The Disability Law Department focuses on providing legal information to students and community members that have questions about Social Security Disability. With a focus on SSI and SSDI claims, we can be of service in the application process and provide legal information about restrictions that must be met to qualify for benefits. We can assist in appealing applications that have been denied with the possibility to advocate at an Administrative Law Hearing, depending on the individual case. Our services give clients the opportunity to meet the requirements needed to secure the highest possibility of success in their disability claims. We also provide information about accessibility and disability rights to ensure that people are having their needs met. Our goal is to assist people with disabilities in reaching their full potential by providing useful information.
The Disability Law Program
Disclaimer
The Community Legal Information Clinic (CLIC) is an undergraduate law clinic comprised of paralegal interns only. WE ARE NOT ATTTORNEYS AND CANNOT PROVIDE YOU LEGAL ADVICE NOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION. We are paralegal interns and provide legal information only. 10 Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can assistance be provided if I already have a lawyer?
No. CLIC cannot help individuals that already have lawyers. We cannot help those who are already receiving legal advice or representation from another party.
2. Will my information remain protected when receiving help from CLIC?
Definitely! CLIC holds a strict policy of confidentiality. All the information given to us will be managed solely by our staff and coordinated with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
3. What are the disability requirements needed to file for benefits?
There is quite a list of requirements needed to qualify for disability. These can be found in the Social Security Administration Website. Social Security will determine one to be disabled if they meet these along with other requirements:
Social Security finds that you cannot do work that you did before.
Social Security decides that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and Social Security finds that your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
More information can be found in the link below:
The section(s) that contain the medical evaluation of impairments can be found in the Social Security Website as well.
4. Can my child file for disability benefits despite being underaged?
Yes. Any child of any age can file for SSI disability benefits; however, they must meet the requirements needed to qualify for those benefits. These requirements are different compared to those applying as an adult. For a child to be eligible for SSI they must either be blind or disabled. The following link bellow provides more information.
5. How do I start an application for disability benefits?
Your options include applying by:
By phone 1-800-772-1213
Or you can go to your nearest Social Security Office
6. How do I know whether to file an application for SSDI or SSI?
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that pays benefits to yourself and family members that fall under an “insured” status. This means if the individual has worked over a long period of time and recently enough, they can be covered.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that pays benefits to an individual(s) that have very limited income and resources.
7. How long will it take for my application to process?
Applying for disability benefits can be a lengthy process. Once you start your initial application it could last 60 days until a decision about your case is made; however, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get the applicant's medical records and other evidence needed to make a decision.
8. What can I do if my disability application is denied by Social Security?
If one’s disability application is denied they could request for an appeal in response to their case decision. This shifts from an initial application to a reconsideration. You will have 60 days to file for an appeal and you can file that appeal by using one of the following:
Through the website https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html
By phone 1-800-772-1213
Or contacting you Social Security Office.
9. Do you provide advocacy assistance when going to a hearing?
Yes, we do provide advocacy assistance. This depends on the individual’s disability case and the amount of time that is left until that individual’s hearing takes place. This is to ensure that enough evidence is gathered to maximize the client(s) success rate.
10. What can I do if an establishment is not ADA(Americans with Disabilities Act) friendly?
You can file a complaint if you or someone else was discriminated against based on a disability by visiting the ada beta website. You can find out more about filing a complaint at https://beta.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/#where-and-how-to-file-your-complaint
Disclaimer:
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) are used to provide quick accessible information to those who would like to know more about CLIC and about the application/rules for disability benefits. Everyone’s disability claims are unique; therefore, different results may be presented to anyone applying for disability. CLIC is not responsible for any decision that the individual takes while they apply for disability benefits; thus, it is encouraged that the individual pursue help from either our services or from some sort of attorney representation. If one decides to receive assistance from an attorney we will be unable to provide any legal information
