Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
At Liner Legal, we understand that navigating disability benefits can be confusing, and you likely have questions along the way. Our experienced team of Disability Attorneys is here to help. Through our video series, including The Bottom Line with Michael Liner and Andrew’s Answers, we take your questions and turn them into clear, easy-to-understand answers. Have a question you need answered? Submit it below, and we’ll do our best to provide you with the information you need to move forward. We’re committed to helping you every step of the way!
Understanding Disability Benefits
The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs based program for low income individuals who are disabled, blind, or elderly.
You may qualify if:
- You have a medical condition or impairment that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is terminal.
- For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it is required to have enough work credits based on past employment.Credits are based on your total wages and self-employment income for the year. The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit may change each year. Check here to learn more about how credits are earned.
- For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the income and financial resources must be below specific limits. For more information on the SSI limit, visit the SSA website.
Not sure if you qualify? Complete the simple form for a free consultation.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book lists qualifying conditions such as:
- Physical conditions: Heart disease, cancer, neurological disorders, chronic illnesses
- Mental health conditions: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
Even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if it significantly affects your ability to work. Complete the simple form for a free consultation to see if your condition qualifies you to receive benefits.
Not required, but having a lawyer improves your chances, especially if your case requires appeals.
Want to see if you qualify for disability benefits? We have $0 upfront cost and we only get paid if you win. Complete the simple form for a free consultation.
At Liner Legal, we’re Disability Warriors, ready to fight for the benefits you deserve. When you choose Liner Legal, you gain access to:
- Experience: Our attorneys regularly speak at local and national conferences about successfully handling disability cases. This experience allows us to understand exactly what evidence the SSA needs and how to present your case in the most favorable light.
- Case Management: We handle every aspect of your case with meticulous care. From ensuring all forms are filled out correctly to meeting deadlines, we manage the paperwork so you can focus on your health.
- Evidence Gathering: We work diligently to gather all necessary documentation, and when needed, we can request additional tests or evaluations to strengthen your case.
- Thorough Hearing Preparation: If your case goes to a hearing, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
- Diverse Case Experience: While we excel in Social Security Disability cases, our experience extends to long term disability cases. Whatever your situation, we have the knowledge and experience to advocate for you effectively.
We’re more than just a law firm. We’re your advocates, supporters, and partners in the fight for the benefits you need and deserve. We have $0 upfront costs and we only get paid if you win. Complete the simple form for a free consultation to see if you qualify to receive disability benefits.
- $0 upfront fees!
- We only get paid if you win (typically 25% of back pay, capped at $9,200).
Tip: Hiring a lawyer increases your chances of approval. If you need legal representation, fill out this form and a Disability Warrior will reach out to see if you qualify.
Applying for Disability
- Medical records & doctor’s statements
- Work history (last 15 years)
- List of medical providers, medications
- Treatment history
- Personal & financial information
Tip: A well documented application increases approval chances! Contact Us for guidance.
- Initial application: 6 to 9 months
- If denied, reconsideration & appeals can take 1-2 years or longer
Yes, but your monthly income must be below the SSA’s “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) limit. Please visit ssa.gov for more information on the SGA limit as it may vary each
The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate disability claims, which includes assessing the severity of your condition, whether your condition is listed in the SSA's Blue Book, current work activity, your ability to perform past work, and your capacity to adjust to other work.
After You Apply: What’s Next and What to Expect?
Don’t give up! You have 60 days to appeal. The appeals process includes:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing before a judge
- Appeals Council
- Federal court (if necessary)
FYI: Over 50% of claims get approved at the hearing stage with legal representation.
If you would like to file for an appeal, complete the simple form and a Disability Warrior will reach out to assist you. No matter where you are located within the United States, we serve clients nationwide and are here to help you every step throughout the process.
Watch this informative video about How to File an Appeal?
What if I’m denied at every level; do I have any options left?
Yes! You can take your case to federal court. This requires a lawyer. Many long-term denials are overturned with persistence & legal help.
If you need help, we got you! Complete the simple form and a Disability Warrior will reach out to assist you. No matter where you are located within the United States, we serve clients nationwide and are here to help you every step throughout the process.
