Providing Exceptional Legal Services When Tragedy Strikes
If you cannot work due to an injury or illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. That’s the good news. The bad news is that obtaining these vital benefits is challenging. The claims process can be complicated and confusing, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies the majority of initial claims. The best way to protect your rights and well-being is to work with an experienced disability attorney.
At Grech Law Firm, I am committed to protecting the rights of disabled individuals and their families and helping them obtain the disability benefits they need and deserve. You can trust me to handle your claim because I:
- Have over 25 years of experience
- Represent each client personally
- Don’t charge attorney’s fees until I win your case
While SSA may deny your initial claim, don’t worry. I will handle your disability appeal – having an experienced attorney in your corner increases the likelihood of success. The sooner you contact me, the sooner I can start working on your claim.
Grech Law Firm helps people with disability benefits in Utica, Mount Clemens, Southfield, Macomb County, Oakland County, and Wayne County, Michigan. Call my office today for a free consultation.
Do I Qualify For SSD?
To receive benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, you must be 65 or younger, have worked for a certain number of years, acquired sufficient work credits, and have paid into the Social Security system through payroll or self-employment taxes.
Generally, you need to have 20 work credits within the past ten years which equates to five years of work out of the last ten. The older you are, the more credits you need, while younger workers with fewer credits may still be eligible. If you have acquired the required credits, your claim will be sent to the Department of Disability Determination Services (DDS) for a complete review.
Disability Determination Services Review
The DDS will thoroughly review all the information and medical records submitted with your claim. To meet the SSA’s medical eligibility criteria, you must have a qualifying impairment that prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least one year or result in your death.
The SSA maintains a list of qualifying impairments known as the Blue Book. Generally, you qualify for benefits if your condition is listed and backed by medical evidence. However, you may still be eligible if your condition is not listed, provided the SSA determines it is medically equivalent to a listed condition. DDS will examine your mental and physical conditions to determine if they prevent you from performing any full-time work.
Finally, if the medical information does not support the claim, you may need to attend one or more consultative exams. The findings of these exams will factor significantly into the final determination of your benefits claim.
What If My Claim Is Denied?
While SSDI benefits are designed to provide disabled individuals with much-needed financial resources, nearly two-thirds of initial applicants are denied. The most frequent reason cited is insufficient work credits. Applications are also rejected due to errors or because submitted medical information does not support the claim. If your disability benefits claim is denied, you have a right to file an appeal, but you must act quickly.
Let Grech Law Firm guide you through all aspects of the appeals process, from the request for reconsideration to your disability hearing to the claim review by the Appeals Council. There are strict deadlines for each stage of an appeal, so you need an attorney who knows their way around the Social Security system.
Over my decades of practice, I have developed positive working relationships with disability examiners and Administrative Law Judges who see me as an honest broker and dedicated advocate of people with disabilities. This can mean all the difference in the outcome of your disability appeal. You can trust me to handle all the details, advocate for your interests before the SSA, and protect your rights.
Why Grech Law Firm?
Obtaining Social Security Disability benefits can be daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you are filing an initial disability claim or appealing a denial, I will put my decades of experience to work for you. I focus my practice on disability law, and I know the ins and outs of the Social Security system. My comprehensive services include:
- Completing disability applications, questionnaires, and forms
- Collaborating with your treating physician to compile a medical record
- Handling all communications with the Social Security Administration
- Filing a disability appeal
- Obtaining testimonies from medical and vocational experts
- Representing you at the disability hearing
If you exhaust the appeals process, I am well-prepared to take your case to federal court if it is in your best interests. Above all, I will provide personalized attention, guide you through the process, and protect your rights at every step.
Helping People In Michigan Obtain Social Security Disability Benefits
For over 25 years, Grech Law Firm has been helping people just like you obtain the disability benefits they deserve! Because I understand your physical, emotional, and financial challenges, your initial consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fees until I win benefits for you. Book a call today!