Advice And Representation From The Disability Benefits Lawyer Oklahoma Residents Trust
If you need an outstanding Oklahoma disability lawyer to get you through the Social Security claims process, trust the attorneys and staff at GCC Law Firm to give your claim the attention and skilled representation it deserves. When facing the challenge of a medical condition that prevents you from working and earning a living, know that we’re committed to utilizing our experience and capabilities to aggressively fight for the financial assistance needed to alleviate your financial burden.
We protect your rights throughout the process, from the initial application through appeals. The Social Security Administration rejects the vast majority, more than two-thirds, of the disability benefits claims it receives annually. If you applied for disability benefits and the claim was denied, don’t give up. Instead, contact us and learn how we can make a difference through the appeal process by challenging the decision and turning a loss into a victory.
We Handle Claims For All Types Of Social Security Disability Benefits
If you have a severe medical condition preventing you from working, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide monthly cash payments and help with medical expenses through Medicare or Medicaid. Unless you have the time to read and learn Social Security law and federal regulations, rely on our SSI and SSDI lawyer in Oklahoma to skillfully handle the claim.
Our disability benefits lawyers are well-versed in the laws, regulations, and procedures governing these benefits. We understand what it takes to prepare and present a compelling claim, supported by medical records and other relevant evidence. Simply put, we make a difference because disability law is all we do.
A Social Security Disability Attorney Oklahoma Residents Trust
Qualifying for benefits through the two disability programs managed by the Social Security Administration means proven you meet medical and non-medical requirements. Eligibility for the SSDI program starts with having a work history at jobs or through self-employment with Social Security taxes paid on the income earned. If you cannot meet the work requirements or would receive only limited benefits, our SSDI lawyer in Oklahoma reviews your claim to determine your eligibility for benefits through SSI.
Financial need is the primary non-medical requirement for SSI eligibility, with only limited income and resources permitted. A GCC SSI attorney Oklahoma thoroughly and meticulously applies the rules and regulations to determine whether you meet the income and resource criteria for eligibility.
If you meet the non-medical requirements for either or both disability programs, the attorney working with you reviews your medical records and other documentation to determine if you meet the disability standard used by the Social Security Administration. It’s a strict standard that excludes medical conditions causing only short-term or partial disability.
We utilize our extensive understanding of the SSDI and SSI application processes to support individuals with disabilities in Oklahoma and nationwide. A strong, well-documented application free of errors and omissions eliminates some of the common reasons for benefit claims being denied.
Put our knowledge of the disability evaluation process to work on your behalf
Your disability claim goes through a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if you are disabled and eligible for SSDI or SSI. Each step poses one of the following questions that must be answered by your application and documentation supporting it:
- Step One: Can you do substantial gainful activity (SGA)? One measure of the ability to do SGA or work activities for pay is the amount of monthly income you earn. It changes annually, but exceeding the SGA limit shows you can work and do not have a disability.
- Step Two: Do you have a severe impairment? If step one does not show that you can do gainful work, the process moves to step two, and an evaluation of whether a physical or mental impairment significantly limits the ability to do work activities. If it does, the review moves to the next step.
- Step Three: Does the impairment meet or equal a listing? Social Security maintains a listing of medical conditions it considers severe and disabling. If you meet the criteria for a listed impairment, you are disabled. The following two steps apply if you do not meet or equal a listing.
- Step Four: Can you do work done in the past despite the limitations imposed by a medical condition? You are not disabled if you can do past types of work. If you cannot, the evaluation goes to the last step.
- Step Five: Does a medical condition prevent you from doing other types of work? You are considered disabled if you are unable to adjust to different kinds of work available in the national or regional economy.
Disability lawyers at GCC Law stay current and up-to-date on the laws to better serve the clients who depend on us. For example, a recent change now limits examiners to going back only five years of work history in step four, making it unnecessary for claimants to list their entire work history in applications.
GCC Law Gives Your Claim For Disability Benefits A Second Chance Through The Appeal Process
Struggling through the application process only to have the claim for disability benefits denied can be disheartening. Instead of giving up the fight, turn to the accomplished SSDI and SSI attorney Oklahoma residents rely upon for disability appeals. Let GCC Law review your claim and explain options available to you through the appeal process, where it’s possible to turn a denial of benefits into an approval.
If you receive a denial notice from the Social Security Administration in response to an application for SSDI or SSI, you have the right to appeal it. A favorable outcome may be achieved at any of the following four levels in the appeal process:
- Reconsideration: The initial level of appeal refers your claim to a new examiner who was not involved in the original review and determination. The examiner assigned for the reconsideration has access to the original claim plus any new evidence your GCC disability benefits lawyer submits in support of it. An unfavorable decision after reconsideration may be appealed to the hearing level.
- Hearing: A hearing with an administrative law judge is the next level of the appeal process. The hearing level provides our GCC disability benefits lawyer in Oklahoma with an opportunity to present witnesses, including the claimant, to testify in support of the appeal, as well as to submit other forms of evidence, such as updated medical reports.
- Appeals Council Review: An unfavorable decision from an administrative law judge at the hearing level may be challenged through a request for a review by the Appeals Council. If the request is granted, the Council considers the entire case file as well as any additional evidence or documentation your attorney may submit for its consideration. The Appeals Council may reverse a denial and approve benefits, or it may refer the claim back to the hearing level for a further review by an administrative law judge.
- Federal Court Review: The reconsideration, hearing, and Appeals Council levels of the appeal process are administrative proceedings within the Social Security Administration. A review of your claim by a federal judge requires the filing of a civil action in a United States District Court.
Appeals at any level must be filed within 60 days of when you receive the decision you wish to appeal. It does not cost you anything to have disability benefits lawyer Oklahoma review an unfavorable decision during a free consultation at GCC Law and give you an opinion about options and rights you can pursue to change the outcome, but do not delay. Missing the appeal deadline may prevent you from challenging a denial of benefits, regardless of how strong the evidence in support of approval of the claim may be.
Can An SSDI Lawyer In Oklahoma Make A Difference In The Outcome Of My Disability Claim?
According to data compiled by the Social Security Administration, claimants with representation are three times more likely to receive a favorable outcome in their disability benefits claim than those who choose to handle it on their own. An Oklahoma disability lawyer from GCC Law cannot predict the outcome of your application or appeal. What we can do is give you the benefit of our knowledge of the Social Security disability benefits process.
We know what disability examiners look for when evaluating applications, and the documentation required to prove eligibility for the SSDI and SSI programs. We may not possess psychic powers to see into the future, but we understand the factors that Social Security relies on to evaluate claims and strive to ensure that the claims submitted for our clients include the necessary medical records and other documentation to meet eligibility criteria.
We fight to help people with disabilities in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma get the benefits they are entitled to receive. Learn more about your right to disability benefits by contacting GCC Law for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call Our Oklahoma Social Security Disability Lawyers Today
If you need assistance with your SSDI claim in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced Social Security disability lawyers. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case, discuss your rights and options, and determine your eligibility for SSDI benefits.
Contact GCC Law Firm today or fill out the form on our website to schedule your consultation
Call (479) 340-0002.