- Lack of strong medical evidence
- Earning too much income (SGA limits)
- Failure to follow prescribed treatments
- Missing deadlines or paperwork/forms.
The frequency of reviews depends on the expected likelihood of medical improvement through a process called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR), but the frequency can vary depending on whether medical improvement is expected, possible, or not expected.
- Medical improvement expected: Approximately every 3 years
- Medical improvement possible: Approximately every 5-7 years.
- Medical improvement not expected: Approximately every 7 years.
Regular reviews ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet the SSA's disability criteria.
Receiving Disability Benefits
- SSDI: Based on past earnings (average is around $1,580/month in 2025).
- SSI: Max federal benefit is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/mo for couples (2025) plus possible state supplements.
- These amounts are based on a 2.5% cost-of living adjustment (COLA)
Yes, programs like Ticket to Work and Trial Work Period (TWP) let you test working without losing benefits:
- SSDI: You can earn up to $1,160/month for 9 months without losing benefits.
- SSI: Income limits are stricter earnings reduce your check but may not disqualify you.
Let’s talk about strategy! Book a free consultation here by completing the simple form. There are $0 upfront fees. You only pay if we win your case.
For SSDI, there are no resource limits, so you can have any amount in the bank. However, SSI has strict resource limits; individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources, and couples are limited to $3,000.
Watch this video for more information.
Yes, when you reach full retirement age, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits. The benefit amount generally remains the same.
Watch this video for more information.
The SSA reviews cases every 3-7 years (Continuing Disability Reviews, or CDRs). If your condition improves and you can return to work, benefits may stop.
Tip: Always follow up with your doctors & keep medical records updated.
Other Common Questions
Yes, conditions like PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others can qualify if they severely limit your ability to work.
Yes, this is called concurrent benefits, but total income is capped. This means if your SSDI payment is too high, it may reduce the amount of SSI you can receive. The current cap for an individual's SSI monthly federal benefit is $967.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for other benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Medicare, or assistance programs like food stamps (SNAP). It's important to explore all available resources to maximize your support.
Complete this simple form to see if you are eligible.
SSDI can provide dependent benefits (for spouses & children under 18).
SSI is needs based, so household income may impact eligibility.
Watch this interesting video about How Does Marriage Affect Your Disability Benefits.
You can access the status of your application in our Client Portal. Click here for instructions on how to access the portal.
Long-Term Disability
General Questions
- STD covers temporary disabilities for a limited period (usually 3-6 months).
- LTD covers extended disabilities (beyond 6 months), often until retirement age if the disability is permanent.
Qualification depends on your policy terms, including medical evidence of disability and inability to perform work. Your insurer will review medical records, physician statements, and sometimes require additional evaluations.
Yes, but a denied STD claim may impact your LTD claim. If STD was denied due to a lack of medical evidence or policy exclusions, the insurer may use the same reasoning to deny LTD. Contact Us to see if we can help!
Not necessarily!
Some policies allow benefits if you cannot perform your "own occupation," while others require that you be unable to perform "any occupation" suited to your skills and experience. Some even allow partial disability, allowing you to work and receive your LTD benefits.
Check your policy or contact us to review your coverage.
Filing & Managing a Claim
Most policies require filing within 90-180 days after becoming disabled. Late filings may result in automatic denials.
- Medical records
- Doctor’s statements
- Employment history & job duties
- Restrictions or limitations caused by your condition
A well-documented claim increases your approval chances. Need help? Contact us!
A supportive medical provider is crucial. If your doctor is hesitant, consider explaining the importance of their opinion or seeking a second opinion from another qualified provider. Our legal team collaborates with your medical providers to ensure we obtain the appropriate medical opinions and help them understand that their role extends to supporting disability benefit claims.
Insurers frequently conduct ongoing reviews. If your benefits are terminated, they likely believe your condition has improved or that new evidence contradicts your claim. You have the right to appeal. Most insurance companies fail to demonstrate improvement or provide a valid rationale for a sudden denial. Our team has successfully represented clients who had been receiving benefits for up to twenty years before facing termination.
