Rochester Hills, MI
Social Security Disability (SSDI) Attorney
If you cannot work due to an injury or illness, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Grech Law Firm Attorney & Counselor is committed to helping disabled individuals and their families in Michigan obtain the benefits they need and deserve.
Providing Experienced Legal Services When You Need It Most
Obtaining Social Security Disability benefits is challenging. The process is complicated, and the SSA denies the majority of initial claims. The best way to protect your rights and improve your chances of approval is to work with an experienced disability attorney.
Our team is dedicated to protecting the rights of disabled individuals and their families. We represent each client personally and don’t charge attorney’s fees until we win your case. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get to work on your claim.
Do I Qualify for SSDI?
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must meet both medical and technical eligibility criteria:
- You have a qualifying disability — defined by the SSA as a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- You have paid into the Social Security system through payroll or self-employment taxes
- You have earned sufficient work credits based on your employment history — generally, 20 credits within the past 10 years (approximately 5 years of work out of the last 10)
The older you are, the more credits may be required. Younger workers with fewer credits may still be eligible depending on their age and work history.
How the Disability Determination Services Review Works
Once your application is submitted, it is sent to Michigan’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) for review. DDS will evaluate your medical records, work history, and the details of your condition against the SSA’s eligibility criteria.
To qualify medically, your condition must prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity and must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. The SSA maintains a list of qualifying conditions called the Blue Book. If your condition is listed and supported by medical evidence, you generally qualify. If it is not listed, you may still be eligible if the SSA determines your condition is medically equivalent to a listed impairment.
In some cases, a consultative exam may be required to provide additional medical documentation.
What If My Claim Is Denied?
Nearly two-thirds of initial SSDI applicants are denied. Common reasons include insufficient work credits, errors in the application, or medical documentation that doesn’t fully support the claim. A denial is not the end — you have the right to appeal, but you must act promptly.
We guide clients through every stage of the appeals process:
- Reconsideration — a new SSA examiner reviews your claim and any updated evidence
- Disability hearing before an administrative law judge — you present your case in full
- Appeals Council review — if the hearing decision is unfavorable
Strict deadlines apply at each stage. Having an experienced attorney in your corner significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact Us
Why the Grech Law Firm?
We focus exclusively on disability law and know the Social Security system inside and out. Our comprehensive services include:
- Completing disability applications, questionnaires, and required forms
- Working with your treating physician to compile a complete medical record
- Managing all communications with the Social Security Administration
- Filing disability appeals and representing you at hearings
- Obtaining supporting testimony from medical and vocational experts
- Taking your case to federal court if necessary
We’ve been helping Michigan residents obtain the disability benefits they deserve for over 25 years. Your initial consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fees until we win benefits for you.