Social Security Disability Lawyer | Whitcomb Selinsky PC

What Are SSDI and SSI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide monetary assistance to people with a qualifying disability. The SSDI program only provides benefits to you and specific family members if you have worked recently and long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Adults or children who meet the qualifying disability requirements and have limited income and resources can access the SSI program's benefits. Additionally, people 65 or older who meet the financial qualifications but do not have a disability can also receive SSI payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees these programs and determines if you have a long-term disability that prevents you from working in any capacity.

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How Can We Help?

At the Rocky Mountain Disability Law Group, we have over twenty years of combined experience as Social Security Disability attorneys. We've prepared thousands of cases for disability appeal and have represented more than 200 cases before the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. When meeting with one of our attorneys, we will review your case and documents to determine your eligibility. We will answer your SSDI or SSI questions and guide you through the disability application process. If your application has been denied, we will advise you on the best strategy for an appeal and represent you in court. We recognize you are likely experiencing financial hardship, and we will make it our mission to get you and your family the necessary benefits.

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How Do I Qualify for Social Security Insurance Benefits?

If you are unsure if you qualify for a SSDI claim or SSI benefits, contact our Social Security disability specialists at (866) 433-4116 or complete the form below to schedule a FREE consultation.

Who is eligible for SSDI Benefits?

Worked in jobs covered by Social Security
A qualifying medical condition resulting in total disability
Unable to work for a year or more due to a medical condition
Can no longer perform your previous job due to your medical condition
Cannot adjust to other another job due to your medical condition
A medical condition lasted or is expected to last at least one year or will result in death

5 Questions to Determine a Qualifying Disability

Are you currently working?
Is your medical condition severe?
Is your medical condition disabling?
Can you do the work you previously did?
Can you do another type of work?

Specific family members are also eligible for the SSDI program. For example, a surviving spouse or surviving divorced spouse with a disability may be eligible for SSDI payments. Children under 18, or age 19 if they are a full-time elementary or high school student, may be eligible for benefits as a dependent. Children may continue to receive benefits after they reach 18 with a qualifying disability.

Who is eligible for SSI Benefits?

Adults

65 and older
Blind or have a disability regardless of age
Limited income and resources
U.S. citizens, nationals of the U.S., and some noncitizens
Reside in the U.S. with exceptions

Children

Under age 18
Serious activity limitations due to physical or mental condition(s) or are blind
Condition(s) lasted or expected to last at least one year or will result in death

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RMDLG has helped our clients receive

OVER $3 MILLION IS AWARDS

If you have been denied your appeal, it's not the end.
We'll help you get the benefits you deserve.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines if you have a long-term disability that prevents you from working in any capacity. But the SSA can be a challenging federal agency to work with to get the answers you need, especially when applying a claim.

The challenge with going against SSA and U.S. government is all of the bureacracy that comes with the territory. How can you possibly fight something that has many resources when you have little in comparison.

At the Rocky Mountain Disability Law Group, we believe you deserve better and you deserve not to be prejudiced against as a contributing member of society. We have more than twenty years of combined experience as Social Security Disability attorneys and one of our founders began his legal career working for the Social Security Adminitration as a staff attorney.

We've prepared thousands of cases for disability appeal and have represented more than 200 cases before the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.

We help our clients with the Social Security process by preparing and filing the appropriate appeal paperwork and other required forms, as well as compiling all the medical evidence and presenting our client's testimony at the hearing. We have also sucessfully argued before the Appeals Council.

Rocky Mountain Disability Law Group Has Helped Our Clients Receive

OVER $3 MILLION IN AWARDS

You have the right to appeal your SSDI or SSI claim denial decision. Your request for an appeal must be within 60 days after the decision and must be in writing. There are four appeal levels.

1. Reconsideration

2. Hearing by administrative law judge

3. Appeals Council

4. Federal District Court

At Rocky Mountain Disability Law Group, we help our clients by preparing and filing the appropriate appeal paperwork and other required forms, compiling all the medical evidence, and presenting our client's testimony at the hearing. Rocky Mountain Law Group began as a dedicated Social Security Disability Law Firm in 2012. Since then, we have succeeded at all levels, including the Appeals Council and Federal District Courts.

