Serving Clients Across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan
When a serious illness or injury keeps you from working, Social Security Disability benefits can provide essential financial relief. But navigating the system is rarely easy. For many individuals and families, the application process feels overwhelming, filled with confusing rules, frustrating delays, and frequent denials. Whether you’re filing your first claim or appealing a rejection, understanding your rights and working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we help disabled individuals across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan fight for the benefits they’ve earned. Our Social Security Disability attorneys bring decades of experience to every case, guiding clients through both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. With nine local offices, we deliver trusted, personalized legal support every step of the way.
Understanding the Two Types of Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two main types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI is designed for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits and now be unable to work due to a serious medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program for people with limited income and little to no work history. You don’t need to have paid into Social Security to qualify, but your assets and financial resources must meet strict limits. Unlike SSDI, SSI applications must be completed in person or over the phone—there’s no online application option.
If you’re unsure which program fits your situation, our Social Security Disability attorneys will help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the next steps during a free consultation.
Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability?
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must meet the SSA’s strict definition of “disability.” This means your condition must be medically documented, prevent you from performing basic work activities, and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA also evaluates whether you can return to your previous job or adjust to a different type of work.
Your employment history plays a key role in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If you’re over age 31, you typically need to have worked at least five of the past ten years. If you’re over age 50, the SSA uses a different set of rules that may make qualifying easier, especially if your age, education, and physical limitations reduce your ability to switch careers.
Even if you meet all the qualifications, the SSA may still deny your claim. If you’ve already been denied, don’t give up. Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers can help you file an appeal and fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
Social Security Disability Benefits After Age 50
Understanding the over-age 50 guidelines is important when filing claims for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In considering your claim, Social Security will consider the following factors:
Your Age: Social Security considers age, understanding that fewer jobs are open to people as they age.
Level of Education: Your level of education may qualify you for some kinds of “desk jobs” that require little, if any, physical ability.
Your Work History: If you can no longer perform the jobs you have always held in the last 15 years and are over the age of 50, then you may qualify for benefits under the “over age 50 guidelines.” For additional information, check our Social Security Over Age 50 page.
What Can I Expect While My Claim is Pending?
Once you file a disability claim, whether you have hired an attorney or not, you can expect certain things while awaiting the outcome of your claim.
First, you will encounter a substantial amount of paperwork. To determine your disability status, Social Security requires specific information that only the claimant can provide. This includes details about your previous work – where and for how long you worked, and, importantly, the tasks performed; information about your pain – its location, severity, alleviating and worsening factors, etc.; and limitations caused by your medical conditions. Moreover, with each appeal, Social Security requests updated information regarding your condition, treatment status, and any changes regarding your work, even if your attempt to return to work was unsuccessful.
Second, Social Security has to request a consultative exam with a doctor of their choosing. This often happens when there is no recent medical treatment or there are conditions that are alleged on the disability application, but for which the claimant is not receiving treatment. These include exams on both physical health conditions and mental health conditions.
You’ve Been Approved – Now What Happens?
Upon determination of disability, the Social Security Administration conducts regular claim reviews, typically every three-to-seven years, based on the severity of the recipient’s disability. Once your claim is approved, you will receive comprehensive information regarding these reviews. It is crucial to consistently seek treatment for your condition and stay attentive to any communications from the Social Security Administration.
Why Are Disability Claims Denied?
The SSA denies a large percentage of first-time applications, often for preventable reasons. Many claims are denied due to a lack of medical evidence, errors in the application, missed deadlines, or the belief that the applicant can still perform other types of work. Other common reasons for denial include earning more than the allowed monthly income limit, not following prescribed medical treatment, or insufficient work credits.
Our legal team understands how the SSA evaluates claims and what it takes to present a strong case. We’ll work closely with you to gather your medical records, organize your work history, complete necessary paperwork, and prepare you for any consultative exams required by the SSA. If your claim is denied, we’ll handle the appeals process and represent you at hearings before an Administrative Law Judge.
Assistance with SSDI Claims
The Social Security benefits attorneys at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault can assist you in compiling your employment and medical records and presenting a compelling case to the administrative law judges and appeals boards that review SSDI claims. We have helped numerous Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan residents receive benefits they never thought possible.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Hearing?
The average wait time for a hearing in the hearing offices currently served by GT&B is 12 to 15 months, indicating that the process is not speedy. Though NOSSCR and SSA may present different figures, the fact remains that it is a lengthy process.
What Happens Next?
The process of obtaining an initial decision, whether it grants or denies benefits, can take up to three to five months. If the benefits are denied, the next step usually involves filing a Request for Reconsideration, resulting in another three to five months of waiting for a decision on whether the benefits are granted or denied. If denied again, the subsequent step is filing a Request for a Hearing, which may take up to, and sometimes more than, twelve months to secure. An Administrative Law Judge conducts the hearing. Following the hearing, the judge may take another two to three months to decide. It is important to note that while these time frames exist, the duration of an individual case may vary.
Why Choose Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault?
For over 70 years, our firm has fought for the rights of injured and disabled individuals. As one of the most experienced Social Security Disability law firms in the region, we’ve built a proven track record of securing results for our clients. Our attorneys handle every case directly—no call centers, no case hand-offs—ensuring you get the personalized attention you deserve. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
We represent clients throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, with offices in Toledo, Defiance, Fremont, Findlay, Lima, Maumee, Mansfield, Sandusky, and Monroe, Michigan. When you hire Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, you’re choosing a local legal team that stands by your side from start to finish—committed, accessible, and ready to fight for the benefits you deserve.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been denied Social Security Disability benefits or need help applying, don’t go through it alone. Contact Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault to speak with an experienced Toledo Social Security Disability attorney near you. We’ll evaluate your case and guide you through every step of the process.
📞 Call us today at 419-843-6663 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
