SSDI/SSI Filing Process

McKinney, Texas, SSDI/SSI Lawyer

Attorney Michael Sloan and our office staff can assist you at any stage of the Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income filing process. Here is an overview of the process in Texas:

1. File a Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income claim. You will need to file a list of doctors and hospitals to document your claim. Our law firm offers e-filing, which can help the process go faster. You can do this yourself by submitting a form through your local Social Security office. Your file will be reviewed by state doctors, a process that takes up to six months. If your claim is accepted, you will start receiving benefits. But most claims are initially denied.
2. File a request for reconsideration if your SSDI/SSI claim is denied. This step, which takes about 90 to 120 days, gives you and your lawyer an opportunity to add to your medical record. However, most claims are denied at reconsideration.
3. Request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This step can currently take up to one year or longer. During this time, you will keep seeing your doctors, and we will keep sending medical records to add to your case file. If you do not have a doctor, the Social Security Administration may send you for a consultation examination. We can assist with the process. Before your hearing, we will have a conference at our law office in McKinney to explain where the hearing will be and tell you what to expect. After the hearing, the judge will issue a decision in writing within 60 to 90 days. If the decision is favorable, you will start receiving benefits by check or direct deposit. The Social Security Appeals Council can review and overturn a favorable decision, but this happens rarely.
4. Appeal the judge's decision to the Social Security Appeals Council if your SSI/SSDI appeal is denied. This process can take two months to a year. If successful, your case will be remanded to the same judge for a second hearing.
5. Go to federal court if your second appeal is denied. You and your lawyer will decide whether to take this step. Attorney Michael Sloan has successfully taken disability cases to federal court. The process can take one to two years.

Questions about filing for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income?

Contact Collin County attorney Michael Sloan for a free initial consultation. Our law office in McKinney, Texas, is handicapped-accessible.