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Our disability lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience and a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable case managers and legal assistants. We focus our talents and resources on one thing – helping people like you throughout the Detroit area and Michigan to pursue the federal disability benefits they are entitled to.

We are well-versed in navigating the claims process, and we also understand the positive impact that disability benefits can have on our clients’ lives. We truly care about their future and work hard for them. We are proud to say that many clients come to us because previous clients have recommended us.

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SSDI FAQ

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What is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program providing financial help to those unable to work due to a medical condition. SSDI benefits are funded through FICA payroll taxes.

As one would expect, these benefits may begin when a worker becomes unable to work due to a disabling medical condition, and the amount of their payments are based on the amount paid into the system via FICA taxes while working. In addition, the program also may provide benefits to certain family members of disabled workers.

The process of obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be complicated and daunting to navigate on your own. The assistance of a dedicated Social Security disability attorney can help make the process go more smoothly, helping you to start receiving benefits as soon as possible. In addition, if you’re denied SSDI benefits, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and represent you in any proceedings that may take place.

younger woman in wheelchair staring into the distance

How Does the Social Security Administration Define ‘Disability?’

The definition of “disability” that is used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is different than the one used by other programs. SSDI does not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability and requires that workers must be unable to work to be eligible for benefits. To qualify for SSDI, workers must:

Not be able to perform the same work that they did before
Receive a determination from the Social Security Administration stating they cannot adjust to other work due to their medical condition or conditions
Have a disability that must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death

Do I Need A Work History to Receive SSDI Benefits?

To qualify for SSDI, workers must pay into the system to be eligible to receive benefits. When it comes to SSDI benefits, a worker must have worked both for a long enough period of time and recently enough in order to receive SSDI upon becoming disabled. Generally, a worker must have earned at least 40 work credits. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year worked.

Younger workers who become disabled may be eligible with fewer credits. In addition, there may be benefits available to people who are blind, a worker’s widow or widower, disabled children, or veterans.

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The Social Security Disability Insurance Application Process

Step 1

Initial Disability Application

Complete the disability application. The Disability Determination Service gathers your medical evidence and evaluates your situation to determine if you meet their definition of disabled.

Step 2

Reconsideration Stage

If your disability benefits application was denied, you can appeal within 60 days by filing for a reconsideration. In this stage, a new examiner will review your claim to determine your eligibility for benefits.

Step 3

Hearing Before An Administrative Law Judge

If the application is still denied, you can request a hearing before a judge. The judge will review the testimony and medical evidence. Vocational or medical experts may also testify. You have the option to waive the hearing, opting for a decision based on the medical evidence alone. The judge then issues a written decision.

Step 4

Filing An Appeal With The Appeals Council

If the claim is still denied and you disagree with the decision, an appeal can be filed with the Appeals Council. The council, consisting of Administrative Law Judges, can grant, remand, or deny the appeal based on the hearing record and any new information presented.

Step 5

Federal Appeals

If you disagree with the Appeals Council's decision, the appeal can move through federal courts: the U.S. District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court.

SSDI Process