Social Security Disability Attorney Helps Texans With Their Social Security Claims

Trusted guidance in Tyler for filing and appeals

If you’re unable to engage in gainful employment because of a disability, you may be eligible to receive funds under the Social Security Disability program. At Alan W. Pigg, P.C., I focus on helping clients throughout Northeast Texas get the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits they seek. I recognize that your condition may be serious, and you may be struggling to afford basic necessities. Whether you need detailed advice on filing your application or need help appealing a denial, you can count on me to exhaust every legal option to help you with your Social Security claim.

Preparing your SSDI claim for initial review

In 2015, more than 10 million people received SSDI benefits. For many of those who eventually succeed, they do so through appeal because so many initial claims are denied. If you are eligible for SSDI, I will help you file your application and ensure your paperwork is filled out accurately to increase the odds that your claim is accepted. There are many reasons the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies applications:

• Your income is too high — If the SSA determines you can still work and you earn too much money to be considered disabled, your claim will be denied. The “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) limit per month in 2017 is $1,170.
• Your disability isn’t severe enough — The SSA has very strict criteria for determining whether your disability is severe enough to qualify for benefits. Your disability must last for at least 12 months and significantly limit your ability to work.
• The SSA cannot locate you — The SSA must be able to correspond regularly with you about your medical and work history and SSDI application. If they can’t easily contact you, they may deny your claim.
• Drugs or alcohol contributed to your disability — The SSA will deny your claim if your disability stems from a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
• You fail to cooperate with the SSA — It is vital to the success of your case that you cooperate with the SSA. This means providing all medical records and other pertinent information willingly.
• You ignore your doctor’s orders — If you fail to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment, the SSA may reject your application.

Filing for benefits is a difficult task for most people. That’s why it’s important to seek help from an experienced SSD lawyer who will guide you through each step of your application.

Appealing an unfair decision

If your initial claim is denied — and unfortunately many are — I can help you file a request for reconsideration. This allows your case to be reviewed by a different examiner and medical consultant to determine if any glaring mistakes were made during the initial assessment of your application. In the event that your claim is denied yet again, I can assist you in filing an appeal before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Even if your claim is rejected at your ALJ hearing, you still have options. Depending on the strength of your case, you can seek further review from the Appeals Council. Finally, I associate with several attorneys who can help you file a lawsuit against the SSA if you believe your claim was denied unjustly or because of legal errors.

Assisting clients seeking SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also a benefits program administered by the SSA. Unlike SSDI, though, SSI is only for disabled adults and children with very limited income and resources, as well as low-income seniors (65 and older) without disabilities. If you need help supplementing your income and meet the SSI eligibility requirements, I can assist you in applying or appealing your claim.

Contact an accomplished SSD lawyer in Northeast Texas

Alan W. Pigg, P.C. is dedicated to helping Texans in need obtain the SSDI or SSI benefits they deserve. Please call 903-707-8052 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation at my Tyler office.