Assisting the disabled in Utah since 1944
If you are unable to work full time and do not earn more than $1,130 per month or if your disability is likely to last more than 12 months, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Social Security Disability system is complicated, so it is critical to have an attorney on your side who takes the time and has the experience to help you.
Phillip B. Shell has helped disabled individuals and their families get needed Social Security Disability benefits for decades. He gets you the benefits you’re entitled to, regardless of the nature of your disability.
What if my application is denied?
Most initial applications for Social Security Disability benefits are denied. If that happens to you, you must file a request for reconsideration within 60 days of the date of the denial. If you are denied at the reconsideration stage, then you must file an application for a hearing within 60 days of the date your request for reconsideration was denied. The application for a hearing allows you to present your case to an administrative law judge at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.
There are essentially four stages of review for denied Social Security Disability claims:
- Request for reconsideration
- Administrative hearing before an administrative law judge
- Appeals Council
- Federal court
If the administrative law judge denies your claim, you can continue by appealing to Social Security’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council either accepts the request and holds a hearing or denies the request for review. If the Appeals Council denies your request for review, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court.
Phil can help you request reconsideration of your initial denial, as well as take your case to an administrative hearing and even further, if necessary.
How much can I get through Social Security Disability?
The amount of your monthly disability benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. The formula is complex, but most recipients receive between $300 and $2,200 per month. Currently, the average SSDI payment is $1,132, and the maximum disability benefit is $2,533.
To see your entire covered earnings history, you can check your annual Social Security Statement. While the Social Security Administration has stopped mailing out annual Social Security Statements to many people, you can check your statement online.
The Social Security Disability attorney Phillip Shell is available to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. He will help you develop your claim by obtaining medical reports and other evidence so you have the best chance of succeeding at your hearing.
Contact Us –
Our Social Security Disability Attorney is Ready to Help You
Social Security Disability attorney Phillip B. Shell has been successfully representing those in need of benefits for nearly 40 years. A true expert on the system and its many complexities, Phil will help you develop your disability claim by way of obtaining needed medical reports and other evidence, so at the hearing you will have your best chance of succeeding.
Call Phil to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. He represents clients throughout Utah as well as many states with Utah-related claims. He has the experience to help you. He is available for virtual and in-person appointments during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m) as well as evenings and weekends as needed.