50 Years Helping the Disabled
The Law Office of N. Albert Bacharach, Jr. PA has been helping the disabled with Social Security Disability and SSI Disability for 50 years. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides critical income replacement for workers who can no longer maintain substantial gainful employment due to a medical condition.
The SSDI and the SSI Process Have Four Main Stages
Initial Application
SSDI applications can be filed online. You can start your SSI application online, which protects your filing date, but normally you will have to go into your local Social Security office to complete your SSI application. Approval rates at the initial stage typically range around 20%.
Reconsideration
When you file a request for reconsideration, your claim will be reviewed by a different Social Security employee. It is always best to check off the box labeled “CASE REVIEW,” and not either of the other 2 choices. Approval rates at the reconsideration stage typically range around 20%.
Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
According to the United States GAO, at this stage, if the claimant has an attorney at their ALJ hearing, their chances of winning are about 3 times better than claimants without an attorney. ALJ hearings are often held by phone or Online Video.
Appeals Council & Federal Court Review
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request review by the Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council turns you down (the “Final Decision of the Social Security Administration”), you are entitled to request judicial review by filing a complaint with a U.S. District Court.
There is little or no advantage to having an attorney assist you in filing your initial application or your request for reconsideration. However, having an experienced attorney on your side at the hearing level with an ALJ or before the Appeals Council greatly improves your chances of winning. We have been doing this for 50 years — let us help you, as we have thousands of others.
★ Social Security Tip
If you have access to a computer and are comfortable navigating online, we strongly suggest that you create a my Social Security online account at: www.ssa.gov/myaccount/create.html
Once you create and sign into your account, you can start, pause, save, and submit your application directly through the Social Security portal. You can also check your work credits, view your earnings history, and get an estimate of your monthly benefit amount.
If you prefer, contact your local SSA office or call 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment to apply for benefits.
Ready to talk about your case? We offer a free consultation.
Phone or Text: (352) 378-9859
Email: Prospects@nabjr.com
Office: 4128 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609
Hours: Mon-Fri, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM