Then, we can help you get through the process. Good luck.
I made my first application just over a week ago before hearing about your Advocacy. Is it to late now to get an advocate ? Should I wait for the first process to go through ?
Ron,
It’s not too late to have a Freedom Disability Advocate help you. We can “jump in” and help build your case. But, first we must evaluate your situation. Don’t wait too long to call 866-347-2910. In fact, you should contact us as soon as you can. Thanks.
Three years ago I applied for disability and naturally I was turned down, however the letter SS sent me stated that I was disabled they felt I could still work. Since then I have had two surgeries on my arm that has left my hand and fingers numb and loss of strength. also have chronic back and hip pain due to arthritis. I was wondering if it would be worth it to reapply any ideas? Thank You
Rick,
To qualify for disability benefits you must have a medical condition that meets SSA’s definition of disability which is that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working at any job for 12 months or longer, or could result in death. You’re also older now. Age is a factor. If you feel your condition has worsened and you can’t work, it may be advisable to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants who can assess your case and provide options. If interested, please call 866-347-2910.
I am 52, and have suffered from anxiety and panic disorder for years, under Dr.’s care with meds, and also IBS and chronic sinusitis. I was fired fro my Nursing job last year for being sick and got unemployment which i am still currently on…I would like to apply for disability, can i ?, under all these circumstances? Nancy…..
Nancy,
You will have to prove to Social Security that your medical conditions are so severe you cannot work at any job. Please read our article about how SSA uses vocational guidelines to determine disability. To better assess your options, please call us toll free at 1-866-347-2910 to talk to an Eligiblity Consultant.
i’m commenting in regards to my 28 yr son. he has a really bad shoulder. has been dislocated numerous times. he recently got on my medical insurance under the ‘family plan’ as i am disabled/on disability for 22 yrs. due to a birth defect. he has been going to physical therapy for 6 weeks per doctors/a surgeon orders. he went in today to see the surgeon about having surgery since physical therapy did not help his shoulder at all. the surgeon could not see him since his medical is only family plan. i’m wondering if there is a way that my son mite at least be able to get on temporary disability since he has such a hard time working rite now with his bad shoulder?
Rae,
Social Security does not provide short-term disability. Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is for people who have a severe medical condition that is preventing them form working at any job for at least a year or could result in death. Your son’s condition, though difficult, would not qualify him for SSDI.
I have a birth injury called Erb’s Palsy. I have limited movement in my right shoulder and elbow. I have done office work in the past but have lost a significant amount of range of motion and have increasing amounts of pain in the two years since. Would disability be an option for me??
Cal,
There are many factors considered in getting approved for disability, including your age, work history, and education. Your condition must be so severe it prevents you from working at any job. It would be best to get a free evaluation of your situation. If interested in understanding your options, please call 866-347-2910 to talk to one of our Freedom Disability Eligiblity Consultants.
I would like to apply
i would like to have someone contact me. I an advocate for my appeal of an unfvorable decision to my SSD application.281-300-0600
Hi Helen,
Thank you for your post. One of our Eligibility Consultants will be reaching out to you shortly.
I am going through Continuing Disability Evaluation Process. I have not had an evaluation for 5 years. In the early part of my ssdi I used up my 9 mos and continued to barely hold onto a job. My condition has dramaticaly worsened. I have tried to work and have a sucession of jobs that ends in termination after 2 or 3 months. I need someone to talk to. I am really upset and I think it may be for nothing, but the rules are so conflicting inon sentence its say they will use this information in the next paragraph they have it apply to only certain cases and then again most people don’t have to worrry. How can i spak with someone? I REALLY need some help here. It has been exactly 5 years and this is my first review.
So if you could email and le review some information with a learned and experience it would mean the worl to me. Would you PLEASE e-mail me?
Hopes & Prayers
Brad
hi i would like some one to contact me i just started n filled out my ssdi application n am lookin for some assistance please call me at thanx
Hello Mr. Anderson,
Thanks for your comment. I have fowarded your infomation on to one of our Eligibility Consultants, and they will reach out to you shortly with a free disability case review. Thanks
I have been apporved for my SSDI, but SSA set my disability date 12/31/2011, instead of my application date 1/07/2011. I am legally blind, and I have had my condition since birth (Occular Albinisim) I worked in 2012 earning 13,000, which for people with conditions other than blindness, would have been 10 per week over the income limit, but since my condition is due to blindness, 20,000 should have been my limit. Can you help me with filing a reconsideration request, so I can get my back pay?
I was diagnosised with a Pleomorphic Liposarcom on December 19th, 2011. I went through chemo/radiation and surgery. I am currently seeing a Physical Therapist for Lymphedema that I was diagnosised with after surgery. I have no feeling due to having a nerve taken out during surgery that was in my tumor and probably will never have that feeling again. I applied for SS Disability about 3 months ago and have not heard from anyone as of yet. I am 44 years old and we are having a lot of finiancial issues and I need some answers and income coming in as I am not working and have no idea if I will be able to go back to work. I am using a can to walk. I also can not sit without my leg up for a long period of time or stand due to swelling or numbness happening. I am not sure what to do??? Please help!
Sheila,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through. Since you applied for SSD already, Freedom Disability would be unable to assist you at this time. However, if you are denied, we would gladly take over your case for you. If you want Freedom Disability to help you through appeal your claim and represent your case, please call (866) 761-5942. Good luck.
I can’t afford doctor’s visits but know I have generative bone disease. went to chiropractor and has xray done. This is a family disease.