Initial Application

Initial Application for SSD or SSI Benefits: Get it right the first time

Filing for Social Security Disability requires that you present organized, complete information showing you to be unable to work. Your medical, work, and educational history must be presented clearly. Clark, James, Hanlin, and Hunt can help you gather, review, and prepare the information for your first application for Social Security benefits.

Getting things right the first time can save you both time and money.

Information You will Need

When submitting an application for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you must provide:

• Medical History: All records pertaining to your full medical history, any conditions you suffer from, and any diagnoses relevant to your disability benefits claim must be collected and arranged in a way that convinces the Social Security Administration that you are indeed disabled and unable to work.
• Work History: The Social Security Administration (SSA) will look carefully at what kinds of jobs you held in the past. They are going to decide if your disability keeps you from doing other kinds of jobs. If you are only qualified for jobs you cannot physically perform, the SSA will need that information to make an appropriate decision.
• Education: If you have a college or advanced degree, you may qualify for jobs that require little, if any, physical exertion. The Social Security Administration will determine if you have the education to perform new kinds of jobs.
• Consultative Medical Exam: The Social Security Administration will often require you to be examined by one of their doctors. That doctor will then give them a report on your condition. This exam is performed at no cost to you.

Preparation for Your Initial Application

Being informed and prepared is essential when applying for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. Even if you are denied the first time, as most applicants are, having your documentation and records in order can help you get through the next stage more quickly.

As your legal representative, the Social Security Disability Attorneys at Clark, James, Hanlin, and Hunt carefully manage each stage in the application process to prevent delays. If your initial application is denied, we will help you quickly regroup and file a request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge to reconsider the decision.

Contact Us Today

Take control of the process. Schedule a free consultation with a Social Security Disability lawyer at Clark, James, Hanlin, and Hunt today.

The law firm of Clark, James, Hanlin, and Hunt, located in Birmingham, Alabama, represents clients throughout Montgomery, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Bessemer, Gadsden, Cullman, Jasper, Anniston, Pell City, Decatur, Selma, Florence, Scottsboro and Fort Payne.