Date last insured
An SSDI claimant may need to establish disability before coverage expires.
From application through appeal
A disability claim is built over time.
A successful claim generally requires a consistent theory connecting the medical evidence, symptoms, treatment history, work history, and functional limitations. The office helps claimants identify the relevant issues early and continue developing the record as the case moves through Social Security’s process.
1
Initial evaluation and application
Review the alleged onset date, earnings, past work, insured status, diagnoses, providers, testing, medications, daily functioning, and practical barriers to treatment.
2
Medical and nonmedical development
Gather and organize evidence that explains not only what conditions exist, but how they affect attendance, pace, persistence, lifting, standing, walking, sitting, reaching, concentration, interaction, and adaptation.
3
Appeal after a denial
Protect the deadline and identify why the prior decision should be changed. A timely appeal usually preserves the existing claim and its filing date.
4
Administrative hearing
Update the record, prepare the claimant, analyze past relevant work, and anticipate testimony from a vocational or medical expert.
5
Post-hearing and further review
Depending on the result and procedural posture, the claim may involve supplemental evidence, an amended onset discussion, Appeals Council review, or federal court review.
Common claim issues
Details that can change the outcome.
Work after onset
Earnings do not tell the entire story; duration, accommodations, subsidies, and failed work attempts may matter.
Medical opinions
Useful opinions describe specific work-related limitations and are supported by the treatment record.
Past work
The physical and mental demands of jobs performed during the relevant period must be described accurately.
Multiple impairments
Social Security evaluates the combined effect of medically determinable impairments, not merely the most serious diagnosis.
Fees
Representative fees are regulated by SSA and usually come from past-due benefits after a favorable decision.
Official sources and further reading
- SSA: Appeal a decision we made
- SSA: Apply for Disability benefits
- SSA: Request a hearing with an administrative law judge
Links open official government resources. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for advice about an individual claim.
When winning means everything
Talk with an Atlanta Social Security disability lawyer.
Call about an application, denial, appeal, hearing, or deadline. Do not send a Social Security number through the website form.
