Understand Your Disability Claim Options
Get clear, reliable information about disability applications, denials, appeals, and hearings. We connect Chicago-area residents with independent attorneys who can help you understand your next steps.
General Information
Clear answers about disability benefits and the claims process.
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Chicago-Focused Resources
Local information and guidance for Chicago-area residents.
Disability Attorneys in Chicago
Disability Attorneys in Chicago provides general information for individuals navigating disability benefit applications, denied claims, appeals, and hearings. Our goal is to make the disability process easier to understand and help visitors explore their available options.
This website may connect you with an independent attorney who can review your situation. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or legal services.
Guidance Through the Disability Process
The disability process can be confusing and overwhelming. We provide easy-to-understand information and connect you with independent attorneys who understand the challenges Chicago residents face.
Start with a simple inquiry to learn about your options.
Answers Your Social Security Disability Questions
Straightforward answers. Trusted guidance. Local experience.
Application
Assistance
Learn about completing your disability application and the information you may need.
Denied Claims
& Appeals
Understand why claims are denied and how the appeals process works.
Disability
Hearings
Get information about the hearing process and what to expect if you have a hearing.
Understanding
Eligibility
Explore general eligibility information for Social Security Disability benefits.
How It Works
Tell Us About
Your Situation
Share some basic information about your situation through our simple inquiry form.
Review Your
Information
We review your inquiry to understand how we can best help.
Connect With an
Independent Attorney
We may connect you with an independent attorney who focuses on disability cases.
Choose Your
Next Step
You decide how to move forward based on the information you receive.
Disability Benefits Can Be Complicated
From gathering medical records to meeting strict deadlines, there are many details that can impact your claim.
Our goal is to help you understand the process and connect you with a qualified, independent attorney who can review your case and discuss your options.
We focus on providing information so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your answers match the ones below, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is likely to award you benefits.
- Are you gainfully employed? No
- Do you have a severe impairment? Yes
- Will your impairment last 12 months or result in death? Yes
- Does your disability meet one of SSA’s listed impairments? If yes, you qualify. If no …
- Are you able to work? No
Unless you have an obvious long-term disability, the best time to apply for Social Security disability benefits is 6-9 months after you stop working.
The big-picture answer is: analyze what needs to be proven to win benefits, figure out how to prove it, and gather the necessary evidence. Some of the specific tasks are:
- Obtain reports from treating doctors that are consistent with Social Security regulations
- Refer claimants to specialists for additional reports that answer questions raised by Social Security regulations
- Obtain a vocational expert’s evaluation of the claimant’s ability to work
- Ask that a prior application for benefits be reopened
- Seek a waiver of a time limit
- Request subpoenas to insure the presence of crucial witnesses or documents
- Advise the claimant on how best to prepare for and testify at the hearing
- Object to improper evidence or procedures at the hearing
- Cross-examine adverse witnesses
- Present a closing statement
- Submit a written summary of the evidence and argument
- If the claimant wins, make sure the SSA correctly calculates benefits
- If the claimant loses, request review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council
It can take up to two years from request until a hearing is held and a decision issued, but the time varies from state to state.
They are private, held in a small conference room, and last an hour or so. You will be asked about your education, training, work experience, symptoms, limitations, and daily activities.
If you have not filed your appeal within 65 days of the date on your denial letter, you have to start over with a new claim. That new claim may result in the loss of back benefits.
Because the majority of appeals are granted at a hearing, failing to appeal a denial to the hearing level is the number one error … and unfortunately very common.
Still Have Questions?
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Unless You Win
Focused on
SSD Claims
Proudly Serving Chicago
Free Case Review Request
Answer a few quick questions about your situation.
Your information can help determine whether you may be connected with an independent legal professional who handles Social Security Disability matters in Chicago.
- Learn more about your disability claim options
- Get information about applications, denials, appeals, and hearings
- Request a connection with an independent legal professional
- No obligation to move forward
