Hope Starts Here. Help Is Within Reach.
Applying for Benefits
Understanding Medical Criteria and Legal Requirements
You Deserve What You’ve Earned
How to apply
Support for every disability claim
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a tedious and very confusing process. Today, Social Security Administration prefers an application be completed online found on their website (www.ssa.gov). If you are having difficulty with applying online, Wallace Disability Solutions will assist you with your application or appeal.
To get started on the application, the first details we will need is background information. Please have ready full names of the person(s) applying, along with addresses, and phone numbers. For the development of the case and to understand the claimant’s condition, treatment facilities and doctors’ information will need to be provided as well. Lastly, if applicable, SSA or our team will ask for last 15 years of your work history. If you cannot remember every employer, do not worry, we are just trying to get a general idea of your work background. We will advise you if there is anything addition that would be necessary to continue with the application process.
Once your application is submitted, medical evidence will be gathered and Social Security Administration will send your case to the Disability Determination Service (DDS) for review. If DDS decides you were not disabled during the initial application stage and issues you a Notice of Denial, you have the right to appeal this decision. There have been cases where mistakes were made by an applicant, or DDS did not properly assess your case based on the evidence that was provided. For more information about appeals, please click this link or find “Appealing a Denial” from the dropdown tab to see how we can help you appeal a denial.
Remember, Wallace Disability Solutions can help you even if you have already applied for disability benefits. Please contact us for a free evaluation at (888)333-4045.
You Deserve What You’ve Earned
Appealing a Denial
Denied Doesn’t Mean Defeated — We Fight for You
The majority of cases will go through these first 3 stages: Initial Application, Reconsideration, and the Hearing level. If your initial application was denied, you can appeal the decision and apply for a reconsideration of your claim. The appeal can be completed online, however, you may contact Wallace Disability Solutions to assist you with appealing the decision. Please note, your decision to appeal is time sensitive. Make sure to check the date of the denial letter, because you have 60 days to appeal from that date and if you miss the deadline, you may have to start over. Once your appeal is submitted for reconsideration, another examiner from Disability Determination Service (DDS) will review your case, with additional evidence, and make a new decision on your claim. If your claim is denied at this level, a request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can be completed online at www.ssa.gov.
When you request a hearing before an ALJ, your claim sent to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) for the development of your case. This stage is where you have the best chances to be awarded benefits. During this period, we will help you prepare for your hearing and provide the ALJ with evidence and supportive documentation that will make your case stronger. Do not worry, you will not be alone; we will be there with you to represent you at the hearing.
It is very important to continue treatment while you are waiting for your hearing to be scheduled. The records from your doctors will be critical to prove your case. Once your hearing date has arrived, again, we will be there with you. We understand that you may feel nervous testifying before a Judge, however the hearing is informal and it is non-adversarial where there are attorneys on both sides. You will be fully prepared and ready by the date of your hearing.
If the ALJ determines you are still not disabled and you disagree with this decision, Wallace Disability Solutions will evaluate your claim and assist you with appealing to Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council if necessary.
Remember, if you are appealing a decision or have a claim at any of these levels during the claim process, you can still give Wallace Disability Solutions a call at (888)333-4045 to assist you with your case.
Your story isn’t over
—it’s just beginning.
Take the First Step Today.
If you’re ready to take control of your future, we’re here to help. Whether you’re applying for the first time, need assistance with an appeal, or simply have questions, our team is just a phone call away.
