Social Security Disability Benefits Attorney

Experienced Social Security Disability Benefit Attorneys Serving Clients Across the Country

Social Security Disability Benefits AttorneyWhen a disability prevents you from working, the financial and emotional pressure can be immense. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits offer critical federal support for individuals who can no longer sustain gainful employment due to a severe medical condition. However, the process of securing these benefits is notoriously complex, lengthy, and frustrating. With over 60% of initial applications being denied, navigating the system successfully often requires professional guidance. At Eric Buchanan & Associates, our experienced Social Security Disability Benefit attorneys are dedicated to helping clients nationwide. We offer the expertise and compassion needed to successfully navigate the SSA’s challenging system and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Understanding Your Social Security Disability Options

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two primary programs for disability benefits:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For individuals with a disability who have a sufficient work history and have paid Social Security taxes. It is generally based on earned work credits.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

To qualify for either, you must meet strict SSA criteria, including having a qualifying medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

Meet Attorney Eric L. Buchanan

Eric BuchananEric L. Buchanan is the President and Partner of Eric Buchanan & Associates, a recognized national authority specializing exclusively in complex ERISA and individual disability insurance law. His profound expertise is built on his background as a decorated U.S. Navy officer and naval aviator, coupled with his academic success as a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law. Demonstrating his authoritativeness, he holds the highest peer ratings, teaches other attorneys nationwide, and has achieved landmark legal decisions that improve disability laws. The firm’s commitment to their clients is reflected in its national representation capabilities and a contingency fee structure, ensuring clients across the country receive specialized, results-driven legal counsel focused on strategically developing the critical administrative record for maximum success.

The Critical Role of a Social Security Disability Attorney

The SSA evaluates claims based on a massive amount of documentation, including medical records, work history, and the official severity of your condition. Mistakes, omissions, or insufficient medical evidence are the leading causes of denial.

A specialized Social Security Disability benefits lawyer from Eric Buchanan & Associates is vital for overcoming these obstacles:

1. Expert Application & Filing

We begin by thoroughly assessing your case to determine eligibility for SSDI or SSI. We meticulously prepare your initial application, ensuring all forms are complete, all deadlines are met, and the necessary medical evidence is included. Preventing errors at this first stage is crucial.

2. Strategic Appeal of Denial

If your initial claim is denied—which is common—don’t give up. We aggressively manage the appeals process, which can involve:

  • Reconsideration
  • Hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
  • Further appeal to the Appeals Council or Federal Court.

3. Preparation and Representation at ALJ Hearings

The hearing before an ALJ is often the most critical step in securing benefits. Our attorneys prepare you thoroughly, gather compelling new evidence, and effectively cross-examine vocational and medical experts. Our experience in these settings ensures your case is presented clearly and persuasively to demonstrate the extent of your disability.

4. Case Maximization

We work to ensure your benefits are correctly calculated and that you receive the maximum payment amount you are entitled to, assisting with any post-approval issues like overpayments or adjustments.

Why Choose Us—Social Security Disability Benefit Claims Representation You Can Trust

Unparalleled, Specialized SSDI/SSI Expertise: We are a boutique law firm that focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, in addition to our disability insurance practice. We have successfully handled thousands of disability cases against the Social Security Administration (SSA), giving us a level of insight into their rules and procedures that few firms can match.

Nationally Recognized Attorneys Who Educate Our Peers: Our attorneys are seen as leaders in this field. We are frequently invited to teach other lawyers about Social Security and federal disability law at national conferences. When you hire us, you are retaining attorneys who are acknowledged masters of the subject matter.

Proven Success in Shaping Disability Law: Our success is measurable. We haven’t just won individual cases; we have secured landmark legal decisions that have resulted in improved disability laws for claimants across the country. We don’t just practice the law; we help shape it to benefit our clients.

Strategically Build Your Critical Medical and Vocational Record: The most crucial stage of a Social Security claim is the hearing before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). We urge you to hire us before this stage to properly prepare. Our expertise lies in knowing exactly how to properly develop and build the medical and vocational record needed to give you the best chance of success, including preparing for potential appeal to the Appeals Council or federal court.

Maintain High Ethical and Client Trust: Trust is everything. Our firm holds a Superb (10/10) rating on Avvo and is recognized by esteemed attorney peer-review organizations like Martindale-Hubbell. These high ethical and legal ability ratings from both our clients and our peers demonstrate our professional standing.

We Align Our Interests with Yours Through a Contingency Fee Structure: We believe in the strength of your case and are willing to invest our resources into it. We work on a contingency basis, meaning in most cases, you pay us no attorney fees unless we successfully recover benefits for you. We don’t get paid unless you do. Social Security sets the maximum fee we can charge, protecting your financial recovery.

National Representation: While many firms are limited to practicing in a single state or district, we represent clients all across the country at all levels of the Social Security appeals process.

Take the First Step: Time is Critical

The SSDI process can be lengthy, and strict deadlines apply to appeals. Delays can jeopardize your claim.

Whether you are just starting your application or have recently received a denial, Eric Buchanan & Associates is ready to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us provide the expert, compassionate representation you need to navigate the complexities of the SSDI system and secure your financial peace of mind.

Social Security Disability Benefit FAQ’s

No, it is definitely not too late, but you must act quickly. Most initial claims—often over 60%—are denied. The next critical step is filing an appeal for Reconsideration (or requesting a hearing, depending on the state). You typically only have 60 days from the date you receive your denial letter to file the appeal. An attorney like ours at Eric Buchanan & Associates is essential at this stage to review the denial reason, identify insufficient medical evidence or administrative errors, and strategically build your case before moving to a hearing.

The entire process often takes 1 to 2 years or even longer, especially if you need to appeal to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. The biggest delays usually occur while waiting for the ALJ hearing date. As for cost, our Social Security disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

  • You pay no attorney fees upfront.
  • The attorney only gets paid if they successfully win your benefits.
  • The fee is capped by federal law at 25% of your past-due (back) benefits or a maximum dollar amount (currently $7,200 for 2024, though this maximum changes), whichever is less.

You need comprehensive and consistent medical evidence that documents not just your diagnosis, but, more importantly, your functional limitations. The SSA wants to see:

  • Objective Medical Evidence: Test results, X-rays, MRIs, lab reports, and surgical records.
  • Treatment History: Consistent visits and adherence to your doctor's prescribed treatment plan.
  • Physician Opinions (The Most Crucial): Detailed written statements from your treating doctors that explain specifically what you can and cannot do (e.g., how long you can sit, stand, lift, concentrate, etc.). This functional assessment is key to proving you cannot perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

This depends entirely on the type and amount of work you can do. Social Security evaluates your ability to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). For 2024, the monthly SGA limit is $1,550 (for non-blind individuals).

  • If you can earn more than the SGA limit, you will likely be denied benefits, regardless of your impairment.
  • The key question is whether your condition prevents you from performing your Past Relevant Work and whether there is any other type of full-time work in the national economy that you could adjust to, given your age, education, and functional limitations.