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DENIEDSOCIALSECURITY?
More than half of initial applications are denied, many for paperwork errors, not lack of disability. You have 60 days to appeal. We guide you from the application to the hearing before a judge, in Spanish, and we don't get paid unless you win.
Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send confidential information until we confirm representation in writing.
- of initial disability applications are denied by the Social Security Administration
- +50%
- to appeal after receiving a denial letter, miss it and you generally have to start over
- 60 días
- per month is the 2026 earnings limit ("substantial gainful activity") to qualify
- $1,690
- up front, fees are capped by federal law and are paid only from back benefits if you win
- $0
What you need to know
SSDI and SSI: Two Programs, One Goal
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a cash benefit for people with a medical condition that prevents them from working and who have a work history: the more years you worked and paid Social Security taxes, the higher your monthly payment can be. It is not retirement: SSDI is for people of any age who can no longer work for medical reasons. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people who are disabled, blind or over 65 with very limited income and resources, no work history required. Some people qualify for both.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines "disability" strictly: a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. It considers your age, education, work history and whether you could do other kinds of work. Physical conditions qualify (spine, joints, heart, diabetes with complications, cancer, fibromyalgia, hearing loss, brain injury) as do mental ones (major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, OCD). Certain serious illnesses are on the "Compassionate Allowances" list with expedited approval.
Most denials are not for lack of disability but for insufficient medical evidence, incomplete forms, missed appointments or income above the limit. That is why representation matters: the hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is where the most cases are approved, and showing up with a representative who knows the file changes the outcome. You do not need to be a citizen: permanent residents and other "qualified alien" categories can receive benefits. And fees are capped by federal law, paid only from your back benefits, only if you win.
Does this apply to you?
Do You Qualify for SSDI or SSI?
You have a diagnosed physical or mental condition under treatment that prevents you from working and is expected to last 12 months or more
You are not working, or you earn less than $1,690 per month (the 2026 "substantial gainful activity" limit)
For SSDI: you worked and paid Social Security taxes roughly 5 of the last 10 years (less if you are young)
For SSI: you have very limited income and resources (generally under $2,000 in countable resources, $3,000 for a couple), regardless of work history
You were denied in the last 60 days, you are still in time to appeal without starting over
You are a citizen, permanent resident or other "qualified alien", your family (spouse, children, disabled adult child) may also be entitled to benefits on your record
How it works
How We Get You to Approval
Free Evaluation
We review your work history, your medical conditions, your treatment and what stage you are at (not yet applied, pending, denied, reconsideration, hearing). We tell you whether you qualify for SSDI, SSI or both, and how much you could receive, in Spanish, at no cost or obligation.
Complete, Well-Documented Application
The application has hundreds of questions and one missed appointment can sink it. We gather your medical records, treatment history, test results and doctor's notes; request what is missing from providers; and file a complete application to maximize initial approval.
Reconsideration if Denied
If the SSA denies your application (decision in ~6–8 months), we file the appeal within 60 days with new evidence so a different examiner reviews your case. Meanwhile, we keep you in consistent treatment, that is evidence too.
Hearing Before a Judge
The hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is the stage with the most approvals. We prepare you, present the medical and vocational evidence, question the experts and argue your case in person. If the judge denies, we appeal to the Appeals Council and, if necessary, federal court.
Monthly Benefits + Back Pay
When approved, you receive monthly payments plus back pay for the months you waited (for SSDI, up to 12 months before your filing date). Our fees are capped by federal law and paid only from that back pay, if you don't win, you don't pay.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history: you paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work; the payment depends on how much you paid in. SSI is needs-based: for people who are disabled, blind or over 65 with very little income and resources, regardless of work history. You can receive both, though SSDI may reduce SSI.
How long does it take, and what if I'm denied?
The initial decision takes about 6 to 8 months and more than half are denied. You have 60 days to appeal. The four stages are: reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (the stage with the most approvals), Appeals Council review and a federal court lawsuit. With representation, many denied applicants end up approved at the hearing.
Can I get back pay?
Yes. "Past-due benefits" cover from your filing date to approval. In SSDI you can also receive "retroactive" benefits up to 12 months before the filing date if you were already disabled. SSI pays only from the filing date. That is why it pays to apply soon, even if documents are missing.
Can I work while applying for or receiving benefits?
A little. In 2026, earning more than $1,690 a month counts as "substantial gainful activity" and generally disqualifies you. If you already receive SSDI, there is a 9-month "trial work period" to try returning without losing benefits. SSI has stricter income and resource limits. Ask us before taking a job.
Do I need to be a citizen? Does my immigration status matter?
You don't need to be a citizen, but you must reside in the U.S. legally and fit a "qualified alien" category (permanent resident, asylee, refugee, certain parolees). If you worked under a valid Social Security number, those credits count. Applying for SSDI is not considered a "public charge" because it is a benefit earned with your taxes. We evaluate your situation confidentially.
How much do you charge?
Nothing up front and nothing if you don't win. Representative fees in Social Security cases are regulated by federal law: a capped percentage of your back benefits, with a maximum set by the SSA, which the SSA itself withholds and pays us. Your future monthly payments are 100% yours.
Which conditions qualify?
Any serious, documented condition that keeps you from working 12 months or more: spine and joint problems, heart disease, diabetes with complications, cancer, fibromyalgia, hearing or vision loss, brain injury, and mental conditions such as major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD and schizophrenia. Conditions on the "Compassionate Allowances" list are approved faster. The key is ongoing treatment and medical records.
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Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send confidential information until we confirm representation in writing.