Already Denied?
Your Story Isn’t Over.
A denial can leave you unsure where to turn. Explore your appeal options and take a more informed next step.
Explore My Appeal OptionsGlassman Disability
When Work Stops,
Life Doesn’t.
Social Security Disability benefits can be hard to navigate. You shouldn’t have to figure them out alone.
- Free Consultation
- Understand Your Options
- Help With Applications, Appeals & Denials
Applying For The First Time?
You Don’t Have To Start Alone.
Your first application starts with understanding the process. Learn what to gather and how to get ready.
Explore The Application Guide
Have A Hearing Ahead?
You Can Feel More Prepared.
A hearing can feel intimidating. Learn what to expect, what to bring, and how to explain your experience.
Explore Hearing PreparationWhy Choose the Glassman Advantage?
30+
Years Of Helping People
3×
More Likely To Win Than Applying Alone**
90%+
Reported Hearing Win Rate**
$0
No Fees Unless Approved*
$500+*
Million Recovered for Clients
How Glassman Helps
Your Next Step Starts Here.
Understand where you stand, talk through your options, and decide how to move forward. Here’s what to expect when you get in touch.
- 1Start With Your Situation
Tell Us What’s Going On.
Start with a free evaluation. Share where you are in the disability process so the conversation starts in the right place.
- Are you exploring, applying, or appealing?
- How would you like to be contacted?
The GoalA Starting Point For Your Claim - 2Talk It Through
Understand Your Options.
Discuss your situation and ask questions about the process, the information that matters, and what help could involve.
- Bring any Social Security decision letters.
- Discuss your work and treatment history.
The GoalClarity Before Making A Decision - 3Decide What Comes Next
Plan Your Next Step.
Talk through the next steps for an application or appeal. Understand any proposed representation before deciding how to proceed.
- Know what information to gather.
- Ask about deadlines, fees, and agreements.
The GoalA Next Step You Understand
Your Questions. A Clearer Direction.
Where Are You In The Process?
Choose Your Question
Explore an answer, see what to prepare, and find your next step.
Eligibility & Programs
Start With The Rules That Fit You.
SSDI considers your work record and whether your condition meets Social Security’s disability rules. SSI considers limited income and resources, along with other eligibility requirements. Some people qualify for both.
Start by separating two questions: which benefit program may fit your circumstances, and what information shows how your condition affects work. A condition’s name alone does not tell the whole story.
What To Have Ready
- A short summary of your jobs and when working became difficult.
- The names of your conditions, providers, and recent treatments.
- Questions about your work record, household income, or which program to explore.
Additional Topics
Your First Application
A Clearer Start Begins With Preparation.
Gather your medical provider details, treatment information, and work history. You can start a disability application through Social Security; the available application options depend on the benefits you’re seeking.
Create one place for provider contacts, appointment dates, job details, and copies of forms. Clear, consistent information makes it easier to explain your situation and follow up when more information is requested.
What To Have Ready
- A list of doctors, clinics, medications, and recent tests.
- Your recent job duties and the dates your work changed or stopped.
- A place to save application copies, notices, and follow-up questions.
Additional Topics
Building Your Claim
Show How Your Condition Affects You.
A diagnosis is only part of the picture. Treatment records, test results, and information about your daily limitations help Social Security understand the effect of your condition on your ability to work.
Think about the connection between your records and everyday activities. Notes about treatment, symptoms, and practical limitations can help you explain what has changed and where additional details may be needed.
What To Have Ready
- Provider names, contact details, and approximate treatment dates.
- A list of tests, hospital visits, and records you already have.
- Specific examples of tasks that are difficult and how often difficulties occur.
Additional Topics
Appeals & Next Steps
A Denial May Not Be The End.
You may be able to appeal a denial. Your decision letter explains the reason and the deadline for seeking review. Read it promptly so you can understand which appeal step applies to your situation.
Start with the decision itself. Separate the reasons given for the denial from the instructions for requesting review. Then make a list of records or facts you want to discuss in light of those reasons.
What To Have Ready
- The full decision notice, including its date and appeal instructions.
- A list of the reasons given and any information you believe is missing.
- Details of recent treatment or changes since your application.
Additional Topics
Your Hearing
Know What To Expect Before The Day.
At a disability hearing, an administrative law judge reviews your case and asks questions about your condition and limitations. Preparing your evidence and explaining your experience clearly can help you participate with more confidence.
Use the hearing notice to organize your preparation. Keep the date, format, and instructions together, then review the main points you want to explain about your work history, treatment, and day-to-day limitations.
What To Have Ready
- Your hearing notice and a list of questions about attending.
- Recent provider details and any records you want to discuss.
- Honest, specific examples of difficult activities and the help you need.
