Houston is a metropolitan area in Texas with a population of 2.31 million. As a metropolitan city, Houston also offers a variety of economic opportunities to its citizens. Unfortunately, this is somewhat unfair to people with disabilities. This is why you need disability lawyers in Houston Texas.
This article will feature the top 3 lawyers in Houston, Texas. Without further ado, let’s get started!
SSD and SSI Definition
In short, Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are programs of the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the United States. Both programs are designed to assist people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income at all.
Currently, there are more than six million Americans who have benefited from SSD and SSI. On average, people receiving SSD and SSI will receive a repayment of about $15,000 with benefits exceeding $130,000 as well as ongoing benefits of about $1,500 each month with benefits reaching $3,600.
In addition, according to the Social Security Administration’s regulations, some common medical conditions qualify you for SSD and SSI benefits. Here are the explanations:
| Back & Neck Problems | Depression | Anxiety | Bipolar disorder |
| Schizophrenia | PTSD and ADHD | Diabetes | Overweight |
| Heart problems | Kidney failure | Arthritis | Carpal tunnel syndrome |
| Crohn’s disease | Seizures | Blindness | Cancer |
| Autoimmune Disorders | Fibromyalgia | HIV | Hepatitis C |
Eligibility for SSD and SSI Benefits
Basically, Social Security Disability or SSD benefits are very straightforward. In the words of the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSD is a program that provides benefits to workers with disabilities. In other words, the program is there to replace some of the income of people with disabilities.
Then, to get benefits from SSD, there are several criteria that you must fulfill according to SSA regulations. What are they?
- The disability must have prevented you from doing the job you did before
- You definitely could not adjust to another job because of your condition
- Your disability should last or be expected to last for at least one year
In addition to the three criteria above, the SSA also uses three general criteria to determine whether or not you are eligible for SSD benefits. These three general criteria include:
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as back conditions, joint dysfunction, and bone dysfunction
- Speech including vision or hearing impairments
- Respiratory diseases, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.
What to Prepare to Apply for SSD Allowance
In general, when you apply for SSD benefits, there are some information and documents that you need to complete. For information, you must provide complete information about yourself, your medical condition, and your occupation. Then, what about the documents? Here are the lists you need to prepare:
- Birth certificate or evidence of birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal foreigner status if you were not born in the United States
- US military discharge letter if you had military service before 1968
- W-2 form or self-employment tax return for the last year
- Medical evidence you already have, such as medical records, reports from doctors, and recent test results
- Award letters, payment receipts, settlement agreements, or other evidence of temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits you earned
Reasons to Hire Disability Lawyers in Houston Texas
With many advantages you can get from SSD, the process of applying for disability benefits can be a long journey. Sometimes, applications can be denied just because of a simple mistake on the form. This complexity is the reason why you need the help of disability lawyers in Houston Texas.
After all, disability lawyers are the ones who will help you, the people with disabilities, to get the Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits that you are rightfully entitled to.
Disability lawyers are experienced and knowledgeable people who will help you file the most favorable claim for you. The process of applying for SSD will also be much easier as the disability lawyer will include documentation to prove your disability.
Top 3 Disability Lawyers in Houston Texas
The following is a recommended list of the top 3 disability lawyers available in Houston, Texas. So, if you want to get help from a professional to get SSD benefits, contact one of these disability lawyers.
1. Law Office of Gerard Lynch
The Law Office of Gerard Lynch is a Houston-based Social Security Disability (SSD) practice, serving individuals and families in English and Spanish. It assists clients at all levels of the SSD claims process, from applications and reviews to federal court appeals actions.
In addition, Gerard Lynch Law Office has also represented many different types of claimants, including children with disabilities. Even better, Gerard Lynch is someone who has served as president of the Houston Bar Association, Social Security section. He also has been practicing law for over three decades.
2. Marc Whitehead & Associates Attorneys
The second is Marc Whitehead & Associates Attorneys. This is a worker’s representative SSD practice in Houston that provides legal advice and assistance to individuals injured in workplace accidents. The firm collects evidence, evaluates disputes, and helps victims file claims to receive Social Security disability benefits.
In addition, the disability lawyers of Marc Whitehead & Associates Attorneys can also handle lawsuits involving dangerous products and defective medical devices. What’s more, the firm’s lead partner is board-certified in personal injury law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
3. David Dopkin
Next up is David Dopkin, a firm that can provide legal services to individuals and families in Houston. The firm represents people who are unable to work due to disability due to retirement age. The teams will help clients apply for and process Social Security Disability benefits.
Further, the disability lawyers of David Dopkin will also serve disability benefits that plaintiffs are denied for mental, spinal cord, and pulmonary or cardiac disabilities. On top of that, David Dopkin is also a firm that has been practicing law for more than 30 years.
Have You Found Your Disability Lawyers in Houston Texas?
So, have you found the best disability lawyers that match your preferences? After all, these experts will help you through the complicated SSD or SSI application process. With their help, you stand a chance of getting benefits for the disability that you or your family suffers from.
