SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY & Supplemental Security Income

 The attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan & McGuire are committed to helping individuals obtain the Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits they need. For more than 25 years, we have represented clients in Denver and throughout Colorado.

We work to ensure our clients receive the benefits necessary to maintain stability and quality of life when a disability or illness prevents them from working. Our experience handling SSDI claims and appeals allows us to effectively navigate the administrative process and the substantial documentation requirements involved.

We understand what Administrative Law Judges consider when reviewing SSDI appeals. From the outset of your case, we develop a focused legal strategy, gather medical evidence, and work to strengthen your claim. If your case is denied at the hearing, we are prepared to pursue further appeals when appropriate.

Example:
Two individuals with similar disabling injuries may receive different SSDI outcomes based on factors such as age, work history, and medical documentation. When a claim is denied, we help clients understand the reasons for the decision and explore all available options for appeal.

Our attorneys are dedicated to SSDI law and regularly share their knowledge through professional education and lectures. We bring this experience and insight to every case we handle.

 There is often confusion between the Social Security Administration’s two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are unsure which program applies to your situation, you are not alone.

At Sullivan Sullivan & McGuire, we help clients understand the difference between SSDI and SSI and pursue the benefits that best fit their circumstances.

The key distinction between SSDI and SSI is eligibility. Both programs require that you meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability and be unable to work. However, SSDI also requires sufficient work history. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits through prior employment and contributions to Social Security, which effectively “insures” you for disability benefits.

SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program. It does not require work history, but it does require that you have limited income and assets.

The amount of benefits also varies between the two programs. SSDI benefits are based on your prior earnings and work history, and are typically higher than SSI benefits. SSI benefits are set by federal guidelines and may be reduced depending on other income or resources you receive.

Understanding these differences is an important first step in determining which program you may qualify for and how to move forward with a claim.

 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are programs designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or injury. At Sullivan Sullivan & McGuire, we are committed to helping clients understand their rights and pursue the benefits they need to move forward.

When we take a case, we focus on building a strong, well-supported claim and guiding clients through every stage of the process. Our experience handling SSDI and SSI claims allows us to navigate the system effectively and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Eligibility for SSDI is based primarily on your work history. The Social Security Administration uses “work credits,” earned through prior employment, to determine whether you qualify and the level of benefits available.

SSI is different. It is a needs-based program that does not require a work history, but it does require limited income and financial resources. While SSI benefits are generally lower than SSDI, they can provide essential support for individuals who qualify.

Understanding these differences is an important step in identifying which program applies to your situation and how to move forward with a claim.

Example:
A warehouse manager who suffers a serious injury and is unable to return to work may apply for SSDI benefits. Even when medical evidence supports disability, initial applications are sometimes denied. In these situations, the appeals process becomes critical, and we help clients understand their options and pursue further review when appropriate.

At Sullivan Sullivan & McGuire, we provide personalized attention and dedicated representation to individuals facing disability from injury or illness, ensuring they have support throughout the process.

 Most people do not think about disability benefits until they are suddenly unable to work. Many individuals have maintained steady employment until a serious event—such as a car accident or workplace injury—prevents them from continuing their regular job. The resulting loss of income can be overwhelming and uncertain.

The Social Security Administration administers two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While they are often confused, they serve different purposes.

Both programs require proof of a severe disability that prevents full-time work. However, SSDI is designed for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn sufficient work credits. SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program intended to assist individuals with limited income and resources who do not qualify for SSDI.

At Sullivan Sullivan & McGuire, we help individuals navigate both SSDI and SSI claims. Our team works with clients throughout the process, assisting with applications, medical documentation, and appeals when necessary.

Countless Social Security Disability claims result in denials. That does not mean a denied disability claim is not legitimate. You do not have to accept a denial. 

The attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire can stand by your side to appeal the decision and help you get the benefits you need. If you or a loved one has had a Social Security Disability claim denied, we are here for you. Since 1982, the law firm of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire has helped people who cannot work due to injury or illness. We can stand beside people in Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado. When you choose us, you can be assured that you will have an experienced attorney from start to finish. Your case will not be passed around the office. We will be here for you when you need us. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) may give a wide range of reasons for denial of an SSDI or SSI claim, including:   

• Injury or illness does not meet their criteria for a disability
• Not enough work credits
• Insufficient medical evidence of disability

No matter what reason you were given for your denied SSD claim, we can help. We will make every effort to ensure that your rights are observed and that you get what you deserve. How Do I Appeal a Denied Disability Claim? 

Understanding why your claim was denied is the first step to appealing the SSA’s decision. The next step involves ensuring the information presented to the SSA is as thorough and detailed as possible. Our attorneys have in-depth research and writing skills, a key element in any appeal process. We ensure our clients’ paperwork is complete and accurate, and the evidence they use to support the claim does that. We review the filing process to ensure deadlines are met and will be met during the appeal. Perhaps most importantly, we investigate the details surrounding our clients’ medical conditions by speaking with medical professionals, occupational experts, and financial analysts who can provide insight into the full scope of our clients’ needs.

 In many cases, compounding factors, like one disability that coincides with another impairment, are what make the difference between an accepted and denied claim. We can ensure that no key information is overlooked.  

Due to an injury sustained in a severe truck accident, Harlan could no longer continue working at his job as a roofer. He sent in a  Social Security Disability claim and was denied. A few months later, he found out he could appeal the decision. He was told that the 60 days he had to appeal had expired, and he now needed to start again. In the meantime, he is having difficulty paying his bills. What should he do now? The attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire take great care to ensure that critical deadlines are met in cases like Harlan’s. We know what to do after SSDI claims denials. 

Our team’s hard work in Social Security Disability claims cases has earned us a 90 percent success rate for our clients. We want to make you one of our successes.   

Many Social Security Disability claims are denied, but a denial does not mean your case is not valid. You have the right to appeal the decision.

At Sullivan Sullivan & McGuire, we represent individuals whose Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims have been denied. Since 1982, we have helped clients in Denver and throughout Colorado pursue the benefits they need when illness or injury prevents them from working.

We provide experienced representation throughout the appeals process and ensure that each case is handled by an attorney from start to finish. We do not pass cases between multiple staff members or treat them as routine files.

The Social Security Administration may deny claims for several reasons, including:

• The condition does not meet the SSA definition of disability
• Insufficient work credits
• Lack of sufficient medical evidence

Regardless of the reason for denial, we help clients build a complete and well-documented appeal. This includes reviewing medical records, working with treating physicians and relevant experts, and ensuring all deadlines and procedural requirements are met.

In many cases, multiple medical conditions or compounding limitations play an important role in determining eligibility. We work to ensure that no relevant detail is overlooked in the appeal process.

Example:
An individual unable to continue working after a serious accident may receive an initial denial of benefits. If the appeal deadline is missed or misunderstood, the process can become more complicated and time-sensitive. In these situations, we help clients understand their options and take appropriate next steps.

Our experience in Social Security Disability cases has resulted in strong outcomes for many clients, and we are committed to providing the same level of representation to every case we handle.

 Many people misunderstand Social Security disability law and their rights under the system. At Sullivan Sullivan & McGuire, our attorneys are committed to providing clear guidance and helping clients understand how SSDI and SSI benefits may apply to their situation.

Our assistance begins with helping clients understand the key rules and requirements under Social Security law. We address common questions and misconceptions, including:

• What qualifies as a disability under the Social Security Administration
• The difference between SSDI and SSI
• How age may affect eligibility for benefits
• What medical and vocational evidence does the SSA require
• How Medicare and Medicaid relate to disability benefits
• Whether eligibility is based on your ability to perform past work or any type of work

We provide the information needed to help you make informed decisions throughout the claims process.

Example:
A former electrician who can no longer work due to a serious injury may be denied benefits based on the belief that other types of work are still possible. In situations like this, understanding how the Social Security Administration evaluates disability is critical. We help clients evaluate these decisions and pursue appropriate next steps.

At Sullivan Sullivan & McGuire, we take a personalized approach to every case. We learn how your condition affects your ability to work, understand your goals, and provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.