Plano, Texas is located in the northern part of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metropolitan area. Originally established in the mid-1800s, Plano got its name from the Spanish word for “flat,” which is an accurate description of the area where the city is located. The town was incorporated in 1873.
Although the population of Plano grew slowly, especially compared to other communities in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metropolitan area, population began to swell in the late 1940s. As the area’s focus changed from farming to business, and as more and more corporations migrated to the town, the population exploded, increasing from 3,700 in 1960 to 72,000 in 1980. By 2000, Plano was one of the largest of Dallas’ satellite cities. Because Plano is completely surrounded by other municipalities and has no more area in which to expand, the population has stabilized to about 275,000 today.
Corporations such as Ericsson, Inc., Dell Services, JC Penney, Frito-Lay, Cinemark Theatres, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, HP Enterprise Services, and Siemens PLM Software have their headquarters in Plano. Plano has received the distinction of being one of the nation’s safest places to live.
Although overshadowed by its enormous neighbor, Dallas, Plano hosts some of its own unique cultural offerings, such as the Plano Balloon Festival, held annually in September, featuring dozens of hot air balloons, and drawing upward of 90,000 spectators, the Plano International Festival, featuring the sights, sounds and tastes of over 100 cultures, showcased in performances, food, crafts, displays and activities, and the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy, which is a training ground for Olympic contenders.
Wealth, education, and safety distinguish this city as one of the most sought after places to live in the Dallas area. Plano schools are recognized as some of the best in the nation and Plano’s residents are generally very well-educated. Eighty-five percent of residents have a high school degree and more than a quarter hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Residents are generally financially successful, with only 9% living below the poverty line. Almost 13% of the population is over age 65. Caucasians make up 74% of Plano residents, followed by African Americans who make up a little over 12% of the population. Only about 10% of those receiving Social Security benefits in Plano are disabled, probably reflecting the white-collar character of the city.
Applying for Plano Social Security Disability Benefits
Those Plano residents who have grappled with the Social Security system can appreciate the advantages of hiring a Plano Social Security attorney. The system and its requirements can be both confusing and frustrating. Further, the wait for a ruling on eligibility for disability benefits can be quite long.
A Plano Social Security Disability lawyer can help you manage the process by giving you advice regarding whether you are likely to be considered disabled for purposes of disability benefits and, if so, the benefits you are eligible to receive. If you have already been denied benefits, your Plano disability lawyer may be able to request that your prior application be re-opened and reconsidered. Your Plano Social Security Disability lawyer can help you gather the medical records necessary to make your case and ask for additional documents from low-cost Plano health clinics as necessary to provide the SSA with a complete and accurate medical records.
He or she can also help you complete the paperwork associated with your application. If your case goes to appeal, which is likely, since more disability applications are denied at the initial and reconsideration levels, your Plano Social Security attorney can help you understand the proceedings, advise you regarding issues that pertain to your particular case, present evidence to the judge, find, call and question witnesses to appear on your behalf, and question any experts that testify at the hearing.
For more on disability benefits in Texas, see our page on How To Qualify For Disability Benefits In Texas.
Hiring a Plano Disability Attorney
Your Plano Social Security Disability attorney will collect no fee unless your disability application is granted. The SSA limits legal fees to 25% of your back benefits or $6,000, whichever is less. While you are not required to hire an attorney in order to file for Social Security Disability, statistics show that Plano residents who use the services of a disability lawyer are much more likely to have their disability applications approved.
A Plano Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Grayson County, Fannin County, Hunt County, and Rockwell County: Allen, Fairview, Richardson, Garland, Melissa, Sachse, Prosper, Frisco, Plano, Celina, Weston, Anna, Blue Ridge, Carrollton, Wylie, Princeton, New Hope, and Farmersville.
