An Austin and Central Texas Social Security Disability Lawyer

An Austin and Central Texas Social Security Disability Lawyer 

Practice Areas of The Law Office of Dan Wimmer

At The Law Office of Dan Wimmer, we understand the journey to securing Social Security benefits can be overwhelming and challenging. This is why we limited our practice to only two unique areas of law: Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Each program serves critical functions for individuals facing disabilities or basic needs, yet the pathways to obtaining either benefit can differ significantly.

For example, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed for those who have contributed to the Social Security system during their work history. It provides financial support to individuals unable to work due to severe disabilities. The eligibility criteria can be intricate, requiring an examination of your work records, the nature of your disability, the limitations caused by your condition, and the length of time the limitation prevented you from working. Navigating this system alone can lead to confusion and potential denial of claims. This is where a dedicated Social Security Disability lawyer can help.

On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers a safety net for those who may not have a strong work history but still face significant financial needs due to their disabilities. Qualifying for SSI does not rely on your prior earnings but is determined by an applicant’s current economic status. This means that even if you haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI, you might still be eligible for assistance through SSI. However, there are statutory limits to specific assets. As a compassionate and knowledgeable Social Security Disability lawyer, I will strive to simplify this complex process for you.

We understand SSDI and SSI rules and can assess your unique situation. We guide our clients through every step, from the initial application stage through all administrative appeals, ensuring that they don’t navigate this challenging landscape alone. Your health, well-being, and financial stability are paramount to us, and we are here to fight and work for you and your family.

After submitting an “initial application,” SSA will determine if the claimant has sufficient work credits. The application is then sent to DDS, the department that will order your medical records. DDS will also evaluate whether the claimant would pass the SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process. Each step of the five-step process is essential, but Step Four and Five are critical. At steps four and five, SSA will determine whether you can work at some job involving your past work skills or whether any of your past skills enable you to work at a new trade. An attorney must use the case’s evidence and present strong arguments about why your particular disability limits any work activities. Our job is to show that you are unable to work anywhere because of the limitations caused by your disability.

Although the process begins by completing several sets of forms, there is a high likelihood SSA will require additional forms. However, simply completing forms is a long way from determining whether your condition meets SSA’s definition of disability. Your medical records play a crucial role and are the most important evidence SSA uses to determine whether a claimant receives SSDI/SSI benefits.

As you can see, there are many obstacles to getting the benefits you were promised. This is why we recommend hiring a Social Security disability attorney at the beginning of the claim process and many times even before seeing a doctor. We stress this point because there are many ways to explain the effects of your symptoms and conditions to doctors, and those explanations must become part of your medical records.

When You Will Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Suppose you qualified for SSDI/SSI benefits, but the SSA denied your initial claim. In that situation, this is when you might consider having a Social Security Disability attorney take over. Every level of the SSA appeal process can be complicated and confusing.

At the Law Office of Dan Wimmer, we can provide our clients with skilled advocacy from the initial application and throughout the administrative appeal stages. We may also represent clients if they choose to pursue the SSA in federal district court action. Fortunately, in recent years, federal district courts have remanded (sent back to SSA) for reevaluation about 52% of the claims the agency has denied. We can provide a free, non-obligation claim evaluation if your claim is denied.

Any medically determined physical or mental health problem, if severe enough, could be deemed “disabling.” If you have satisfied SSA’s requirements, a disability attorney can review your case and make suggestions that could improve your chances of being awarded benefits. We will also represent claimants who have been denied benefits when suffering from disabling conditions such as spinal cord impairments, pulmonary or cardiac disabilities, some forms of depression, disorders of the blood systems, some types of fibromyalgia and neuropathy, and numerous other illnesses, disabilities, and conditions.

Yes, Social Security disability benefits are difficult to obtain!

There are many reasons why Social Security benefits have become so difficult to obtain. For example, claimants who miss Social Security deadlines will have their claims denied. Also, current or prior paperwork containing contradictions or inaccurate information will contribute to a claim being denied. Claims are also denied for many non-medical reasons, such as failing to make SSA scheduled medical appointments or not supplementing a file, ignoring medical treatment plans, insufficient medical records, and significant gaps between medical care appointments. Of course, if the medical records and other evidence submitted do not prove a person is disabled, denial is likely.

In addition to the above, SSA has denied applications based on how claimants have answered specific SSA-Form questions. A good illustration of how this might occur is discussed under the “Our Approach” section and SSA-Form 3373 and question 20(a). Answers to every claim application question must always be accurate and honest, but there are ways to provide this information. Still, medical records are the most crucial evidence SSA will use in determining a claimant’s eligibility. Even so, a claimant cannot be awarded disability benefits solely because their doctor has said they are disabled. Instead, the analysis is whether your disability prevents you from working at any job. By avoiding mistakes and providing clear information that shows how your condition limits your activities, those claimants are more likely to have their applications approved. Claimants can also strengthen their applications by having a disability attorney evaluate them before filing.

Some claims have been denied because the claimant waited too long to file the claim. Do not wait to get the help you need. There is a critical timeline between the date of your injury and when you can make a claim, known as the “Date Last Insured” (DLI). The DLI rule may determine whether or not you are even able to file for SSDI benefits. Therefore, if you encounter a DLI problem, contact our office.

Choosing the Right Social Security Disability Lawyer

When navigating the complex world of Social Security Disability law, having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference. At The Law Office of Dan Wimmer, we are dedicated to helping individuals like you secure the benefits you deserve, and we will guide you through every step of the process.

Why is choosing the right Social Security disability lawyer so important? The answer is simple: your future and financial stability are at stake. Because of the risk to your financial stability, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. From filing the initial application to appealing a denied claim, our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that your claim is appropriately treated because we understand that every case is unique.

One key aspect of our practice is our focus on representing clients with a wide range of disabilities. Whether you are facing physical or mental issues, or spinal, pulmonary, cardiac disability, disorders of the blood systems, or endocrine system disability, we are here to advocate for you. Our approach also extends to numerous other illnesses and ailments with the same professionalism and compassion.

If your work history is not significant enough to qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, don’t lose hope. You may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and we can also guide you through that process. Our team understands the intricacies of obtaining these benefits, and we will work tirelessly to maximize your chances of success.

Navigating the world of Social Security Disability benefits can be overwhelming, with deadlines, paperwork, and complex guidelines to follow. That’s why it’s crucial to have a qualified attorney with knowledge on your side. Our team has the ability and dedication to navigate this process. Collecting the necessary information to support your claim for SSDI benefits can be a daunting task. However, with our SSDI benefits attorney by your side, you can rest assured that every aspect of the process will be handled diligently. Also, Dan Wimmer personally handles every case, eliminating confusion and ensuring consistent communication. Please schedule a consultation today and let us guide you on the path to securing the benefits you deserve.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call The Law Office of Dan Wimmer today at 1-833-833-2026.