Social Security Disability Lawyers in Corpus Christi

Understanding the Social Security Application Process in Texas

Applying for Social Security benefits can be a complicated, confusing, and frustrating process. Small errors and poor descriptions of limitations in the initial application and/or appeal process often leads to the denial of benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For this reason, any application and appeals process should be carefully handled by an experienced Social Security lawyer that can help claimants obtain the benefits they need.

Other than the basic difference in income considerations, the Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine if an individual is eligible to receive benefits. Elliott & Ritch, LLP will be there with you, hand-in-hand, to help you navigate the bureaucracy every step of the way.

The SSA Five-Step Process 

1. Are you working? - If you are earning over a certain level of wages (usually $1,047 per month), by Social Security standards, you are not disabled. If you are not earning anything or not earning at the specified level, consideration of your impairments based upon medical evidence from your treating sources is considered at step two.

2. Is your condition considered severe? - There are various rules and regulations relied upon by Social Security in determining if your condition is severe by their standards. If it’s not considered severe by SSA standards, you are not considered disabled and eligible for benefits. If your medical condition results in limitations of your ability to perform basic work activities — sitting for prolonged periods, standing, lifting 10 pounds or more, etc. — and these limitations have lasted or are expected to last for at least 12 continuous months, your condition is generally considered severe.

3. Does your impairment or combination of impairments meet or equal a condition on the prescribed Listing of Impairments? - If yes, you are considered disabled based on Social Security rules and regulations.

4. Can you return to previous work (or what is referred to as Past Relevant Work)? - If so, you are considered not disabled under Social Security rules and regulations.

5. Can you perform other work? - ​SSA considers your impairment and resulting limitations, education, age, and vocational skills. If, under Social Security rules and regulations, it is determined that you can do other work, you are found not disabled.