Denied SSDI? How to Appeal and Win Your Case

The SSDI Application Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be an overwhelming process, especially when dealing with serious health issues that limit your ability to work. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our experienced disability attorneys have helped thousands of individuals secure the benefits they need by guiding them through each stage of the SSDI application process.


This guide offers a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for SSDI, what documents you'll need, how to avoid common mistakes, and what happens after your application is submitted. With strong knowledge of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and a commitment to personalized legal support, we are here to help you every step of the way.


How to Start Your SSDI Claim

You can file an SSDI claim in one of three ways:

1. Online:
Visit the SSA’s official website at www.ssa.gov to start your application online. This option is available 24/7 and is best suited for applicants who are comfortable navigating the internet and have access to their medical and work history documents.

2. By Phone:
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to initiate your claim over the phone. This option is ideal for individuals who prefer to speak directly with a representative and may need help understanding the process.

3. In-Person:
Visit your local Social Security office by scheduling an appointment. For applicants who want face-to-face support or have complex cases, in-person applications can provide an added level of assistance.

At Wood & Carlton, P.C., we often begin by reviewing our clients’ situations in detail to determine which method is most effective and to help ensure that their application is complete and accurate from the start.


Required Forms and Documentation

To file a strong SSDI claim, you’ll need to gather and submit several pieces of information and documentation, including:

Personal and Identity Documents:

  • Social Security number
  • Birth certificate or other proof of age
  • Marital status and spouse’s information
  • Names and birthdates of children (if applicable)

Medical Records:

  • Detailed list of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and therapists who have treated you
  • All treatment records, test results, imaging reports, and specialist notes
  • Prescribed medications and treatment plans

Work History:

  • Comprehensive work history for the past 15 years
  • Job descriptions and physical requirements of each job
  • Tax documents such as W-2s or federal tax returns

Other:

  • Direct deposit information for benefit payments
  • Any correspondence or records from past disability claims


Thorough and accurate documentation is one of the most critical factors in getting your application approved. Incomplete or inconsistent records are a leading cause of delays and denials.


Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Application Process

The SSDI application process is strict and detail-oriented. Many applicants are denied not because they aren’t eligible, but because of preventable errors in the paperwork or missing information. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:


Submitting an Incomplete Medical History:
Failing to include full medical records and physician statements can weaken your claim. The SSA must see evidence that your condition is serious, long-lasting, and prevents you from working.


Inconsistent Statements:
Your written application, medical records, and oral statements must align. Discrepancies between what you say and what your records show can raise red flags.


Filing Under the Wrong Program:
Confusing SSDI with SSI (Supplemental Security Income) can delay your case. SSDI is based on work credits, while SSI is income-based. We can help determine the right path.


Not Following Up:
After you submit your application, it’s important to stay in touch with the SSA. Failing to respond to requests for additional documents or exam appointments can result in your application being closed.

By working with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer, you reduce the likelihood of these errors and increase your chances of success.


How Long Does the SSDI Application Process Take?

The SSDI application timeline can vary based on the complexity of your case, the SSA’s current workload, and how complete your initial submission is. On average, initial decisions take between three and five months.

Key timeline benchmarks:

  • Application Submission: Day 1
  • Initial Review: 30–90 days
  • Medical Evidence Review: 60–120 days
  • Decision Letter Issued: Typically within five months


If additional evidence or a Consultative Examination (CE) is needed, expect additional delays. If you’re approved, your benefits will begin after a five-month waiting period from the date the SSA determines your disability began.


What Happens After You Apply?

Once you’ve submitted your SSDI application, the following steps occur:

1. Non-Medical Review:
SSA will verify your work history, income, and citizenship or lawful status.

2. Medical Review:
Your case is sent to a state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. They will evaluate your medical condition and may request additional records.

3. Consultative Examination (if necessary):
If DDS needs more information, they may schedule a CE with a doctor contracted by the SSA. This exam is free but may delay your decision.

4. Final Decision:
You’ll receive a decision letter in the mail stating either approval or denial. If denied, the letter will explain the reasons and outline your appeal options.