Let’s fight back—schedule a free consultation today.
Appeals & Denials
- Review the denial letter carefully.
- File an appeal within 180 days (for ERISA governed plans).
- Include new medical evidence and correct any misinterpretations.
Appeals require strong legal arguments. Let us handle it! Contact us!
- Medical records
- Doctor’s statements
- Employment history & job duties
- Restrictions or limitations caused by your condition
A well-documented claim increases your approval chances. Need help? Contact us!
Yes! If your appeal is denied, you may file a lawsuit. ERISA governed claims go to federal court.
Private policies may allow state law claims (including bad faith lawsuits).
Our team has experience taking on insurance giant. Contact us now so we can fight and advocate for you.
ERISA policies: Typically 3 years from the date proof of loss was due. Non ERISA policies: State law statutes of limitations vary.
Not sure about your deadline? Contact us immediately!
While not required, having an attorney significantly improves your chances of success. Insurers rely on technicalities, and an experienced attorney can help build a strong appeal.
Let us help you fight back schedule a free consultation today.
Insurance Companies We Have Successfully Taken On
We have successfully handled claims, appeals, and lawsuits against numerous insurance carriers, including:
Unum | The Hartford | Lincoln Financial Group | New York Life | Cigna | Life Insurance Company of North America (LINA) | Prudential | MetLife | Guardian Life | Reliance Standard | The Standard | Sun Life Financial | Mutual of Omaha | Northwestern Mutual | Aetna | MassMutual
If your insurer isn’t listed, don’t worry we likely have experience with them as well. Contact us to discuss your claim.
The SOL varies depending on whether your claim falls under ERISA or a private disability policy (governed by state law). Many ERISA LTD policies require lawsuits to be filed within 3 years of the date proof of loss was due, but this can vary.
If you miss the SOL, your case is likely barred from court, meaning you lose your right to challenge the denial. If you’ve been denied, we need to know right away!
Contact us immediately!
DO NOT WAIT! The statute of limitations is complex, and every case is different. We strongly recommend contacting us as soon as possible to determine your deadline.
Contact us immediately!
How long does an insurance company have to decide my LTD or STD claim?
Under ERISA:
Initial Decision: 45 days (can be extended twice for 30 days with valid reasons).
Post-Appeal Decision: 45 days, with one 45 day extension allowed.
Insurers sometimes delay decisions by repeatedly requesting medical records. However, they must act within the time limits and cannot use endless requests to stall your claim unfairly.
If the insurer fails to decide within the required timeframe, your claim is considered denied, and you have the right to file an appeal or take legal action.
Yes. We regularly sue insurance companies that delay decisions beyond legal time limits.
Act quickly! If your claim is stuck in delay tactics, contact us immediately. We can push the insurer to issue a decision and, if necessary, prepare for legal action
Understanding Federal Court Appeals
- You can file a lawsuit in federal court.
- The court reviews the ALJ’s decision but does not hear new evidence.
- You need a lawyer to represent you.
We handle federal disability appeals contact us today.
Yes, appealing your Long-Term Disability case to Federal Court involves a filing fee of $405. However, if you can demonstrate financial hardship, you may qualify for a fee waiver, allowing you to file without this cost.
The Federal Court's review is confined to the evidence presented during your initial hearing with the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The court evaluates whether the ALJ's decision was supported by substantial evidence and adhered to applicable laws
The time from filing the complaint to a decision is usually 18 months, but can vary.
We manage the legal process so you don’t have to! Contact us to discuss your claim.
It's often advisable to submit a new application during your appeal. The Federal Court does not consider changes in your medical condition that occurred after your initial hearing. A new application allows for the inclusion of recent medical developments, potentially strengthening your case.
We can help strategize the best approach for your case. Contact us to discuss your claim
Why Choose Liner Legal?
- $0 upfront fees—we only get paid if we win!
- We fight insurers & government agencies to get you what you deserve.
- Experienced in Social Security, LTD, STD, and Federal Court appeals.
Ready to take action? Contact us for a free consultation today!