Securing Disability Benefits For Those Who Need Them Most

Frequently Asked Social Security Disability Questions

For more information on these and other Social Security Disability issues, contact a lawyer at Manring & Farrell today.

View our Veterans Compensation FAQ page for more information about veterans-specific benefits.

Additional FAQs

Q: How should I choose an SSD/SSI attorney?

A: Your claim may be your only income while you can’t work, so choose carefully. Ask trusted lawyers for referrals and talk to friends who’ve had SSD/SSI cases. Then interview candidates and get clear answers to key questions about experience, focus, and who will handle your case day‑to‑day.

Q: What questions should I ask before I hire a lawyer?

A: Consider asking the following:

How long have you practiced law?
How long have you handled SSD/SSI cases?
What percentage of your practice is SSD/SSI?
Do you work solo or as part of a team?
How much of your CLE is devoted to SSD/SSI?
Are you a NOSSCR member?
Are you local and familiar with the judges?
If a judge denies the claim, do you handle Appeals Council or Supreme Court appeals?

Q: How does your firm help with SSD/SSI cases?

A: Since 1991, our team has guided more than 15,000 clients through filing and winning Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI) claims. We act as both advocates and advisers—building the evidence, explaining each step, and representing you from the first application through appeals.

Q: What stages of the process do you handle?

A: All of them: new applications, initial review and reconsideration, hearings before an Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Council review, and—when needed—appeals in federal court.

Q: What other Social Security benefits might I qualify for?

A: Beyond SSDI and SSI, you may qualify for Disabled Widow(er)’s benefits, Disabled Adult Child benefits, and SSI for children. Each program has its own age, disability, and financial rules. We handle all of these claim types.

Q: What are Disabled Widow(er)’s benefits?

A: Monthly benefits for people ages 50–60 who become disabled within seven years after a spouse’s death, if the late spouse worked enough under Social Security to be insured.

Q: What are Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits?

A: Benefits for an adult whose disability began before age 22 and who has never married, when a parent is deceased or is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

Q: Do you handle appeals, including federal court?

A: Yes. If your claim is denied, we manage reconsiderations, hearings, Appeals Council reviews, and federal court appeals when appropriate.

Q: What experience and credentials does your team have?

A: Our attorneys concentrate on Social Security Disability law, and our team includes a lawyer who is board‑certified in this field. You benefit from decades of focused practice and a track record helping Ohio clients statewide.

Q: What can I expect as a client?

A: Personal attention, straightforward legal advice, and compassionate counseling. We make sure you understand the process, deadlines, and what evidence will best support your claim.

Q: What common SSD/SSI questions can you answer?

A: We routinely explain disability listings, severe impairments, how to prove you can’t do your past work or other work, who among family members may qualify, how SSI relates to SSD, and what to expect after approval.

Q: After I’m approved, when will I receive payment?

A: Timeframes vary by case and SSA processing. We help you track your award, resolve issues that can delay payment, and understand how back pay and ongoing monthly benefits are handled.

Q: Why was my disability claim denied?

A: Many denials happen because SSA didn’t receive enough evidence to understand how your medical conditions limit you at work. If records, opinions, or school documentation are missing or unclear, SSA may find you can still do past work or other jobs. We help gather the right evidence and explain your limitations in work‑related terms.

Q: What counts as “enough” medical proof?

A: SSA looks for consistent treatment notes, test results, and medical opinions that describe what you can do over a full workday (sitting, standing, lifting, attendance, focus). We make sure key providers submit detailed records and functional opinions so SSA sees the full picture.

Q: Does my age affect approval?

A: Age matters under SSA’s rules. Applicants under 50 often face a higher bar, and even ages 50–54 can be denied if SSA believes you can perform “light” work. We show how your physical and mental conditions limit you regardless of age, using the medical‑vocational rules that apply to your case.

Q: How can my work history hurt—or help—my claim?

