Get Answers to Your Most Important Questions
The process of receiving Social Security payments can be complicated and difficult to navigate for those who need the benefits. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help simplify the process and increase your chances of getting approved, but you may have additional questions before you get started.
At Slater & Slater, P.C., we strive to answer all of your questions and walk you through the Social Security process. These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) we receive, as well as some guidance on getting started.
The Bottom Line: In most cases, you pay nothing out of pocket. The Social Security Administration pays us directly from the retroactive benefits they owe you—money you wouldn't have received without our help. Your future monthly benefits remain completely untouched.
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. It can take a long time to process an application for disability benefits.
There is a 5-step process to determine if you are disabled:
The length of the process depends on a number of factors. Our attorneys help you gather the information and assemble a complete application, and help you file an appeal if you are denied. Should you have a hearing, we will go to the hearing with you, advocate for your interests and fight to secure your benefits. Some cases can take as long as 2-3 years from initial application to hearing.
We help evaluate your current situation and gather the information to build the strongest case. Evidence includes your medical records, work history and educational records. At the hearing level, we will request the evidence from your medical providers and submit it to the Administrative Law Judge hearing your case.
For disability insurance benefits, the amount you receive depends on how much you've worked and what you earned in the past. For SSI benefits, there is a base amount from which other income is deducted, which determines your payments.
Attorneys make the process simpler and work on a contingency basis. This means the representative only gets paid if you win, then they receive a percentage of your back benefits. If you do not win your case, there are no fees involved. You are responsible, however, for expenses such as the fees doctors charge for copies of your medical records.
At Slater & Slater, we understand that financial hardship is often what brings you to us in the first place. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront and owe us nothing if we don't win your case.
Social Security maintains a comprehensive list of medical conditions that may qualify for disability benefits. However, having a condition on the list doesn't automatically mean approval—you must show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. Common qualifying conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses, neurological disorders, mental health conditions, immune system disorders, and many others. Even if your specific condition isn't listed, you may still qualify if your symptoms are as limiting as those that are listed. The key is demonstrating how your condition prevents you from maintaining employment.
We can do most of our work with you over the phone. When you call our office, we will schedule an appointment with Stephen to evaluate your case. If he decides to take your case and you decide that you want him to represent you, we will send you some forms to complete and return to us. These forms will help us file your new application or appeal, or contact Social Security to confirm the status of your case—whatever is needed. As your case moves forward, most of your contact will be with one of our paralegals, but you can schedule an appointment to talk to Stephen at any time. If your case reaches the hearing level, there is much more contact with Stephen in preparing you and your case for the hearing with the Administrative Law Judge.
We have handled Social Security disability claims for more than 20 years. Stephen has represented clients before the Social Security Administration since 2009. He has represented over 2000 cases. Over 700 of those cases have required hearings in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
In representing claimants' disability cases for over 20 years, we are familiar with many, many medical conditions and the standards required to prove those cases to SSA. If we are not familiar with your specific condition, we will research it and become familiar with that specific condition.
We handle cases up through the hearing level with the Administrative Law Judge. We do not handle Appeals Council or federal court appeals, but we work with lawyers that do handle appeals and we can offer referrals should you require.
As a Maryland Social Security Disability Law Firm, we have represented many clients throughout Maryland including the following areas:
Frederick, Aberdeen, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Beltsville, Berlin, Bowie, Catonsville, Capitol Heights, Cockeysville, College Park, Dundalk, Easton, Elkton, Ellicott City, Essex, Frostburg, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Greenbelt, Hagerstown, Havre De Grace, Hampstead, Lanham, Laurel, Lutherville, Manchester, Middle River, Ocean City, Owings Mills, Parkville, Perry Hall, Potomac, Rockville, Salisbury, Silver Spring, Taneytown, Timonium, Towson, and Westminster.
We accept cases from outside of the state of Maryland as well and have handled cases in:
PA: Gettysburg, Biglerville, Waynesboro, Chambersburg, Fairfield, Greencastle
WV: Martinsburg, Ranson, Harpers Ferry, Hedgesville
If you are interested in learning more about how our law firm can help you, give us a call today!
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a workplace program that pays benefits to those who worked five out of the last 10 years.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is means-tested, and is only available to those who fall below a certain asset threshold. We can help you determine which you are eligible for, and walk you through the application process for each.
Yes, Stephen G. Slater is licensed in Maryland. However, because Social Security disability is a federal program, we can handle cases anywhere in the country.
Our office is in downtown Frederick, Maryland, but we handle cases throughout the country, especially in the mid-Atlantic region.
Yes! If your case meets our criteria for acceptance, we will consider taking your case. Though licensed in Maryland, we are qualified to take cases throughout the continental United States and its territories.
Most denials have a 60-day appeal window. There are certain exceptions when you should seek the advice of an attorney.
If you have minor children, they may also qualify for additional benefits.
Located conveniently in Frederick, we provide valuable counsel to those in Maryland and the surrounding Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania communities. With a free initial consultation, we can answer any initial questions you may have and walk you through your legal options before applying. Our lawyers have decades of experience, and can be invaluable to your effort to secure Social Security benefits.
Call 301-682-5601 today to get started, or reach out online and we'll get back to you.
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