SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Do you suffer from a health condition that prevents you from working? Do you want to know if you meet Social Security disability eligibility requirements?

Are you eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?

At the law firm of Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis we can help you determine whether or not you are eligible. With more than 50 years of experience on our side, you can be confident that we will get you the answers you need. If you do meet Social Security disability requirements, we can file for the initial application for you.

Our attorneys are available to help people obtain Social Security Disability benefits in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb and Washtenaw and the surrounding counties in Michigan.

Do you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

With over 45 years of experience, our disability attorneys are committed to helping individuals with their claims for Social Security Disability benefits. If you are disabled and have been or are expected to be disabled for 12 consecutive months you may qualify for benefits. If you have reduced your work hours due to medical conditions you may also qualify for benefits.

Disability law and all of the requirements to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits can be confusing. Not only is the law complex, but so is the application process. Our experienced attorneys understand the Social Security regulations and what documentation is needed at the time the initial application is made to increase your chance of being awarded benefits.

On­Line Filing

If you are disabled and unable to work, it is critical that you file your claim for Social Security Disability immediately. The fact is that about 70 percent of initial social security disability claims get rejected simply because an individual did not file it properly.

Our firm offers on­line filing, which can be completed in person or by telephone. There is no fee to file the initial application. Prior to filing your on­line application, we will obtain information from you to be used on your application. We will submit all documents required by Social Security to process your claim. While your claim is being processed you will receive questionnaires from Social Security to complete. Our office will answer any questions you have regarding these forms. We will monitor your claim and contact Social Security to ensure that your claim is being processed. If you are denied from the initial application our office will contact you to discuss appealing the denial.

Appealing a Decision

If you did file an application for Social Security Disability on your own and were denied, please contact our office immediately to discuss appealing the denial. A Request for Reconsideration and/or a Request for Hearing must be filed within 60 days after the date of the decision.

No Fee Guarantee

We charge no fee unless the claimant is found disabled and receives past­due benefits. This fee is regulated by the Social Security Administration. If we are not successful in obtaining benefits you will not be charged any fee.

Types of Disability Benefits under the Social Security Act

Five major types of disability benefits are available under the Social Security Act. Each one has its own rules for qualification, which can be complicated. Both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide benefits. SSDI is based on the applicant’s work history and disability while SSI is based on the applicant’s income and disability, old age, or blindness.

• SSDI: Disability Insurance benefits are paid to people who have worked long enough to earn sufficient credits under the Social Security system but are now disabled.
• SSDI: Disabled Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Divorced Spouse benefits are paid to people who meet certain age and other requirements. The deceased spouse must have been insured through his or her work record for the living spouse to qualify for coverage.
• SSDI: Childhood Disability benefits are paid to people who are at least 18 years old and became disabled prior to the age of 22. The payment to the child is based on the earnings record of a qualified parent who is retired, disabled or deceased.
• SSI: Supplemental Security Income benefits are paid to low-income recipients who are disabled, blind, or elderly and have limited resources.
• SSI: Child’s Disability benefits are paid to children up to age 18 who are disabled or blind and whose families meet certain criteria concerning income and resources.