Social Security Disability

West Michigan Lawyers Help You Obtain Social Security Income

Our law firm represents people who have been denied insurance benefits as a result of accident, disability, health, fire or other calamity. If you suffer from an injury or disease that prevents you from working, or is expected to prevent you from working for one year or longer, then you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. Social Security provides monthly benefit payments to disabled individuals and their dependents. If the Social Security Administration deems you disabled, you can also qualify for Medicare.

At Bleakley Law Offices, our attorneys have experience obtaining Social Security benefits on behalf of disabled persons. Our firm is also able to guide you through the overwhelming maze of regulations and red tape that characterize the application process. If you and your doctor feel that your medical condition prevents you from working, we strongly encourage you to contact your local Social Security Office and apply for disability benefits. You can find the telephone number and the location of the office nearest to you in your local telephone directory.

Bleakley Attorneys Can Get You Started In the Right Direction

When you apply for disability it is a good idea to have the following information with you:

• Your Social Security card
• Your original birth certificate or original baptismal certificate
• Your driver's license, or a passport for identification purposes
• The names, addresses and telephone numbers of all your doctors, and other health care providers, like physical therapists, chiropractors, or home nursing aides
• Your dates of admission for any hospitalizations or surgeries

It is important to provide Social Security with as much information as possible about your medical condition and the treatment that you have received. Social Security will request records and information from all your doctors. Contact your doctors to let them know you have applied for Social Security, and encourage them to provide the necessary information when they are asked by Social Security.

Our Attorneys Will Fight For Your Rights

Unfortunately, Social Security will deny most applications for disability benefits, even in very clear cases. Do not lose heart. Most people who successfully obtain benefits are denied at least once. If your application has been denied, you have the right to request reconsideration of this decision. It is important to remember that you must request reconsideration within 60 days of the date you received the notice in the mail that your application was denied. If you are denied again after reconsideration, as most people are, then you have 60 days after you receive the notice in the mail to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

You will be able to appear before the judge, present your side of the case, and will be able to testify, and bring others to testify on your behalf. The majority of people who successfully obtain Social Security benefits do so at this stage in the proceedings with the assistance of an attorney. At Bleakley Law Offices in Muskegon, Michigan, we have obtained the disability benefits due to many individuals both at and before the hearing stage.

If you have been denied by Social Security, or are simply considering whether you should apply, please contact us immediately at toll free 1-877-544-3733.

Bleakley Law Offices Work Hard to Get You SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal cash benefit program designed to guarantee a minimum monthly income to persons who are either 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have limited incomes. Operated by the Social Security Administration, SSI benefits are based on need rather than the amount paid into the program or the number of quarters worked. SSI benefits are paid to eligible people only, not to family members or survivors.

To qualify, a person must be a U.S. citizen, living in the U.S., and over 65, blind, or disabled. In addition, income and resources tests must be passed. Your income and that of your spouse is taken into account. You will also need to show that your resources or assets are limited. Resources include real estate, personal belongings, household goods, money, and stocks and bonds. However, not all resources are counted. For example, the house you live in and the land on which it resides are exempt.

You Need Basic Information to Apply for SSI Benefits

Papers needed when applying for benefits include: Social Security card; proof of birthdate; real estate tax notices; bank books; insurance policies and other papers which list resources; pay stubs; and medical records relating to disability. Persons who know they will be eligible within 30 days (those age 64 and 11 months, for example) should apply immediately.

Are you close to 65 and wondering about what the future holds? Call our attorneys at Bleakley Law Offices toll free at 1-877-544-3733 to discuss your SSI questions. If necessary, we will help you fill out the paperwork and follow up on your case until you are 100% satisfied.