Prior to applying, make a list of all of your doctors that you have treated with for your disabling conditions.  List their names with complete mailing addresses and phone numbers.  You will need to provide this information on your Social Security Disability Application.

Talk to your doctors about your decision to apply.  Many people will apply because their doctors will tell them that their condition is such that they can no longer work or will not be able to return to work.  Keep any medical records you can get your hands on.  Get notes from doctors attesting to your inability to work. 

Be prepared before you apply.   Read through the materials on this web site and familiarize yourself with the Sequential Evaluation Process, a process utilized by Social Security.

Read the Listings of Impairments that may apply to your claim. 
ADULT LISTINGS
CHILD LISTINGS

Read the frequently asked questions on this site. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The process begins with the filing of an application with a Social Security Office.  There are several ways to apply and an Attorney can tell which method is best for you. 

You can find the location of your local Social Security Disability Office by clicking the following link and typing in your zip code: SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE LOCATOR. You can go in person to the local office and apply. 

Or,  you can file an application on-line by going to the SSA website.  CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE     

Or, you can call SSA toll free at (800) 772-1213 and arrange to appear at the local office to file in person or to file an application over the phone.

There may be some advantages as to which method you use to apply and you should contact an Attorney at Social Security Professionals to discuss which method would be best for you.  Before you apply, however, you should discuss case strategy to maximize the likelihood that you will win your claim.

A careless answer on an application or disability form can be fatal to your claim and once made, you can’t take it back.

Approximately 70% of original applications are denied. In Michigan, if you are denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal called a “Request for Hearing”.   You should file your appeal and, if you do not yet have an Attorney, you should hire one immediately. You need an Attorney to try to determine why you were denied and what it will take to win your claim. An Attorney can help gather records and seek favorable medical opinions. He or she can research the law applicable to your claim and prepare a legal brief on your behalf. Further, an Attorney will prepare you for your hearing so that there will be no surprises and you will be completely comfortable while testifying. Since Attorneys have had extensive training in Evidence and Trial Advocacy, Attorneys can skillfully cross-examine experts who may testify against you. 

Since most cases end up going to a hearing, it makes sense to hire an Attorney as soon as possible who can begin working your case to win a hearing right from the start, even before you file your application. 

Many people think they can represent themselves and, under some circumstances, some can. If you think you can represent yourself at a hearing, however, think about this. There will be experts at the hearing including a Vocational Expert who may offer testimony against you. 

Will you be able to effectively cross-examine a Vocational or Medical Expert who testifies against you?? 
Probably not.  But, an Attorney who has had years of formal training in school and in court will be able to do so. 

At Social Security Professionals, only licensed, experienced Attorneys will represent you at  your hearing. If you have an upcoming hearing, you should call Social Security Professionals to discuss your case strategy and prepare for your upcoming hearing. 

Call Attorney Donald H. Peters for free to represent you at your hearing at
(248) 549-3485.

After your hearing, you will receive a written decision. If you win, you will receive a check for past due benefits owed to you to bring you up to date.  You will also receive monthly benefit checks. If you are denied, you will have 60 days to appeal, called a "Request for Review" of Hearing Decision.  You will need an Attorney to do this since you will likely be appealing an error of law or procedure. If you lose again, you may wish to appeal your claim within 60 days by filing a lawsuit in Federal Court. Social Security Professionals utilizes top rated appellate Attorneys for these purposes.