Learn How a Local & Experience Law Firm Will Fight to Win Your SSDI/SSI Benefits Fast
Dixon & Johnston Law Office, based in Belleville, Illinois, proudly serves clients throughout Southern Illinois, the Metro East, and the greater St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Offering experienced legal counsel of over 30 years, experience from initial applications to denied benefits appeals for individuals unable to work or with minimal income.
Take the first step toward obtaining your rightful disability benefits with our expert guidance in the Social Security Disability process.
- Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning
- Legal Advice on Disability-Related Matters
- Veterans’ Disability Benefits
- Guidance Through SSDI and SSI Initial
- Applications Assistance with Medical and Vocational Issues
- Disability and Housing Benefits
- Fraud Protection
- Workplace Discrimination and Accommodations (ADA)
- Private Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Appeals for Denied
- Disability Claims (Including Reconsideration and Hearings)
- Overpayment Issues and Waiver Requests
- Medicare/Medicaid Eligibility Tied to Disability Approval
- Coordination with State Programs
Frequently ASKED Questions
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI, and which program do I qualify for?
SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid taxes into the system, while SSI is for people with limited income and resources who may not have a work history. If you’re unsure which program applies to your situation, Dixon and Johnston Law Office can help determine your eligibility.
How does the Social Security Administration assess my eligibility for disability benefits?
The SSA evaluates disability claims based on whether you are unable to perform your prior job, cannot transition to other types of work due to your medical condition(s), and if your disability is expected to last for at least one year or lead to death. It is crucial to provide accurate documentation and meet all required deadlines.
What should I do if my Social Security Disability claim is denied?
If your SSDI or SSI claim is denied, it’s important to act quickly. Dixon and Johnston Law Office has years of experience appealing denied claims and can guide you through the process to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
How can Dixon and Johnston Law Office assist with my SSDI or SSI claim?
We offer comprehensive legal support from start to finish, including help with your application, gathering necessary documentation, and representing you during appeals. Our experienced attorneys in Belleville, Illinois, are here to ensure your claim is handled properly.
What makes the Social Security disability benefits application process so challenging?
The application requires filling out numerous forms, submitting comprehensive evidence, and adhering to tight deadlines. Many applicants find this process daunting, but ensuring everything is completed accurately is vital to increasing the likelihood of a successful claim. Our experienced team is here to assist you at every stage.
What are 10 Common Reasons for Social Security Administration (SSA) Disability Claim Denials
- Insufficient Medical Evidence
- Earning Too Much Income (Substantial Gainful Activity – SGA)
- Condition Not Severe or Long-Lasting Enough
- Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment
- Insufficient Work Credits (for SSDI)
- Excess Income or Resources (for SSI)
- Ability to Perform Past or Other Work
- Substance Abuse as a Material Factor
- Failure to Cooperate or Provide Information
- Other Technical Issues
Real Experiences, Real Results
See how we’ve helped clients just like you secure the disability benefits they deserve. Learn about their experiences here.
Workers' Compensation for Disability
Have a disability and are trying to file for worker’s compensation? A disability lawyer can assist you through the process of filing a claim and can assist in handling claim denials to secure the fair benefits you deserve.
Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning
Your disability lawyer can help you set up a special needs trust to protect your assets while maintaining public benefits. This will help maintain eligibility for public benefits and preserve assets. You can also set up a guardianship or conservatorship to help with medical or financial decisions in the case that someone with a disability can no longer make decisions on their own.
Legal Advice on Disability-Related Matters
General legal support is available for those who speak to a disability lawyer. Whether it’s addressing discrimination or navigating services, they can provide guidance tailored to each situation, even legal representation in court if required.
Social Security Administration (SSA) Evaluations
- Are you currently performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)?
- Do your medical conditions cause severe impairments?
- Does your condition meet or equal one of the SSA’s listed impairments?
- Are you able to perform the work you did previously?
- Is there any other type of work you can perform given your age, education, skills, and limitations?
Assistance with Medical and Vocational Issues
To help show the severity of disability your disability, your lawyer will work closely with medical providers. Vocational experts may also be consulted by your disability lawyer in order to help determine how your disability affects your performance at work to help strengthen your case.
Disability and Housing Benefits
If you need help finding affordable housing or resolving disputes, a lawyer can provide the support you need. With addition to housing, a disability lawyer can also help you apply for public benefits such as SNAP or Medicaid.
Fraud Protection
Your lawyer will work to protect you from fraud, such as fake benefit services or SSDI scams. They can also help you spot red flags and make sure you’re only working with trusted resources.
Workplace Discrimination and Accommodations
You deserve fair & equal opportunities within the workplace regardless of your disability. Lawyers who take these cases fight hard for those facing discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These lawyers will help you file a complaint with the correct state and federal agencies. They can also help with negotiations for reasonable accommodation to help ensure that employers meet their legal responsibilities.
Private Long-Term Disability Insurance Issues
If you have long-term disability insurance, a lawyer can help you understand your policy terms and file claims. They can also help you if an insurance company denies your claim. Your disability lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit against an insurance company refusing to pay the benefits for breach of contract or bad faith practices.
Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI)
Disability lawyers help clients apply for Social Security benefits, ensuring the right medical records and documentation are submitted to strengthen the claim. If the benefits you applied for are denied, a lawyer can represent you during appeals. For persistent denials, attorneys assist with filing reconsideration requests or taking the case to the Social Security Administration Appeals Council or federal courts.