A serious illness or injury can make it impossible to work and support yourself or your family. If your medical condition keeps you from earning a living, Social Security Disability benefits may provide the financial help you need.
Applying for benefits is not always easy. Many qualified applicants are denied because of missing application information, incomplete medical records, or minor errors. Working with an experienced Spring Valley Social Security Disability lawyer can improve your chances of claim success.
At Wilson Law Office, Attorney Mark M. Wilson has 25+ years of experience helping people throughout Illinois obtain the disability benefits they deserve. Whether you are filing your first application or appealing a denial, we are here to help every step of the way.
What Is Social Security Disability (SSD)?
Social Security Disability provides monthly benefits to people who are unable to work because of a serious physical or mental condition. These benefits can help cover everyday living expenses while you focus on your health.
There are strict rules for qualifying. The Social Security Administration (SSA) must determine that your condition meets the following criteria:
- Your disability prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- You are unable to perform any previous types of work or adjust to new work
Our experienced Social Security Disability attorney in Spring Valley, IL, can help you understand these requirements and prepare a strong claim.
Types of Disability Benefits
There are two primary Social Security Disability programs:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security long enough to accumulate work credits. Benefits are based on your work history and earnings.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI helps people with disabilities who have limited income and financial resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history. SSI is also for blind and aged individuals with limited financial resources.
Our law office near Spring Valley, IL, helps clients determine which program may apply to their situation.
Who Qualifies for Disability Benefits?
The SSA reviews every application carefully before approving benefits. Generally, you must show that:
- You have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment.
- Your condition prevents you from performing substantial work.
- Your disability is long-term.
- You meet the work credit requirements for SSDI or the financial requirements for SSI.
- You meet the required medical criteria set by the SSA.
Many medical conditions can qualify if they significantly limit your ability to work. Even if your condition is not specifically listed by the SSA, you may still be eligible for benefits.
What Evidence Do You Need?
Medical evidence is one of the most important parts of a disability claim. The stronger your documentation, the stronger your application will be. Helpful evidence often includes:
- Physician treatment notes
- Hospital records
- Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs
- Laboratory test results
- Medication history
- Statements from your doctors
- Information about your work history, such as documented absences
- Details about how your condition affects daily activities
Our law firm helps gather and organize the evidence needed to support your claim.
Why Choose Our Spring Valley Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Choosing the right attorney can make the disability claims process less stressful. Clients choose Wilson Law Office because we offer:
- More than 25 years of Social Security Disability experience
- Local representation for clients throughout Spring Valley and nearby communities
- Knowledge of Social Security rules and procedures
- Personal attention throughout your case
- Help with applications, appeals, and hearings
Attorney Mark Wilson understands how disability claims are evaluated and works to present the strongest case possible for every client. We have represented hundreds of people in pursuing disability benefits throughout Illinois.
We Help With Disability Denials
Many people are surprised to learn that most initial Social Security Disability applications are denied. A denial does not always mean you are ineligible for benefits. Often, it means additional medical evidence or legal arguments are needed to support the claim.
Wilson Law Office represents clients during every stage of the appeals process. We can review the reason for your denial, gather additional evidence, prepare your appeal, and represent you at hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) when necessary.
Whether you need a disability lawyer Spring Valley residents trust for a first-time application or to handle an appeal, we’re ready to help!
Contact a Spring Valley Social Security Disability Lawyer
If a disability prevents you from working, you do not have to face the Social Security system alone. Wilson Law Office provides experienced guidance from initial applications to preparing clients for ALJ hearings.
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation. Our Spring Valley, Illinois, Social Security Disability lawyer can help you pursue the benefits you have earned. We also represent clients who need an attorney for: