Elgin Social Security Disability Lawyers

Elgin Attorneys for Social Security Disability Benefits

For those who have suffered serious injuries, contracted major illnesses, or experienced health conditions that have limited the types of activities they can participate in, Social Security disability benefits can be a lifeline. These benefits may provide much-needed financial help to ensure that a disabled person will be able to provide for their needs. However, navigating the application process for Social Security disability benefits can be complex and overwhelming, especially when a claim is denied.

In cases involving Social Security disability benefits, the assistance of an experienced attorney can be essential. At Grauer & Kriegel, LLC, we provide comprehensive support to applicants who are seeking disability benefits, and we can also help determine the best options for responding to denied claims. We work to ensure that our clients will secure the benefits they need, ensuring that they provide the correct information to Social Security to demonstrate that they are disabled and need assistance.

Understanding the Evaluation of Disability Claims

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether an applicant for disability benefits is disabled. These steps are as follows:

Step One: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The first step involves determining whether the applicant is currently working and engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If a person currently earns more than a specific monthly amount (which is adjusted annually by the SSA), they generally cannot be considered disabled. However, if the person earns less than this amount, the process will proceed to step two.

Step Two: Disabling Medical Condition

The second step assesses whether a person has a medical condition that has affected their ability to work. A person’s impairments must significantly limit their ability to perform basic work activities—such as walking, sitting, and processing or remembering information. A condition must have lasted for at least one year or must be expected to last for 12 months or more. If a person’s condition is not considered to be severe enough to limit their work activities, their claim will be denied at this stage. If their condition is considered severe, the process will proceed to step three.

Step Three: Listed Medical Conditions

At this stage, the SSA will determine whether the applicant’s impairment is on its list of disabling conditions. This list, known as the “Blue Book,” includes various physical and mental conditions that qualify as disabilities, including criteria that must be met for each condition to be severe enough to limit a person’s ability to work. If the condition is listed and meets the required severity criteria, the SSA will determine that the applicant is disabled. If not, the evaluation proceeds to the next step.

Step Four: Ability to Perform Past Work

This step examines whether the applicant can still perform any of their past work despite the impairment. The SSA may review the jobs the person has previously held to determine whether they still have the ability to perform work-related tasks. If the SSA determines that the person can perform their past work, the claim will be denied. Otherwise, the process will proceed to step five.

Step Five: Ability to Perform Other Work

If the applicant cannot perform their past work, the SSA will consider their age, education, past work experience, and transferable skills to determine whether they should be able to adjust to other work. The SSA may consider limitations that a person’s condition has placed on them and look at what types of jobs may fit those limitations. If the SSA determines that the applicant cannot adjust to other work, they will be classified as disabled. If they should be able to perform work in jobs that are likely to be available, their claim will be denied.

Legal Help With the Disability Application Process

When applying for disability benefits, a person will be required to provide detailed documentation and follow specific procedures. Our attorneys can provide assistance during this process. We will ensure that an application thoroughly documents a disabling condition, including providing necessary medical evidence and completing and submitting all required forms. This meticulous attention to detail increases the likelihood of a claim being approved on the first attempt.

Handling Denied Claims

If a claim is denied, an applicant may still have options. Our attorneys can help appeal these decisions and advocate for a determination of disability and the award of benefits. We will review the reasons for denial, gather additional supporting documentation, and represent the applicant during hearings before an administrative law judge or other stages in the appeals process. With our understanding of the procedures followed in these cases and the ways to prove disability, we can fight to make sure an applicant will have the financial resources they need.

Contact Our Elgin, IL Social Security Disability Benefits Attorneys

When applying for Social Security disability benefits or contesting a denial, the attorneys at Grauer & Kriegel, LLC can provide invaluable legal help. With our understanding of the SSA’s processes and our commitment to advocating for our clients’ rights, we can provide the guidance and representation necessary to secure the proper disability benefits. Contact us at 847-240-9010 to schedule a free consultation and get legal help as you pursue the disability benefits you deserve.