Not Sure if You Qualify for SSD Benefits?

The SSA's 5-Step Criteria to Qualify for Social Security Income Benefits are as follows:

Step 1: Are You Working?

Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?

Step 3: Is Your Condition Disabling?

Step 4: Can You Do The Work You Previously Did?

Step 5: Can You Do Any Other Type of Work?

If you are still not sure if you qualify for SSD benefits, call our SSD specialists at (866) 433-4116 or complete the form below to schedule a FREE consultation.

Let Us Represent You in Your Social Security Disability Federal Appeal

If your case is denied by the Social Security Appeals Council, it is now time to file a federal appeal. This is accomplished by filing an appeal in the federal district court in the state where you live.

Get a Free Case Review

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Has Your Social Security Disability Claim Been Denied?

Get a Free Case Review

Do I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance?

Are you working now, or have you worked full-time in the last five years? You may be eligible if you work less than 20 hours a week due to a disability. However, if your 2024 earnings average is more than $1,550 per month, or $2,590 per month if you are blind, you generally are not considered to have a qualifying disability as you exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA). You may continue to work while applying for and collecting disability if you do not exceed SGA. The standard for SGA changes yearly, so keep up with the monthly income limitations. You may also qualify if your employer provides special accommodations or help.

More information can be found here.
How does the Social Security Administration define "disabled"?
Do I need a mental consultative examination for SSDI or SSI benefits?

Some individuals are required by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to participate in a Mental Consultative Examination to provide the evidence necessary for the SSA’s decision regarding their potential disability. As a result, individuals frequently find it essential to obtain assistance from an experienced disability attorney to navigate these examinations, as they can play a vital role in the disability claim process.

More information can be found here.
What are common reasons for claimants to be denied?

Each year, millions of individuals file for SSDI, SSI, and other types of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unfortunately, statistics reveal that only 30 percent of these claims are accepted. There are many reasons why the SSA denies an individual's claims.

For individuals who wish to appeal a decision by the SSA, it is often vital to understand the basis for these denials and to retain the assistance of a knowledgeable disability attorney who can help you receive benefits.

More information can be found here.
What are some helpful tips for applying for Social Security?
What to do if I am denied?

If your application for SSI or SSDI is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. It's crucial to act promptly and adhere to the appeal deadlines. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing with a disability examiner, and even a review by an administrative law judge. Seeking assistance from experienced attorneys, like those at Rocky Mountain Disability Law Group, can help navigate the appeals process effectively.
When should I file for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?
What to do if I get Social Security Disability benefits?

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Under the Social Security Act of 1935, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides a mechanism for disabled workers to receive monthly benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers this program, employing defined criteria to determine whether an applicant qualifies for SSI benefits. These benefits are available to individuals who do not have enough work history to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

More information can be found here.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers several types of benefits to disabled individuals, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is funded by general fund taxes, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is funded by payroll taxes. Both of these programs are similar in that they provide benefits to individuals with disabilities and are managed by the SSA. However, there are some distinct differences between the two programs. Therefore, an individual considering filing for SSI or SSD should consider retaining the assistance of a skilled attorney.

More information can be found here.
What are work credits?

As individuals move through their work career, work credits are earned every year an individual earns wages and pays Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes into the Social Security system. These credits are banked so that individuals can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they become disabled or otherwise unable to earn a living.

More information can be found here.
Will SSA access my medical records?

The ability to submit all your medical records is vital to your Social Security claim. A lack of evidence proving your medical condition is one of the fastest ways for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to deny your claim for benefits. Therefore, it is vital that you have every piece of evidence submitted to them for review. If you cannot access certain medical records, you can document this fact on SSA Form SSA-5002.

More information can be found here.
Is it important to hire an experienced attorney?
Can anyone receive both SSI and SSDI?
How long does it take for the SSI or SSDI application to be processed?
What does SSDI/SSI provide?

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