FAQs for Our Disability Law Attorneys in Gary, IN

Most disability law attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs. Fees are typically regulated by the Social Security Administration and are usually a percentage of your backpay, capped by federal law at 25% or $7,200, whichever is less. You only pay if we win your case.

The process begins with an initial application, which can be filed online or at your local Social Security office. If denied, you must request reconsideration. If denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Having disability law attorneys, like those at our firm, helps ensure your paperwork is complete and deadlines are met throughout this multi-step process.

Applications are often denied for non-medical reasons, such as insufficient work credits or failure to follow prescribed treatment. Medically, denials occur if the SSA determines your condition is not severe enough to prevent you from working or if your medical evidence does not meet their strict listing criteria. The disability law attorneys in Gary, IN, at Marlowe & Marlowe LLC can help you understand the specific reasons for your denial.

The timeline varies. Initial decisions can take three to five months. However, since many claims are initially denied, the process can extend to over a year if you need to go through reconsideration and a hearing. Engaging experienced disability law attorneys in Gary, IN, early can help avoid common mistakes that cause further delays.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history and the taxes you paid into the system. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for disabled individuals with limited income and resources. The disability law attorneys at our firm can evaluate your situation to determine which program you may be eligible for.

Look for a local firm with a proven track record of handling hearings at the Gary or Merrillville hearing offices. It is important to choose a lawyer who will take the time to prepare you for the types of questions the judge will ask. The disability law attorneys at Marlowe & Marlowe LLC have deep experience with local judges and their specific processes.

Yes, it is possible, but there are strict limits. If you are working part time, the SSA will evaluate whether your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. For 2024, this limit is typically $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. A conversation with disability law attorneys in Gary, IN, can clarify how your specific work situation may impact your eligibility.

The most critical evidence is up-to-date medical records from all your treating physicians, including treatment notes, test results, and clinical findings. We also need a detailed work history and information about how your condition affects your daily activities. When you hire disability law attorneys, we work directly with your doctors to gather this comprehensive medical evidence.