Social Security Disability Lawyers in Chicago
Assisting Disabled Individuals throughout Illinois Since 2000
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are designed to help individuals who are not able to work due to a disability. However, the process of filing for and receiving SSDI benefits can be incredibly complicated and difficult. Most first-time claims (and many appealed claims!) are denied. If you are just beginning the process of filing for SSDI benefits or you have had your initial claim denied, our firm can help
At Woodruff Johnson & Evans Law Offices, we have decades of collective legal experience—we know how the process works and how to help you recover the benefits you need and are owed. Our Chicago-based Social Security Disability lawyers can help you understand the benefits you are entitled to and help you navigate the filing and appeals process. We can also assist you with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and related issues.
Contact one of our offices in Chicago, Champaign, or Aurora for a free consultation. Call (630) 585-2320 or fill out an online contact form to get started.
Who Is Eligible for SSDI Benefits?
Social Security Disability is a work credit-based program that is available to any individual who is medically disabled and who is “insured” by the SSDI program. In order to be “insured,” an individual must have earned enough work credits. If a medically disabled individual does not have enough work credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits, he or she may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Our Chicago social security disability attorneys can help you understand the difference between SSDI and SSI—and which program you may be eligible for.
In order to qualify for SSDI, you must show that your disability or medical condition:
- Prevents you from working at any of your pre-disability jobs
- Prevents you from working at another job that is less strenuous (physically and mentally)
- Meets the strict criteria set forth by the Social Security impairment listing
The Social Security impairment listing (also known as the “Blue Book”) outlines certain conditions and disabilities that are covered by SSDI. If your condition does not meet Social Security’s disability criteria, however, that does not mean you are automatically ineligible to receive benefits. It is possible to secure benefits by proving that your condition is “medically equivalent” to one or more of the covered conditions.
Additionally, when determining if your disability or condition prevents you from obtaining any physically or mentally less-strenuous employment, Social Security will look at several factors. These factors include your age, education level, and skill set. Social Security does not take into account the available jobs in your area, however, when making this decision.
Don’t wait to get started! Call our Chicago social security disability attorneys to schedule a free consultation today, our team is ready to fight for you!
How Our Team Can Help
Here, we’ve provided a very brief overview of SSDI benefits and eligibility for these benefits. Each case is unique, and it is always in your best interests to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your particular options.
At Woodruff Johnson & Evans Law Offices, we can assist you with all aspects of your SSDI claim and related issues, including, but not limited to:
- Initial filings
- Appeals
- Qualifying physical disorders
- SSDI vs. SSI
Initial consultations with our Social Security Disability lawyers in Chicago are free, and you do not have to pay attorneys’ fees until we successfully recover benefits on your behalf. We understand how difficult it can be to be unable to work due to a disability. Our goal is to help you secure the full, fair benefits you are owed. Remember, if you have earned enough work credits and your disability meets Social Security requirements, you are entitled to receive SSDI benefits. A rejected claim does not mean that you have to give up. Trust our team to advocate for you. Read our Social Security Disabilities FAQ’s for more information.
Give us a call at (630) 585-2320 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary case evaluation with a member of our legal team today.