Jon Sipes, top disability lawyer in El Paso, TX provides first-rate representation to individuals seeking Social Security disability benefits in El Paso and surrounding Texas communities. He truly understands the medical and financial challenges facing the disabled, particularly members of our immigrant and LGBTQ communities. By working with such an experienced disability lawyer, you will have peace of mind, knowing that your rights will be protected.
What is a Disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as being unable to perform any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. While the SSA maintains a listing of qualifying impairments (the Blue Book), conditions not included on the list may still be considered disabilities if they are medically equivalent to a listed medical condition.
What types of disability benefits are available in Texas?
If you have an illness or injury and cannot work, you may be eligible for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is only available to disabled individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 who have paid into the Social Security system through income tax deductions. It is also necessary to have acquired enough work credits, based on a number of factors, such as age and work history.
Generally, benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program are limited to disabled or blind individuals over the age of 65 years. It is not necessary to have paid into the Social Security system; however, the applicant’s income and assets cannot exceed certain amounts. Children under the age of 18 who have a qualifying impairment may also qualify for these benefits.
The Disability Benefits Application Process
Applying for SSDI or SSI is complicated. There are lots of required forms to complete and medical evidence to include, such as:
- Doctors’ reports
- Lab tests
- Radiological exams
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Counseling
- Other relevant medical information about your diagnosis and prognosis
Unfortunately, the majority of initial disability benefit claims are denied. At times, this is because the applicant did not have enough work credits or the application contained errors. In other cases, a disability examiner may determine that the applicant is capable of working.
Regardless of the SSA’s explanation for the denial, it takes a skilled disability lawyer to help you obtain the disability benefits you need and deserve. When you work with Jon Sipes, Attorney at Law, you can rest assured that your application will be handled with care, skill, and personal attention.
Disability Appeals Attorney in El Paso, Texas
Have you received a letter from Social Security notifying you that your benefits claim has been denied? That’s the time to call Jon Sipes, Attorney-at-law. You should know that you have a right to a file an SSDI appeal, however, it takes a highly skilled disability lawyer to protect your rights during the appeals process.
Within 60 days of receiving your denial notice, you must file a Request for Reconsideration with the SSA. The claim will then be reevaluated by a disability examiner and a medical consultant who did not participate in the initial review. There must be a new diagnosis or the condition must have worsened for a reconsideration to be approved; only 20 percent are.
The next step is to request a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ), also within 60 days of the reconsideration denial. A disability hearing is not an official court proceeding, but rather a meeting at an SSA field office with a Social Security attorney (the ALJ), your disability lawyer, and any witnesses.
The purpose of a disability hearing is to determine how your condition affects your daily activities. Medical experts (including your doctor) can also provide evidence and testimony about the severity of your impairment. With Jon Sipes at your side, you will be able to make it through the disability hearing and get the benefits you deserve.
If your claim is denied, we will take it to the Appeals Council for further review. The council can take the following actions:
- Overturn the decision
- Remand it (send it back) to the ALJ for further review
- Deny the claim
It takes a skilled disability lawyer to make sure the medical record is thorough and accurate because this will weigh heavily in the final decision by the Appeals Council.
Contact Our El Paso Social Security Disability Attorney
Jon Sipes, Attorney at Law, has a working knowledge of the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability benefits and a proven history of helping his clients obtain the benefits they need and deserve. He is committed to protecting the rights of disabled individuals throughout El Paso and surrounding Texas communities.
Attorney Sipes truly understands the physical, emotional, and financial burdens facing you, and can help to lift those burdens by providing you with informed representation and personal guidance. When you become his client, you will have a dedicated disability advocate in your corner, fighting for your rights.
Jon Sipes knows the ins and outs of the Social Security system; he has fostered working relationships with disability examiners, which can make a difference in a disability claim. Jon has a well-deserved reputation for adhering to the highest ethical standards and providing his clients with skilled and competent representation.
Above all, Jon Sipes, Attorney-at-Law will stand by you every step of the way and help you navigate all aspects of your disability claim. Jon Sipes offers free consultations, and you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until he wins disability benefits for you. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can get started on your claim.
Jon Sipes helps clients with their disability benefits claim throughout Texas including El Paso, Alpine, Amarillo, Lubbock, Marfa, Midland, and Odessa.
This information included on these pages does not constitute legal advice and should be used as such. They are for informational purposes only.Â