Social Security Permanent Disability Lawyer in Chicago

Attorney for Social Security Total Permanent Disability Claims in Illinois

To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, an applicant does not necessarily need to prove a permanent disability. However, there is a durational requirement to receive benefits and you must also be "totally disabled" as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The application process for Social Security Disability is lengthy and confusing, and the majority of claimants are denied benefits. To increase your chances of approval, it is important to work with an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer.

At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, we have helped thousands of disabled claimants in Chicago and throughout Illinois become approved for the benefits they deserve. Managing attorney Jonathan L. Pearson has devoted his career exclusively to disability law because he has a passion for helping those who have difficulty dealing with the complexities of the application and appeals process. Mr. Pearson is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR). He puts his experience to work to guide applicants (at whatever stage they are in the process) toward a positive outcome in their case.

Permanent Disability and Social Security

When claimants apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, they must have a medical condition that renders them unable to work for at least the past 12 months or 12 months into the future. In many cases, the SSA anticipates that the condition will eventually improve and the applicant will someday be able to return to work. In fact, there are times when a claimant applies for benefits and, during the lengthy process, their condition improves enough for them to return to gainful employment. Although such individuals might not qualify for ongoing benefits, they still may be eligible for a lump-sum payment for the limited period in which they were unable to work. For individuals who are over the age of 50, a condition that will prevent them from returning to work they have done in the past and limit them to unskilled or sedentary work will be presumed to be a disability.

For individuals who do have a total permanent disability, their claims may be subject to continuing disability review (CDR). Depending on the specific condition and probability of improvement, a CDR could be conducted after one, three or seven years. During a typical review, all that is necessary to ensure continuation of benefits is documentation from qualified medical professionals that the claimant is still suffering from the same condition and there has been no significant improvement since benefits were originally approved. Permanently disabled claimants can usually continue receiving benefits until age 65, at which time retirement benefits begin.

Though permanent disability is not necessary for SSDI or SSI approval, you must still show evidence of a total disability. In general, this means having a debilitating illness or injury that is in the SSA listing of impairments, is medically equivalent in severity to a listed impairment, or renders you functionally unable to work. In addition, you must earn less income than the SSA monthly threshold for substantial gainful activity (SGA).

At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, we understand the frustration countless individuals experience in applying for Social Security Disability. Mr. Pearson works with each client personally to determine the best course of action to prove a total disability and gain approval for benefits. In addition, he handles each case on a contingency basis, so you only pay if he wins your case. For skilled guidance on all issues related to Social Security Disability benefits, contact our office today at 312-999-0999 for your free consultation.