Social Security Disability Lawyers Serving Clients Nationwide
Are you applying for Social Security Disability benefits? At Liner Legal, LLC, we’re here to help. Our team of dedicated Social Security Disability attorneys serves clients in all 50 states, providing expert guidance through every step of the application and appeals process.
No matter where you live, our experienced Disability Lawyers are ready to fight for your rights. Let us use our expertise to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Types of Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
A federal program that provides monthly benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental health condition and have paid into Social Security through prior employment. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is earned through work credits and funded through Social Security payroll taxes.
- Requires sufficient work credits from prior employment history
- Disability determination matches SSI rules without financial means-testing
- Provides benefits based on earned entitlements rather than financial need
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
A federal income supplement program designed for individuals with limited income and resources.
Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI is funded by general tax revenues,
not Social Security taxes.
- Must meet strict financial requirements and be medically disabled
- Disability rules match SSDI, but with added income/asset thresholds
- Provides essential support for those unable to sustain themselves economically
Child’s Disability Benefits (CDB)
- Monthly benefits paid to a minor child (under 18) of a disabled, retired, or deceased parent who is receiving Social Security.
- The child must be unmarried and meet age and relationship requirements.
- If over age 18, benefits may continue if the child is still in high school (up to age 19).
Disabled Widow/Widower Benefits (DWB)
- Benefits paid to a widow or widower of a deceased worker who was insured under Social Security.
- Must be age 50–59 and have a qualifying disability that began within a certain time frame related to the spouse's death.
- The deceased spouse must have worked long enough to qualify for Social Security.
Disabled Adult Child Benefits (DAC)
- Benefits for an adult child (age 18 or older) who became disabled before age 22.
- Paid based on a parent's work record (parent must be disabled, retired, or deceased).
- The adult child must be unmarried and meet the SSA's definition of disability.
For resources and links about your Social Security Disability (SSD) claim, click here.
How a Disability Lawyer at Liner Legal Can Help
At Liner Legal, we are Disability Warriors, ready to fight for the benefits you deserve. Founded in 2013 by Michael Liner, our firm has built a reputation for compassionate advocacy and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disabled individuals nationwide.
When You Choose Liner Legal, You Gain Access To:
- Experience: Our attorneys frequently speak at disability law conferences, ensuring we stay at the forefront of legal strategies to win cases.
- Case Management: We handle every aspect of your claim, from paperwork to meeting deadlines, so you can focus on your health.
- Evidence Gathering: We collect all necessary documentation and, when needed, request additional medical tests or evaluations to strengthen your case.
- Thorough Hearing Preparation: If your case requires a hearing, we’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring you are well prepared.
- Diverse Case Experience: We handle all types of Social Security Disability cases, as well as long term disability claims. Whatever your situation, we have the knowledge and experience to advocate for you effectively.
We are more than just a law firm. We are your advocates, supporters, and partners in securing the benefits you need and deserve.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process helps. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Initial Application:
You can apply online via the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office. Be prepared to provide detailed medical and work history information.
2. Required Documentation:
- Medical records from all your healthcare providers
- Lab and test results
- Prescription history
- Employment history for the last 5 years
- Most recent W2 form or federal tax return
- Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and minor children
- Birth certificate or proof of birth
3. Timeframes:
The initial decision typically takes 3-5 months, this may vary by state. If approved, you’ll receive a benefits notice. If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal.
How Your Lawyer Handles the Social Security Disability Appeals Process
Many claims are approved during the appeals process. Having an experienced lawyer improves your chances of success. Here’s how we handle each appeal stage:
The Four Stages of Appeal:
1. Reconsideration
2. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
3. Appeals Council Review
4. Federal Court Review:
How We Strengthen Your Appeal:
- Submit new medical evidence: Ensuring all medical updates are included.
- Explain changes in your condition: Highlighting how your disability worsens over time.
- Gather supporting statements: From doctors, employers, and family members.
- Prepare you for the ALJ hearing: Ensuring you articulate how your disability affects daily life.
Medical Conditions That Qualify for Disability Benefits
The SSA maintains a guide known as the Blue Book, listing impairments that may qualify for disability benefits. While this list is extensive, it’s not exhaustive.
Common Qualifying Conditions Include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis, back injuries, fibromyalgia)
- Cardiovascular conditions (heart failure, coronary artery disease)
- Respiratory illnesses (COPD, severe asthma, cystic fibrosis)
- Neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy)
- Mental health conditions (major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders)
- Cancer (especially advanced or treatment-resistant cases)
Even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if your disability prevents you from working. A skilled lawyer can prove your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can take an average of 6 to 9 months to get an initial decision and may vary by state, but it may take longer if appeals are needed.
You have 60 days to appeal. Many denials are overturned, so don’t give up we can help you file fast.
Yes, if you qualify financially for SSI and meet work history requirements for SSDI, you may receive
both.
SSDI benefits are based on your work history. SSI is based on financial need. We can try to
estimate your benefit based on your details.
SSDI automatically converts to regular Social Security retirement benefits at full retirement age.
Your monthly amount won’t change.
Yes, but only if your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit set by Social
Security. We can help determine if you qualify.
Contact Liner Legal Today
If you’re struggling with a Social Security Disability or a Long Term Disability claim or have questions about the application process, we’re here to help. No matter where you are in the United States, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
How the Social Security Disability Process Works
Winning Social Security disability benefits is rarely simple. Understanding how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates claims — and where cases are won or lost — is the first step toward an approval.
Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI
The SSA’s “Listing of Impairments” covers conditions such as musculoskeletal and back disorders, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, cancer, neurological disorders, mental health conditions, autoimmune diseases, and chronic pain. You don’t have to match a listing exactly — if your condition keeps you from working full time, you may still qualify based on your residual functional capacity.
The Five-Step Evaluation
The SSA decides every claim with a five-step process: (1) Are you working above the substantial gainful activity limit? (2) Is your condition severe? (3) Does it meet or equal a listing? (4) Can you do your past work? (5) Can you adjust to any other work given your age, education, and skills? We build your case around the steps where claims are actually decided.
Application vs. Appeal
Most initial applications are denied. If that happens, you generally have 60 days to request reconsideration, then a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, then the Appeals Council, and finally federal court. Deadlines are strict — missing one can force you to start over and lose back pay.
Disability Back Pay
When you are approved, you may be owed back pay dating to your established onset date, and SSDI can include up to 12 months of retroactive benefits before your application date. The stronger your onset evidence, the more back pay you can recover.
Why Hire a Disability Lawyer?
Claimants represented by an attorney are approved at meaningfully higher rates. There is no fee unless you win — our fee is a percentage of your back pay that is capped by federal law. See how our fees work.