Prince William County Social Security Disability Lawyers

Filing a Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income Claim

Under the federal Social Security disability (SSD) program, qualifying individuals with disabilities (or who meet certain age requirements) that prevent them from working may be entitled to government benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two federal SSD programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The type of program you may qualify for, as well as the benefits you may be eligible to receive, depend on the specific details of your situation.

At Reinhardt | Harper | Davis, our Prince William County Social Security disability attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience and a long, proven track record of success. Our firm has developed a hard-earned reputation as one of the area’s most trusted SSD law firms; our fellow attorneys frequently reach out to our team for help with these cases, and we are known for our thorough and aggressive approach to securing the maximum benefits our clients deserve.

Whether you need help filing your initial claim, or your claim has been denied, our team is here to assist you. Call (804) 294-2966 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What Is the Difference Between SSDI & SSI?

The main difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the different qualifying factors for each program. Generally speaking, to qualify for SSDI, you must have a “disability,” as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and you must have earned the appropriate “work credits.” Work credits are earned based on employment history and taxable income, specifically, income that is subject to Social Security taxes. To qualify for SSI, you must either be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old and have limited income, resources, and means.

Both SSDI and SSI benefits are subject to maximum monthly amounts, which are based on either work history or income. The average monthly benefit for SSDI is $3,345, and the average monthly benefit for SSI is $841 for a single person and $1,261 for a married couple (as of January 2022). Note that these are simply average benefit amounts; the exact amount you may qualify for will depend on various factors. Our Prince William County SSD attorneys can review the specifics of your case and provide detailed, personalized information during a free and confidential consultation.

Can You Appeal a Denied SSD Claim?

Not only can you appeal a denied Social Security disability claim, but it is strongly recommended that you do so (rather than filing a new claim) if your initial claim is denied. Your chance of receiving benefits is much higher if you appeal a denied claim than if you start the process all over again.

The first step in appealing a denied claim involves understanding why your SSD claim was denied in the first place. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies most initial claims.

Some of the most common reasons SSD claims are denied include:

• The claimant is working or engaged in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA)
• The claimant earns too much income/income above the SGA limit
• The claimant’s medical condition does not qualify as a “disability”
• The claimant’s medical condition isn’t expected to last at least 12 months
• There are mistakes on the initial application
• The SSA cannot access the claimant’s medical records
• The claimant fails to follow the prescribed medical treatment or therapy
• Drug use or alcoholism is a key contributor to the claimant’s disability

While some SSD claims are denied on valid grounds, many are not. If the SSA has denied your Social Security disability claim, the best thing you can do is reach out to an experienced SSD appeals attorney, like ours at Reinhardt | Harper | Davis, who can review the details of your case and assist you in filing an appeal. We do not recommend that you restart the claims filing process, as this often results in a second denial of your claim. By appealing the initial claim denial, you have a better chance of receiving benefits in a relatively timely manner.

Why Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?

Whether you are just beginning the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits or have already filed a claim that has been denied by the Social Security Administration, there are many reasons to hire an experienced SSD attorney.

When you work with our team at Reinhardt | Harper | Davis, we can help you by:

• Determining whether your condition meets the SSA’s definition of a “disability”
• Reviewing whether you are eligible for SSDI, SSI, or both
• Compiling information for medical records
• Reviewing why your SSD claim may have been denied
• Requesting a consideration for appeal
• Preparing you and/or witnesses for interviews, hearings, and other proceedings

Our Prince William County Social Security disability lawyers are always available to answer your questions and provide detailed information specific to your case. Most importantly, your chance of having your SSD benefits approved increases when you work with a knowledgeable attorney.

Reinhardt | Harper | Davis is ready to guide you through the Social Security disability process. Find out more by calling (804) 294-2966 and requesting a free consultation.