Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be overwhelming. Between paperwork, deadlines, medical documentation, and confusing government terms, it’s easy to feel lost. At Liner Legal, we’re here to help you understand the process and fight by your side every step of the way. Whether you're applying for the first time or appealing a denial, this guide will walk you through the full timeline of a disability claim.
The 5 Stages of a Disability Claim
Initial Application
- You submit your application to the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Includes your Work History, Function Report, and medical records
- Processing time: 3,6 months (or longer depending on SSA backlog)
- Around 65,70% of initial applications are denied nationwide
We recommend applying with legal support from day one to strengthen your claim.
Reconsideration Appeal
- If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal
- A new SSA reviewer examines your case and any additional evidence
- Many applicants are still denied at this stage but don’t lose hope
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
- You present your case in front of a judge this is your chance to explain your condition in your own words
- You may testify, and a Vocational Expert (VE) may give input
- This is often the most important stage of your disability claim
Liner Legal prepares every client thoroughly with mock hearings, medical reviews, and hearing prep tools.
Appeals Council Review
- If the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision.
- This is a paper review. You don’t appear in person.
- We handle all submissions, summaries, and legal arguments.
Federal Court Appeal
- If denied again, we can file a lawsuit in federal court.
- This is a complex, attorney driven process requiring formal legal briefs.
- Few firms go this far we do.
Only 1% of claims make it this far. But if yours does, Liner Legal will be there to fight for you.
Other Disability Claim Types We Handle
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Claims & Denials
- Mental Health Based Disability Application
- Child Disability Claims
- Concurrent SSDI & SSI Applications
- Expedited Processing for Terminal or Dire Need Cases (TERI)
How to Strengthen Your Disability Application
- Complete your Function Report with real life detail
- List all doctors, medications, and diagnoses
- Ask your providers to complete a Medical Source Statement (MSS)
- Respond quickly to SSA requests for documentation
