If you’re applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Houston, you might wonder what the process entails and how long it will take. If you’re disabled and can’t work, the first step is to file your application for benefits. You can do this by calling the Social Security Administration (SSA), visiting their website, or going to your local SSA office Houston. Your claim will be routed to an agency called the Disability Determination Services (DDS) where a claims adjudicator (in conjunction with a medical expert) will determine whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. It takes 3-4 months for this initial decision to be made, and over 70% of applications are denied. When this happens, you can file an appeal – there are up to four levels of appeals available. However, the majority of claims are approved at the second appeal, the administrative law judge hearing which takes place at a Houston Social Security office. Around 65% of claimants are awarded benefits following their hearing.
Houston Health Resources
Medical records are the main thing that will be considered by the claims adjudicator when determining whether your application should be approved. Therefore, it’s very important that you obtain regular treatment for your disabling conditions. Although other evidence will be considered, the SSA puts a high value in the subjective evidence such as doctor’s notes and test results. If you’re unable to afford medical treatment in Houston, below are some options for free or reduced-cost medical care.
Legacy Montrose Clinic
1415 California Street
Houston, Texas 77006
(713) 830-3000
Family Service Center
4625 Lillian Street
Houston, TX, 77007
(713) 861-4849
Eleos Center, Inc.
9898 Bissonnet, Suite 430 E
Houston, TX, 77036
(713) 781-7003
Cathedral Clinic at the Beacon
1117 Texas Avenue
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 590-3303
Hillcroft Medical Clinic
2500 Fondren
Houston, TX 77063
(713) 781-4600
Casa de Amigos Health Center
1615 North Main Street
Houston, TX 77009-8525
(713) 222-2272
Houston Mental Health Resources
If depression, anxiety, or another mental illness negatively affects your ability to work, it’s just as important to receive treatment for these disabling conditions. If you need help finding affordable counseling or other mental health services in Houston, you may want to contact one of the below agencies.
MHMRA of Houston
3630 W. Dallas
Houston, TX 77036
(713) 970-4444
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
2211 Norfolk, Suite 810
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 523-8963
Houston Supplemental Disability Benefits
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may be eligible for a disability payment from the state of Texas. In general, you qualify for this $60 payment if you reside in a nursing or interim care facility.
If you’re receiving SSI payments you are likely eligible for Texas Medicaid benefits. Texas residents can simply call 2-1-1 to obtain information about Medical. Those who receive Social Security Disability benefits (versus SSI) are generally eligible for Medicare coverage two years after the date they were found to be disabled.
Your Houston Social Security Disability Claim
The process of obtaining Social Security Disability benefits can be long and stressful. It’s not uncommon to wait two years or more before your claim is resolved. Sometimes, just having the appropriate medical records isn’t enough. One action that can be very beneficial to your Houston Social Security claim is the hiring of a qualified Houston disability attorney. A Houston Social Security Disability lawyer can not only take care of filing any necessary appeals for you and answer your question, but they can use their knowledge regarding Social Security Disability claims to increase the chances that your application will be approved. Retaining the services of a skilled Houston Social Security attorney at any point in the process can be very worthwhile.
Disability attorneys in Houston are paid on a contingency basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost and they only receive a fee when, and if, your benefits are awarded. In this case, they’ll be paid 25% of your back benefits (up to $6,000).
Contact a Houston disability lawyer for a free evaluation of your case.
