Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers

SSDI Attorneys Assisting Disabled Individuals Throughout Illinois

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are designed to help individuals who are not able to work due to a disability. However, the process of filing for and receiving SSDI benefits can be incredibly complicated and difficult. Most first-time claims (and many appealed claims!) are denied. If you are just beginning the process of filing for SSDI benefits or you have had your initial claim denied, our firm can help.

At Woodruff Johnson & Evans Law Offices, we have decades of collective legal experience—we know how the process works and how to help you recover the benefits you need and are owed. Our Chicago-based Social Security Disability lawyers can help you understand the benefits you are entitled to and help you navigate the filing and appeals process. We can also assist you with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and related issues.

Contact one of our offices in Chicago, Champaign, or Aurora for a free consultation. Call 630-585-2320 or fill out an online contact form to get started.

Who Is Eligible for SSDI Benefits?

Social Security Disability is a work credit-based program that is available to any individual who is medically disabled and who is "insured" by the SSDI program. In order to be "insured," an individual must have earned enough work credits. If a medically disabled individual does not have enough work credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits, he or she may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Our Chicago social security disability attorneys can help you understand the difference between SSDI and SSI—and which program you may be eligible for.

In order to qualify for SSDI, you must show that your disability or medical condition:

• Prevents you from working at any of your pre-disability jobs
• Prevents you from working at another job that is less strenuous (physically and mentally)
• Meets the strict criteria set forth by the Social Security impairment listing

The Social Security impairment listing (also known as the "Blue Book") outlines certain conditions and disabilities that are covered by SSDI. If your condition does not meet Social Security's disability criteria, however, that does not mean you are automatically ineligible to receive benefits. It is possible to secure benefits by proving that your condition is "medically equivalent" to one or more of the covered conditions.

Additionally, when determining if your disability or condition prevents you from obtaining any physically or mentally less-strenuous employment, Social Security will look at several factors. These factors include your age, education level, and skill set. Social Security does not take into account the available jobs in your area, however, when making this decision.

Don't wait to get started! Call our Chicago social security disability attorneys to schedule a free consultation today. Our team is ready to fight for you!