How it works
From the first call to the decision
A disability claim takes months, sometimes more than a year. Here's what happens along the way, and what we do at each step.
- 01
Step 1: You call or stop by
A paralegal asks a few questions: what's keeping you from work, what you've filed and what letters you have. It takes about fifteen minutes.
- 02
Step 2: A free meeting with an attorney
In person, by phone or on a clinic Saturday. We go through your letters and records and tell you honestly what we see.
- 03
Step 3: We sign on and gather proof
If we take the case, you sign a short agreement. We request every medical, work and service record the claim needs.
- 04
Step 4: We file or appeal
We complete the forms, write the argument and send it in. You get a copy of everything we file.
- 05
Step 5: We go with you
We prepare you before any medical exam Social Security or the VA sets, and we sit beside you at the hearing. You won't walk in alone.
- 06
Step 6: The decision, and after
We read the decision with you. If it's wrong, we appeal. If it's right, we check the back pay and the start date.
Along the way
What people ask mid-case
How often will I hear from you?
Whenever something happens, and at least once a month while the claim is waiting. You'll have one paralegal's direct line.
What do I need to do?
Keep going to your doctors, open every letter from Social Security or the VA and send us a photo of it, and tell us if you start or stop working.
What if I move or change phones?
Tell us first. A missed letter is the most common way a good claim gets lost.
Free help
Talk to someone who does this every day.
Call, stop by on a weekday or a clinic Saturday, or send a few details. An attorney or paralegal gets back to you within two business days.
We charge no fee for any service on this site. If a case needs records a provider charges for, we tell you the cost first, and grant funds usually cover it.