Social Security Disability Lawyer in Anderson, IN
Your job provides valuable income as well as a sense of personal satisfaction. Unfortunately, all of this can be taken away from you due to a car accident, traumatic brain injury, cancer, or autoimmune disease. If you’re unable to work or if you struggle to do the tasks you used to, reach out to a Social Security Disability lawyer in Anderson for a free case evaluation. An attorney can advocate for your rights as a worker and help you recover the benefits that you deserve. There’s absolutely no risk. See what your case is worth today.
From Application to Appeal
Work with a dedicated Social Security Disability lawyer who will fight for your rights every step of the way from your initial application through the appeals process.
Recover Compensation
If you’ve been out of work for health reasons, you may be eligible for monthly SSDI payments plus backpay while your case is heard.
Zero Upfront Fees
When you contact an SSDI attorney, there are no upfront fees. The initial consultation is 100% free, and you only pay if you recover benefits.
Table of Contents
How Does Social Security Disability Work?
SSDI is a federal safety-net program available to working-age adults who have paid into the Social Security system but aren’t able to work due to a qualifying physical or mental health disability. Eligibility is based on your health status and how many Social Security credits you have rather than financial need or other factors. Monthly benefits depend on your average wages over your lifetime and how much you have paid in payroll taxes.
Do I Qualify for SSDI?
If you’re unable to work due to long-term health conditions, you may be eligible for SSDI. Over 7.3 million adults currently receive monthly benefits. However, over 60% of initial applications are denied, which means that appeals are often necessary. An attorney can assess your case before you apply to see what types of evidence you need to provide to increase your chances of winning. Eligibility is based on the following 4 factors:
- Diagnosis: You must have a qualifying health condition. Examples include major depression, chronic fatigue, cystic fibrosis, migraines, MS, ALS, brain injury, blindness, and COPD. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of recognized diagnoses in its Blue Book.
- Severity: The condition must be severe enough to affect your ability to work or train for another job. For example, if you have cancer or an autoimmune disorder, it must affect your day-to-day function.
- Duration: SSDI is not for short-term disabilities. The condition must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. In general, you’ll need to provide at least a year’s worth of medical records.
- Work History: Eligibility is based on how many work credits you’ve earned by paying Social Security and Medicare tax. The older you are, the more credits you need. By age 30, you must have at least 20 credits (5 years of work). This increases to 38 credits by age 60.
Documents Needed To Apply
If you think you qualify, the next step is to start gathering documentation. Your attorney can provide personalized advice on what evidence you need to prove your claim. Here are a few things that you’ll need:
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Birth certificate
- Doctors’ names and contact information
- Detailed medical records
- Test results and imaging
- Functional assessments
- Work history and responsibilities
- Tax documents
Understanding the Appeals Process
Denials are extremely common when it comes to SSDI claims. Fortunately, the SSA provides several levels of appeals, giving you more chances to get the benefits you need and worked so hard for. If you already applied and received a denial letter, it’s a good time to consult a Social Security Disability attorney in Anderson. The attorney can review the notice, determine why you were denied, and recommend steps for submitting new evidence as part of your appeal. Here’s how the process works:
If you’ve received a denial letter, you have 60 days to file a request for reconsideration. This process gives you the right to submit new evidence and have a fresh case review. About 10-15% of appeals are approved at this level.
After going through reconsideration, you have a right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This request must be filed within 60 days after the second denial. It can take up to 12 months to schedule the hearing, but this level of appeal offers the highest odds of approval.
If your claim still hasn’t been approved, the next step is to file a Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order. The Appeals Council receives nearly 70,000 requests every year. However, only 1-2% are approved. The council may deny your request or send your case back to an administrative law judge for further review.
As a last resort, you can have your case heard in federal court once you have exhausted all administrative appeals and received a final notice of denial. The court won’t make a decision about your disability. It will only consider whether the SSA treated you fairly or made an error during the appeals process. The court can uphold the denial, reverse the decision, or send your case back to the SSA for a new hearing.
Do I Need an Anderson SSDI Attorney?
While it’s possible to apply for SSDI yourself and request appeals, the process is easier if you work with a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer in Anderson. Attorneys understand the ins and outs of the SSA’s application process as well as what administrative law judges and review councils look for when considering appeals. Working with an attorney before you submit your application can give you the best odds for approval. If you receive a denial, advice from an attorney can be even more important, as cases take longer to resolve the further along they are in the appeals process. An attorney can help with:
- Submitting a new application
- Gathering medical records and evidence
- Filing a request for reconsideration
- Selecting expert witnesses
- Presenting evidence at hearings
- Meeting SSA deadlines
- Challenging a ruling in court
SSDI FAQs
The SSA accepts disability applications online, by phone, or in person. If you’re in Anderson, Pendleton, Elwood, or another part of Madison County, you can apply online at SSA.gov or by calling 800-772-1213. For in-person assistance, visit the SSA Field Office located at 3516 East 14th Street, Anderson, IN 46012. Consulting an attorney before you apply may increase the chances of a successful application.
It can take 3-5 months for the SSA to review your application or initial appeal. Timelines increase to over a year if you need to request an administrative hearing or have your case heard by the Appeals Council. This is due to case loads and the amount of time needed to schedule the hearing. Fortunately, you may be eligible for backpay if your appeal is approved.
Denials affect over 60% of first-time applicants, so don’t be discouraged. An SSDI attorney in Anderson can discuss your situation and review the notice of denial to determine what evidence will strengthen your case. You typically have 60 days to request an appeal, so it’s important to act quickly.
Disability payments depend on how much you have paid into Social Security over your lifetime. In Indiana, the average payment is around $1,500 per month. The maximum payment that you can receive is $4,152 per month for 2026. Benefits increase every January due to cost of living adjustments. The SSA allows you to see estimated disability payments based on your work history by logging into your account. It also provides several benefits calculators online.
Hiring an attorney doesn’t have to be expensive. The disability law firms we work with will take your case on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay if you recover benefits. As of 2025, the SSA caps legal fees in disability cases at 25% of back benefits or $9,200, whichever is smaller. Legal fees can vary if your case proceeds to court due to an issue during the appeals process.
Experienced Legal Advocates Serving Anderson, IN
At the Ken Nunn Law Office, we can connect you with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer in Anderson. Successfully recovering benefits for yourself and your family can make a big difference in your quality of life while providing financial stability and peace of mind.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or have recently been denied, a legal advocate can build a strong case and protect your right to compensation. Once the process is started, deadlines can move quickly, so don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule your free case review with no obligation.