Tips for Expediting Your SSDI Application

While there’s no way to guarantee faster processing, certain strategies can reduce delays and increase the likelihood of a smooth process:

Submit Comprehensive Medical Documentation:
Ensure all records, doctor notes, diagnoses, test results, and treatment histories are included with your initial application.

Respond Promptly to All SSA Requests:
If SSA asks for additional documents, clarifications, or schedules a CE, respond immediately. Missed deadlines can stall or cancel your application.

Highlight Urgent Conditions:
If you have a condition on the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance (CAL) list or a terminal illness, let them know early. These applications are typically expedited.

Follow Up Consistently:
Call the SSA to check on your claim’s status every 30 days. Document all communications for your records.

Hire a Knowledgeable SSDI Lawyer:
An experienced attorney can help ensure your claim is complete, accurate, and persuasive from the start.


Why Choose Wood & Carlton, P.C. to Help with Your SSDI Claim?

At Wood & Carlton, P.C., we focus on removing the stress and confusion from the SSDI process. Our legal team has decades of experience helping individuals across Mississippi and Western Tennessee secure the disability benefits they’re entitled to. We offer:

  • Free consultations
  • No upfront fees—we only get paid if you win
  • Complete application assistance
  • Personalized, local service from attorneys who care
  • Offices conveniently located in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc

We understand the financial and emotional toll disability can take. Let us help ease the burden by handling the paperwork and legal strategy while you focus on your health.


Ready to Apply for SSDI? Let’s Get Started

If you’re unable to work due to a medical condition, the SSDI program may be your lifeline. Don’t go through the application process alone. Contact Wood & Carlton, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation and get the legal support you need from attorneys who understand your situation and know how to win SSDI claims.

Understanding How Age Affects Social Security Disability Benefits: Guidance from Wood & Carlton, P.C.

May 8, 2025
Introduction: Age is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. As individuals age, their likelihood of experiencing disabling medical conditions increases, making it essential to understand how age affects SSDI benefits. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our experienced attorneys specialize in SSDI claims and can provide valuable insights to help you navigate the impact of age on disability benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore how age influences SSDI benefits and offer guidance to individuals seeking disability support. Age as a Factor in SSDI Eligibility: The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers age as one of the key factors in determining SSDI eligibility. The age at which you become disabled can impact the criteria used to evaluate your disability claim and the amount of benefits you may receive.  Full Retirement Age (FRA): The SSA uses a concept known as Full Retirement Age (FRA) to determine the age at which individuals can receive full Social Security retirement benefits. FRA varies based on your year of birth, ranging from 65 to 67 years old. Individuals who become disabled before reaching FRA may be eligible for SSDI benefits, while those who become disabled after reaching FRA may transition to retirement benefits. Impact on Disability Ratings: Age can also affect the way disability ratings are assessed by the SSA. Older individuals may receive more favorable disability ratings due to the likelihood of experiencing more severe medical conditions associated with aging. Additionally, the SSA may consider the impact of age on an individual's ability to adapt to new work environments or acquire new job skills when evaluating disability claims. Vocational Factors: As individuals age, vocational factors such as work history, education level, and transferable skills become increasingly important in determining SSDI eligibility. The SSA may take into account an individual's past work experience and ability to perform gainful employment in light of age-related limitations. Legal Advocacy from Wood & Carlton, P.C.: Navigating the SSDI claims process can be complex, especially when age-related factors come into play. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., our experienced SSDI attorneys can provide comprehensive legal assistance and guidance to help you understand how age affects your eligibility for disability benefits. Whether you're nearing retirement age or experiencing age-related disabilities, we can advocate for your rights and help you navigate the SSDI claims process with confidence. Conclusion: Understanding how age affects SSDI benefits is essential for individuals navigating the disability claims process. With the experienced attorneys at Wood & Carlton, P.C. by your side, you can navigate the complexities of SSDI eligibility with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your SSDI claim and learn more about how we can help you secure the benefits you deserve based on your age and disability status.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation After a Workplace Injury in Mississippi: Insights from Wood & Carlton, P.C.