Additional Topics
Work & Benefits
Work Activity Matters. The Details Do Too.
Working does not automatically answer whether you qualify. Social Security considers your earnings and work activity under its rules. The rules for a new application differ from work incentives available after benefits begin.
Keep the details together before drawing conclusions from a single paycheck. Hours, duties, earnings, and assistance at work provide context for a conversation about your situation and the rules that may apply.
What To Have Ready
- Recent pay statements and a record of hours or self-employment activity.
- Notes about reduced duties, extra breaks, or help at work.
- Your current claim stage and any notices you have received.
Additional Topics
While You Wait
Stay Organized While Your Claim Moves Forward.
The time involved can vary by claim stage and the information needed. Keep your notices together so you know what has been requested and which questions you still need answered.
A simple timeline can make follow-up conversations more useful. Include the date you applied or requested review, requests for information, and the dates you responded. Keep copies rather than relying on memory.
What To Have Ready
- Your application or appeal date and any confirmation you received.
- Recent notices and copies of information you have submitted.
- A list of outstanding requests and questions about your next step.
Additional Topics
Changes In Your Situation
Keep Your Information Up To Date.
New treatment, a hospital visit, or a change in your day-to-day limitations can leave you with new information to discuss. Start by writing down what changed and when.
Separate new medical information from changes in how you function at home or work. Include provider names, dates, and practical examples so you can explain the update clearly when discussing your claim.
What To Have Ready
- The date of the change and a short description in your own words.
- New providers, tests, treatments, or hospital visits.
- Examples of activities that have become harder or easier.
Additional Topics
After A Decision
Understand What Comes Next.
Read your approval notice carefully and keep it with your other records. Make a list of questions about the information in the notice, including payments, coverage, and any next steps described.
An approval can bring a different set of questions. Organize the documents you receive and identify any instructions you do not understand before assuming that every payment or coverage detail works the same way for everyone.
What To Have Ready
- The complete approval notice and any related letters.
- Questions about dates, payments, or coverage described in your documents.
- Any instructions about reporting changes or providing more information.
Additional Topics
Working Together
Ask Questions Before You Decide.
A first conversation is a chance to understand what help may involve. Ask who would handle your claim, how you would communicate, and what responsibilities you would keep.
Use the conversation to get clear on scope, communication, and costs. Keep a list of the things you want explained before deciding whether to move forward with a representation agreement.
What To Have Ready
- Your current claim stage and any upcoming dates.
- Questions about who handles records, notices, and updates.
- Questions about a written explanation of fees and possible costs.
Additional Topics
People Helping People
Your Life Is More
Than A Case File.
When health changes your ability to work, the paperwork is only part of the story. You need someone to listen, explain your options, and help you see what comes next.
Start With Your Situation
Share your health concerns, work history, and where you are in the process.
Understand Your Next Step
Discuss your notices, important dates, and application or appeal questions.
Know What Working Together Involves
Get clear on representation, communication, fees, and costs before deciding.
The Disability Guide
Your Next Read.
A Clearer Next Step.
Editor’s picks to get you started
SSDI Or SSI: Where Do I Start?
Two programs. Different requirements. Understand which path may fit your situation.
Explore The Guide
Denied Benefits? Know Your Next Steps.
Your decision letter is the starting point. Explore the stages of an appeal.
Explore The Guide
What Should I Gather For My Claim?
Build a useful checklist of providers, treatment details, and work information.
Explore The Guide
A Hearing Ahead? Start Preparing Here.
Know what to expect and how to explain your everyday limitations.
Explore The GuideThe Basics
Could I Qualify For Disability Benefits?
Understand the medical and work requirements before taking your next step.
Explore The GuideApplying
How Long Does The Process Take?
See the stages that affect your claim’s timeline and what can happen along the way.
Explore The GuideWork & Benefits
Can I Work And Still Seek Benefits?
Explore how earnings and work activity can affect a disability claim.
Explore The GuideWork & Benefits
Understanding Disability Back Pay
Learn how timing and eligibility affect benefits for earlier months.
Explore The GuideNo Saved Guides Yet.
Tap the bookmark on a guide to keep it here on this device.
In Their Own Words
Client Reviews.
I can’t thank the lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman injury lawyers enough especially liz melissa and Jacob cordeiro they kept me fully informed as my disability case played I highly recommend them to anyone applying…
Daniel S.From The Original Website
Great lawyers. Worked on my SSDI case. Got me approved with no stress on me. Highly recommend.
Tina R.From The Original Website
I have been working with Jeffrey Glassman for a while now. Melissa who is my attorney for SSDI has been wonderful. They have helped me through each phase for the entire process. Recently we had my hearing and…
Thomas K.From The Original Website
** Individual experiences do not guarantee a similar outcome. Read Our Disclosures
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