A: If your job duties are recorded incompletely, SSA may think your past work was less demanding than it was and deny your claim. We capture accurate details (exertion, skills, tools, pace, lifting, postural demands) so SSA understands why you can’t do your old work—or adjust to other work.

Q: What if SSA didn’t get all my records?

A: That’s common. We track down missing medical and school records, request clarifying opinions from your providers, and submit updates so the file reflects your actual limitations.

Q: I’ve been denied—what should I do next?

A: Appeal promptly. Most denials must be appealed within 60 days of receiving the notice. The sooner you involve counsel, the faster we can fix evidence gaps and prepare your case for reconsideration or a hearing.

Q: If Social Security reviews my claim and stops my benefits, what can I do?

A: Appeal immediately. You generally have 60 days from the date you receive Social Security’s notice to appeal a cessation of benefits. If you file the appeal within 10 days, you can usually ask to keep your disability and Medicare benefits going while the appeal is decided. Because deadlines are strict, submit the appeal right away—even if you’re still choosing a representative. An attorney can help you select the correct appeal form, gather updated medical records, and prepare you for any hearings so you don’t miss issues that could reinstate your benefits. If you’ve already passed the 10‑day window, you should still appeal within 60 days; you may not get continued payments, but you can still challenge the decision.

Q: My doctor says I’m disabled and can’t work. Why did Social Security deny my claim?

A: Your doctor’s opinion matters, but Social Security makes its own decision under federal rules. SSA reviews medical evidence using a five‑step process that looks at your work activity, the severity and duration of your impairments, whether you meet a “Listing,” and what work you can still do (your residual functional capacity) considering your age, education, and past jobs. SSA may have its own doctors review your file or send you to a consultative exam. If your records are incomplete or don’t explain your limitations in daily activities and work‑related terms (sitting, standing, lifting, attendance, concentration), you can be denied—even with a supportive doctor. Tell your providers about all conditions (physical and mental) and keep treatment consistent.

Q: Should I try to return to work while my claim is pending?

A: Talk with your doctor first. If you can succeed at work, that’s often best for you and your family. If you try but must stop because of your medical condition, that attempt can help show how your impairments limit you. Be careful: earnings at or above Social Security’s monthly work threshold can harm a pending claim. Report any work to SSA and tell your attorney immediately.

Q: Can I work without losing SSDI or SSI benefits?

A: Often, yes—within specific rules. For SSDI, work attempts may be treated as a Trial Work Period, followed by an Extended Period of Eligibility and, if needed later, Expedited Reinstatement. For SSI, work incentives reduce how earnings count rather than cutting you off automatically. The rules are technical; get advice before starting or changing work.

Q: What is a “trial work period” (TWP)?

A: If you’re already entitled to SSDI, SSA allows a limited number of months to test working while still receiving checks, regardless of how much you earn in those months. After the TWP, there’s a safety‑net period when payments may continue in months your earnings fall below SSA’s limit. Exact month counts and thresholds are set by SSA and change over time.

Q: What is an “unsuccessful work attempt” (UWA)?

A: It’s a short‑lived return to work that ends—or earnings drop—because of your medical condition. When SSA agrees it was unsuccessful, those earnings may not count against you for disability purposes. Length and circumstances matter; document why you stopped, changes to duties, and medical flare‑ups.

Q: What if my job has special accommodations or subsidies?

A: If you work under special conditions—extra breaks, lower productivity, job coaching, help from co‑workers, or pay that exceeds your actual productivity—SSA may subtract that “subsidy” when evaluating your earnings. Keep a written description from your employer of the accommodations and supervision you receive.

Q: What should I track and report if I try working?

A: Track and report the following:

Start/stop dates, hours, duties, and any job changes
Pay stubs and bonuses
Accommodations or extra help you receive
Symptom flare‑ups and missed time Report work promptly to SSA and your attorney to avoid overpayments and protect your claim.

Still Have Questions About Disability Benefits?

If you have serious medical problems or have a disabling injury, contact our Columbus SSD, SSI and VA Compensation attorneys online or by calling 614-678-7199 for a free consultation.