Michigan Social Security Disability Attorney

Coping with serious injury or illness can turn your life upside down—and Social Security disability benefits are supposed to give you peace of mind. However, too many people are denied benefits by the Social Security Administration. For more than 35 years, our Social Security disability lawyers have helped sick and injured individuals protect themselves against unfair claim denials and maximize their benefits.

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Why You Need a Social Security Disability Attorney

Every day, disabled people in Michigan with qualifying medical conditions get their Social Security benefits denied.

In many cases, the reason these claims get denied has nothing to do with whether the applicant deserves the benefits. Filing a claim for disability benefits and supporting it with strong evidence is a complicated process, and the Social Security Administration lacks the resources to fully evaluate every claim.

If there are mistakes in your application, or it lacks robust evidence, your claim is much less likely to be approved. While many disability claim denials can be reversed on appeal, more delays are the last thing you need when you’re unable to work.

An experienced disability lawyer can guide you all the way through the process, including gathering medical evidence, handling your initial application, and presenting your case persuasively. Studies consistently show that disability claim applicants are more likely to have their applications approved when they are represented, whether it’s the first attempt or an appeal.

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When Is the Best Time to Call a Social Security Disability Attorney?

The best time to contact an experienced disability attorney is as soon as possible—before you even file for your disability. Your lawyer can give you fair, impartial legal advice about the strength of your claim, calculate the amount of disability benefits you may be eligible for, and help you prepare your initial application. This approach can help you increase the chances that your application will be approved, and you’ll get the full value of your benefits as soon as possible.

The second-best time to contact an attorney is immediately after a denial. If you do not file a timely and well-prepared appeal, or you file an appeal and lose, you could end up permanently losing your ability to receive benefits for that period of time. You will want the strongest possible advocate to present your case and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Your Social Security Disability Hearing
What to expect during your SSD hearing
Medical Vocational Guidelines
How Social Security Disability Medical-Vocational Guidelines affect your benefits
Residual Functional Capacity
Residual functional capacity (RFC) and how it affects your Social Security Disability claim
How Do I Apply For Social Security Disability?
Your Michigan Social Security Disability application
Does Social Security Disability Provide Health Insurance?
Understanding how Medicare and Medicaid can help with your medical expenses
How can I afford a great Social Security Disability lawyer?
Michigan Social Security Disability lawyers only get paid if you win, and there are no up-front costs
My Social Security Disability Claim Was Denied, Now What?
People are denied Social Security Disability in Michigan every day. This happens because Social Security does not have the resources to fully develop each and every claim.
How is your SSD claim decided?
Find out the five steps that determine whether an SSD claim is approved or denied – and see how those steps apply to you
Do you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?
Learn about the criteria that is used to determine whether you may be entitled to collect SSD benefits
How much can you receive in SSD benefits?
Find out the factors that will determine the amount of Social Security Disability benefits that you could be entitled to
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Find out about the federal program that can provide you financial help if an illness or injury has disabled you from working

More Than 100 5-Star Reviews

“Alex, your firm and coworkers were all so kind and professional. I appreciate your due diligence and the results thereafter. I am truly satisfied and will always recommend this firm to others. You didn’t allow the corporate bullies to get away with stepping on the little guys. Thanks for everything.”
– Jaqueline Henderson, Detroit

Real Results for Workers and Their Families

Our attorneys fight hard to ensure that Michigan workers can support themselves and their loved ones after a workplace injury or illness.

$2M
A worker suffered paralysis after falling from a roof. Benefits had been disputed based on alleged employer premium fraud and statutory employment. This was the largest reported settlement in the state that year for a workplace injury.
$1.6M
Largest workers’ compensation settlement in the state in 2021. Our attorneys secured this settlement for our client who suffered a serious traumatic brain injury as a result of a work-related slip and fall on ice.
$1.4M
Our attorney obtained this recovery for a worker who was paralyzed in a workplace accident. The award recovered was the second largest reported amount in the state for that year for a workplace injury.
$1.1M
This workers’ compensation settlement helped an injured worker after the insurance company refused to pay for benefits and medical items.
$775K
This payout amount helped our client obtain medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation on his own terms, after the insurance company had been slow to approve medical treatment and disputed the need for surgery.
$577K
Our work injury attorneys secured this payout amount for our client whose workplace injury caused her to develop Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Social Security Disability FAQs

Here you can find answers to some of the most common questions our disability attorneys receive. For even more questions and answers, please see our extended FAQ page.

