When you begin your application, you will need to provide detailed information about your medical history, work history, and daily living limitations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically requires:

• A list of all diagnosed conditions, both physical and mental
• Medical records, test results, and treatment history
• Work history, including job titles, duties, and length of employment
• Information about medications, therapies, and how symptoms affect your daily activities

Providing complete and accurate documentation is critical. Missing information can delay or even result in a denial of your claim. Our team at Drozdowski & Rabin helps clients gather the right paperwork, request records from doctors, and present the information in a way that strengthens their claim.

When applying for disability, the first step is to determine the severity of your medical impairment(s). Your diagnosis, along with medical documentation, will be used to prove that your condition prevents you from working.

Both physical impairments and mental disorders are recognized by Social Security. Some examples of qualifying conditions include depression, multiple sclerosis, heart failure, and cancer. To learn more, visit our Impairments page.

To qualify for either type of disability benefit, your condition must:

• Prevent you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Be considered a qualifying condition, or otherwise qualify you for a Medical-Vocational Allowance

Both physical and mental conditions are recognized by the SSA.

To be considered totally disabled, a claimant must prove that they are unable to work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

While you can file for disability on your own, working with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer greatly increases your chances of success. Here’s why:

• Guidance on evidence: Our attorneys at Drozdowski & Rabin know what medical records and details the SSA looks for and needs to approve a claim.
• Application accuracy: Small mistakes in your initial application can lead to long delays. We know how to properly file disability claims and submit all paperwork on time.
• Appeals support: If you’ve already been denied, we know how to build a strong appeal.

Hiring Drozdowski & Rabin means you don’t have to go through this process alone. We handle the legal work so you can focus on your health.

Unfortunately, the SSA denies most initial claims. If this happens, you have the right to appeal, but deadlines are strict. You usually have 60 days from the denial notice to file your appeal. The appeals process has four stages:

1. Reconsideration: Another SSA representative reviews your file.
2. Hearing: You present your case before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
3. Appeals Council: Your case is reviewed by the Appeals Council.
4. Federal Court: In some cases, the claim goes to a U.S. District Court.

Our attorneys guide clients through every level of appeal. We prepare you for questions, gather additional evidence, and present the strongest case possible to overturn a denial.

Attending a disability hearing before an ALJ can be stressful. At Drozdowski & Rabin, we prepare you thoroughly by reviewing the types of questions you will be asked, explaining the hearing process, and ensuring you feel confident on the day of your hearing. We also attend with you to provide legal representation and advocacy.

The claims process can take anywhere from 3–24 months, but there are ways to avoid unnecessary delays:

• Submit a complete application the first time
• Stay on top of all SSA requests for information
• Provide consistent medical evidence and treatment records
• Work with an attorney who can monitor your case and push for updates

In certain situations, such as severe or terminal illness, you may qualify for Compassionate Allowances or Quick Disability Determinations. These are ways to speed up the Social Security Disability application process. Drozdowski & Rabin will determine whether your case qualifies for faster review and ensure your file is handled efficiently.

The SSA offers two main disability benefit programs:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Based on your work history and taxes paid into the system.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. To qualify, you must meet strict asset limits and be disabled, blind, or 65 or older.

Our attorneys help clients determine if they qualify for disability benefits and which program they are eligible for (or both).

With a disability claim, the burden to prove disability is on the person applying. To present a strong case, you must be proactive in seeking treatment. It’s important that you’re able to show the SSA that you are making every effort to improve your symptoms. This includes making appointments with your doctor, following prescribed treatments, and communicating clearly with them about your issues.

At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, we’ve helped thousands of clients receive the disability benefits they deserve. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, our experienced legal team is here to help you take legal action.

We understand how stressful this journey can be and take pride in standing by our clients during some of the most difficult times of their lives. From start to finish, we fight to secure the benefits that help you move forward.

Contact us for a free consultation and let us put our 100 years of combined experience to work for you.