May 1, 2025
Introduction: Suffering a workplace injury can be a devastating experience, both physically and financially. If you've been injured on the job in Mississippi, seeking legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our experienced attorneys specialize in workers' compensation law and can provide the guidance and advocacy you need during this challenging time. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of seeking legal representation after a workplace injury and how our firm can help you navigate the workers' compensation process.  Understanding Your Rights: After a workplace injury, it's essential to understand your rights under Mississippi workers' compensation law. However, navigating the complexities of workers' compensation claims can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with the physical and emotional toll of your injury. Seeking legal representation allows you to have a knowledgeable advocate on your side who can explain your rights, evaluate your case, and guide you through the claims process. Maximizing Your Benefits: One of the primary reasons to seek legal representation after a workplace injury is to ensure you receive the full extent of benefits available to you. Insurance companies may try to minimize the compensation they offer, but an experienced workers' compensation attorney can fight for your rights and help you obtain the maximum benefits you deserve. Whether it's medical expenses, lost wages, or disability benefits, our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries. Navigating Complex Legal Procedures: The workers' compensation process involves complex legal procedures and deadlines that can be difficult to navigate without legal guidance. From filing your initial claim to appealing a denial, there are numerous steps involved in securing workers' compensation benefits. By hiring an attorney from Wood & Carlton, P.C., you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Mississippi workers' compensation law and will ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Legal Advocacy from Wood & Carlton, P.C.: At Wood & Carlton, P.C., we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to injured workers throughout Mississippi. When you choose our firm to represent you, you can expect personalized attention, dedicated advocacy, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Our attorneys will handle all aspects of your workers' compensation claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities on your behalf. Conclusion: If you've been injured on the job in Mississippi, seeking legal representation is essential to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. With the experienced attorneys at Wood & Carlton, P.C. by your side, you can navigate the workers' compensation process with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you recover from your workplace injury.

Understanding the Impact of Work History on Social Security Disability Eligibility: Guidance from Wood & Carlton, P.C.

April 17, 2025
Introduction: Navigating the intricacies of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the role of work history. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices conveniently located in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our knowledgeable attorneys specialize in SSDI claims and can provide valuable insights to help you determine your eligibility. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore the impact of work history on SSDI eligibility and offer guidance to individuals seeking disability benefits.  The Role of Work History in SSDI Eligibility: Your work history plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula to assess whether you have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for disability benefits. Work Credits: SSDI eligibility is based on work credits, which are earned through payment of Social Security taxes on your earnings. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits based on your age at the time of disability onset. Recent Work Test: In addition to earning enough work credits, you must also meet the recent work test, which evaluates whether you have worked recently enough to be eligible for SSDI benefits. The recent work test considers the number of years you have worked leading up to your disability onset date. Duration of Work: The duration of your work history is another important factor in SSDI eligibility. The SSA considers your total years of work and evaluates whether you have worked long enough to qualify for disability benefits. Generally, individuals with a longer work history are more likely to meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI benefits. Part-Time Work and Self-Employment: Even if you have worked part-time or been self-employed, you may still be eligible for SSDI benefits if you have earned enough work credits and met the recent work test criteria. The SSA evaluates your earnings over a certain period to determine your eligibility based on part-time or self-employment work. Legal Advocacy from Wood & Carlton, P.C.: Navigating the SSDI eligibility requirements related to work history can be complex, but you don't have to navigate this process alone. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., our experienced SSDI attorneys can provide comprehensive legal assistance and guidance to help you understand your eligibility for disability benefits. We can review your work history, assess your eligibility, and advocate for your rights throughout the claims process. Conclusion: Understanding the impact of work history on SSDI eligibility is crucial for individuals seeking disability benefits. With the guidance of experienced attorneys at Wood & Carlton, P.C., you can navigate the SSDI claims process with confidence and increase your chances of securing the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your SSDI claim and learn more about how we can assist you.
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