 


What Social Security disability benefits are available to me if I can’t work due to sickness or injury?

The Social Security Administration offers two major programs to help individuals who can’t work:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program will pay disability benefits to individuals who have a disabling medical condition and have accumulated enough “work credits” in recent years to qualify. Work credits are earned by working a job where you pay Social Security taxes. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year, and in 2021 you earn a work credit for each $1,470 in earnings. (This number varies slightly from year to year, as it is based on average earning levels nationwide.)

The calculation for how many total credits you’ll need and how recently you need to have earned them varies based on your age when you become disabled. As a general rule of thumb, to qualify, you will need to have earned an average of at least 2 work credits per year between age 21 and your age when disabled. If you are older than 31, you will also need to have averaged at least 2 work credits per year in the last 10 years. If you have any questions about whether you qualify, we are happy to help.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Eligibility for SSI is based on financial need, rather than work history. Individuals qualify if they have less than $2,000 in resources. (This does not include the value of your home, car, household goods or personal effects). Couples qualify if they have less than $3,000 in resources.

It is possible to qualify for both SSDI and SSI at the same time.

 


 

How do I qualify for Social Security Disability?

Unfortunately, figuring out whether you qualify for disability is not always a straightforward process, and doesn’t always seem to follow common sense.

According to federal disability law, a qualifying disability must be a “medically determinable” physical or mental impairment that prevents you from working and can be expected to result in either continuous impairment for at least 12 months, or death. Your age, education level, and past work experience may also be considered in determining your eligibility.

As a result, the best way to determine whether you are eligible to receive disability benefits is by consulting with an experienced attorney.

 


 

How much do Social Security Disability Insurance benefits pay in Michigan?

Social Security disability insurance benefits are calculated based on your past income for work in which you paid Social Security taxes.

First, your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) are calculated based on your 35 highest earning years of work, adjusted to the current year’s average wage index (AWI). (If you’ve worked less than 35 years, there will be $0 years included in the calculation.) Once you know your AIME, your monthly benefit is calculated based on a tiered system—90 percent of your income up to a certain threshold, 32 percent up to the next threshold, and 15% of the remainder. There is a five-month waiting period before you can start to receive SSDI benefits.

If it sounds complicated, that’s because it is. The overall average monthly benefit is around $1,000 for a typical disabled worker, but can be much higher or lower depending how long you worked and how much you paid into Social Security.

 


 

How much does Supplemental Security Income pay in Michigan?

In 2021, the maximum federal SSI benefit is $749 for an individual, or $1,191 for a couple. The actual total fluctuates from year to year based on a cost-of-living adjustment. If you earn an income, this maximum benefit may be reduced by a portion of what you earn.

 


 

How much does a Social Security disability lawyer cost?

Cost is a big concern among people applying for social security disability benefits, particularly those who have had their claim denied.

Our attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Initial consultations are free, and there are no up-front costs.

The maximum allowable attorney fee 25% of past due benefits, up to a maximum total of $7,200. The Social Security Administration will pay this directly out of your past-due awarded benefits, meaning you owe nothing out of pocket.

Do not let concerns about cost stop you from hiring a great social security disability attorney. Everyone deserves (and can afford) excellent representation, regardless of their circumstances.

 

 


 

What should I do if my claim is denied?

Don’t panic, and don’t take it personally. Denials are common and are often reversed during the appeals process. This does not mean you cannot get your benefits. Far too many people suffer in silence after being denied their SSD benefits, rather than fighting back.

However, it is important to quickly take action, and hire an experienced Social Security disability lawyer to handle your case. You have a limited period of time to file an appeal, and losing your appeal could leave you permanently unable to receive benefits. Attempting an appeal on your own is not recommended.

Can't Work? Get the Help You Deserve

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Can't Work? Get the Help You Deserve

Don’t let the Social Security Administration push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.