Our Lawyers Are Ready to Help You
with Your Social Security Disability Claim
In recent decades, attorneys at the Law Offices of Tinsman & Sciano have been able to help many individuals in the San Antonio area and throughout south Texas to obtain social security disability benefits. This area of our practice is managed by attorney Margaret M. Maisel, a dedicated professional and staunch workers' advocate with more than 35 years of experience. Margaret Maisel has also served as Chairman of the Texas Industrial Accident Board. This agency oversees workers’ compensation accidents throughout the state.
- Am I eligible for social security disability benefits?
- How do I apply?
- My claim was denied, now what do I do?
If you're looking for answers to these questions, please continue reading. For other questions or to speak with an attorney about a rejected claim — call our San Antonio, Texas, law offices directly at (877) 220-0867 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you are disabled, you may be entitled to social security 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;
- Your impairment(s) is determined medically by a doctor;
- It is expected that your impairments can last for at least 12 months in a row;
- Your impairment(s) must be the primary reason for your inability to engage in substantial gainful work.
Social Security provides benefits under two different disability programs. One program (SSDI) is for people who have paid into Social Security and meet the earnings requirement, which generally means the worker needs 20 credits out of the 40 calendar quarters ending with the quarter that disability began. Special insured status may apply to a worker who becomes disabled prior to age 31. If you cannot meet the earnings requirement but are disabled, you may be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The criteria for establishing disability are the same under both programs. It is your responsibility as the claimant to provide evidence of disability.
How Do I Apply?
You can file SSDI and SSI claims in person or by telephone. For the telephone number or address of the nearest Social Security office, look in the telephone directory in the blue pages for Social Security Administration under "United States Government." You can also call social Security's toll free number, 1-800-772-1213. This toll free telephone number service is available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Do not worry if you do not have your medical records. Social Security makes every reasonable effort to obtain medical evidence from your treatment sources. All you need to do is provide Social Security the names of the medical professionals who have provided you care.
My Claim Was Denied, Now What Do I Do?
If you are not satisfied with the decision made on your initial application, you may appeal by filing a request for reconsideration. You must file your appeal within 60 days of the date you received the denial notice for your disability claim. If your request for reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Again, your request for hearing must be filed within 60 days of the date you received the Reconsideration denial. If you need assistance or information regarding social security disability benefits — call 800-292-9999.
Free Consultations — You Don't Pay Unless We Are Successful
For a general overview of this topic, see our Social Security Disability Information Center.
If you are looking for help with a claim or a denied claim — call our San Antonio, Texas, law offices toll free at (877) 220-0867 or take a moment to complete the brief e-mail form provided on the Contact Us page of this Web site and someone from our office will get back to you as soon as possible.
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