Frequently Asked Questions

Disability Benefits helps individuals apply for and receive Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI) and VA disability benefits. We guide you through every step — from intake to approval.

SSDI is based on your work history and past Social Security contributions.

You can begin by filling out our online intake form, calling us, or visiting one of our events or partner locations.

We have team members who speak English and Spanish. Additional language support may be available upon request.(We have an answering service)

You can reach out through our website, call us, or email us. We’ll get you started right away.

If your medical condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is terminal, you may qualify. We offer a free evaluation to help you determine eligibility.

We’ll guide you on exactly what’s needed after your intake. Typically, you’ll need:

• Medical records
• Work history
• List of medications and treatments
• Identification documents

On average, the Social Security process takes 3–6 months for an initial decision, and longer if appeals are needed. Disability Benefits helps streamline the process and improve your chances.

Don’t worry — we specialize in helping people who’ve been denied. We’ll review your case and guide you through the appeals process.

No. In most cases, our team will request your medical records on your behalf with your permission.

We can help you find options for low-cost clinics or work with any records you already have.

• Keep us up to date with your address, phone number, and email so we can contact you regarding your case.
• Inform us of all of your doctor appointments, hospitalizations, and ER visits so we can request all of your medical records and have a complete record.
• Ask your doctor to write a letter or complete a Physician Statement regarding your limitations and your inability to work.

We’ll keep you updated throughout the process. Our team will:

• Submit your application
• Communicate with Social Security or the VA
• Follow up regularly
• Help with appeals if necessary

You can call our office, email us, or use the online client portal to check updates. Both the VA and SSA have portals where clients can check the status of their cases. For SSA, visit my Social Security Account. For VA, visit VA Claim Status.

Social Security will require you to complete a PERC/Exit Interview to verify your resources and ensure you meet the non-medical requirements. Once the PERC Interview is finished, you will receive a Notice of Award. This notice will include details about your benefits, such as the back pay award amount, monthly benefit amount, start date, deposit dates for each payment, and your Medicaid/Medicare eligibility.

Terminal Illness (TERI) Cases:
If your condition is terminal, the SSA expedites automatically once they’re aware. We will need medical records or a note from your doctor to support the terminal diagnosis.

• Request a Dire Need or Critical Case Flag
• Dire Need (critical case) applies if you are:
• Without food, medicine, or shelter
• Facing eviction, foreclosure, or utility shutoffs
• Unable to obtain necessary medical care

There are no upfront fees. We only get paid if you win, and our fee is approved and capped by law.

If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything.

Yes. We help veterans file new claims, increase their ratings, and appeal denied claims. Our team includes VA-accredited professionals.

Absolutely. We’ll review your current rating and medical evidence to see if you may qualify for an increase.

• Keep us up to date with your address, phone number, and email so we can contact you regarding your case.
• Inform us of all of your doctor appointments, hospitalizations, and ER visits so we can request all of your medical records and have a complete record.
• Ask your doctor to write a letter or complete a Physician Statement regarding your limitations and your inability to work.