Area of Practice

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS & APPEALS

A person will be recognized as disabled for Social Security reasons if the person has a physical or mental condition that causes them to have the inability to do any kind of work for which he/she is capable of (given the person's education, age, and work experience) and the disability is expected to either last for at least one year or until the unfortunate result of death.

Administrators for Social Security separate disability benefits into four programs:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Disabled Adult Child Benefits (DAC)
• Disabled Widows' and Widowers' Benefits (DWB)

Although other eligibility requirements differ, the medical requirements to prove your disability, as well as the determination process, are basically the same for each of these programs.

Most people are denied after filing an initial application for benefits. It is very important to file further appeals within sixty days of the initial denial. This is when you should seek an attorney experienced in such matters to help prove your disability; although it is a good idea to consult with us even before you file an initial application.

At the Law Office of Mark D. Pierce we can assist you in obtaining the required medical evidence and presenting your case to the administrative decision makers, including presenting your case at administrative law judge hearings. We are also experienced in further appeals to the federal courts, and can pursue such appeals for you if necessary.