Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Social Security disability. Don’t see yours? Call us — the consultation is always free.
No — you can apply on your own. But your chances increase with a lawyer, who makes sure the application is properly completed and the evidence needed to evaluate your claim is submitted.
Nothing up front. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your benefits, and our fee is set by federal law.
No. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or find your closest office online.
Often, yes. With SSDI you get a nine-month trial work period (a month counts when you earn over $1,210 in 2026) with full benefits, then 36 more months as long as earnings stay under “substantial gainful activity” ($1,690/month in 2026 for non-blind individuals). With SSI, you can work until wages plus other income exceed the SSI limits (the 2026 Federal Benefit Rate is $994/individual). If benefits stop, you have five years to restart them without a new application.
Yes. You can receive up to twelve months of benefits predating your application if the SSA finds you were disabled during that period.
No. The SSA expedites terminal illnesses that clearly meet their standards through “compassionate allowances.”
Yes. As a general rule, Medicare begins two years from the date you start receiving disability benefits.
Yes. The child must have a condition causing “marked or severe functional limitations” expected to last at least twelve months or lead to death. Children receive SSI, so income limits apply, and compassionate-allowance rules also apply.
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