When illness or injury prevents you from working, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide crucial financial support for you and your family. However, navigating the disability application process is notoriously complex, with the majority of initial claims denied. Fingerscan Digital Inc helps Las Vegas residents secure the disability benefits they deserve through expert application assistance, comprehensive appeals representation, and persistent advocacy.
Understanding Disability Benefits Programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two primary disability programs serving millions of Americans unable to work due to physical or mental impairments.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI provides monthly benefits to disabled workers who have paid Social Security taxes and earned sufficient work credits. The amount you receive depends on your lifetime earnings record. SSDI benefits continue as long as you remain disabled, with the possibility of Medicare coverage after 24 months of receiving benefits.
To qualify for SSDI in Las Vegas, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to earn coverage. Generally, you need 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work), with 20 credits earned in the last 10 years ending when your disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a need-based program providing monthly payments to disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI recipients typically also qualify for Medicaid immediately, providing crucial healthcare coverage. In Nevada, SSI recipients may receive additional state supplementation.
SSI has strict financial limits: individuals cannot exceed $2,000 in countable resources, while couples cannot exceed $3,000. Income limits also apply, though not all income counts toward these limits.
What Qualifies as a Disability?
To receive SSDI or SSI benefits, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability: you cannot perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or result in death.
The SSA maintains a comprehensive “Blue Book” listing medical conditions that automatically qualify for benefits if specific criteria are met. Common qualifying conditions include:
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Back disorders, joint dysfunction, spine injuries, fibromyalgia, arthritis
Cardiovascular Conditions: Chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart transplant
Mental Health Disorders: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder
Neurological Conditions: Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, ALS
Respiratory Illnesses: COPD, cystic fibrosis, chronic asthma
Cancer: Many forms of malignant neoplastic diseases
Immune System Disorders: Lupus, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis
Sensory Impairments: Blindness, deafness
Kidney Disease: Chronic renal disease requiring dialysis
Even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if medical evidence demonstrates your impairment prevents substantial gainful activity. Fingerscan Digital Inc helps gather and present compelling medical evidence supporting your claim.
For detailed information about qualifying conditions, visit the Social Security Administration’s Disability Benefits page.
The Disability Application Process in Las Vegas
Understanding each stage of the disability claims process helps set realistic expectations and improves your chances of approval.
1. Initial Application
You can apply for disability benefits online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at the Las Vegas Social Security office. The application requires detailed information about your medical conditions, treatment history, work background, and daily activities.
Critical documents include medical records from all treating physicians, diagnostic test results (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, lab work), prescription medication lists, work history details, and statements from doctors about your functional limitations.
The SSA will review your application and may request additional medical information or schedule a consultative examination with an SSA-approved physician. Initial decisions typically take 3-6 months.
2. Reconsideration
If your initial application is denied (as approximately 70% are), you have 60 days to request reconsideration. During reconsideration, a different SSA reviewer examines your entire file, including any new evidence you submit. Reconsideration decisions typically take 2-4 months.
3. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is the most critical stage of the appeals process and offers the best chance of approval. Hearings are conducted in person or by video at the Las Vegas Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).
During the hearing, you testify about your conditions and limitations, present medical evidence, and may have vocational experts testify about your ability to work. Having professional representation significantly increases approval odds at this stage.
Hearing decisions typically take 12-18 months from the request date, though wait times vary.
4. Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request Appeals Council review within 60 days. The Appeals Council may grant review, deny review, or remand the case back to the ALJ for further proceedings. This stage can take 12-18 months.
5. Federal Court Review
The final level of appeal is filing a lawsuit in federal district court. This option is available if the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision.
- Las Vegas
Why Disability Claims Are Denied
Understanding common denial reasons helps avoid pitfalls in your application:
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: Incomplete medical records or lack of documentation about functional limitations is the leading cause of denials.
- Ability to Perform Other Work: The SSA determines you can perform different work despite your condition.
- Non-Severe Impairment: Your condition doesn’t meet the 12-month duration requirement or doesn’t significantly limit your abilities.
- Failure to Follow Treatment: Not following prescribed medical treatment without good reason can result in denial.
- Income Exceeds SGA Limits: Earning above substantial gainful activity levels ($1,550/month in 2024) typically disqualifies you.
- Missed Deadlines: Failing to respond to SSA requests within specified timeframes leads to automatic denials.
- Technical Denials: Issues with work credits, citizenship, or other technical requirements.
Fingerscan Digital Inc helps Las Vegas residents avoid these common mistakes and builds strong cases from the start.
How Fingerscan Digital Inc Helps with Disability Claims
Our comprehensive disability services support you through every stage of the claims process:
- Application Preparation: We help gather medical records, complete detailed applications, and submit compelling initial claims.
- Medical Evidence Development: We work with your doctors to obtain detailed functional capacity assessments and ensure your medical records fully document your limitations.
- Reconsideration Appeals: If initially denied, we submit additional evidence and arguments supporting your claim.
- Hearing Representation: We prepare you for ALJ hearings, develop testimony, cross-examine vocational experts, and present persuasive legal arguments.
- Appeals Council and Federal Court: We represent clients through all appeal levels, including federal court litigation if necessary.
- Ongoing Support: We assist with continuing disability reviews, expedited reinstatement applications, and benefit disputes.
- Las Vegas
Maximizing Your Disability Approval Chances
Several strategies significantly improve approval odds:
- Detailed Medical Documentation: Regular treatment from specialists with comprehensive medical records demonstrating functional limitations.
- Compliance with Treatment: Following all prescribed treatment plans (medication, therapy, procedures) unless medically contraindicated.
- Thorough Application: Providing complete, accurate information about conditions, symptoms, and how they affect daily activities.
- Timely Appeals: Meeting all SSA deadlines and promptly requesting reconsideration or hearings when denied.
- Professional Representation: Having experienced advocates who understand SSA procedures and medical-vocational rules.
- Updated Records: Continuously providing new medical evidence as your condition progresses or new treatments are tried.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Benefits
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Las Vegas?
Initial decisions take 3-6 months. If you need to appeal to the hearing level, the entire process typically takes 18-24 months from initial application.
Can I work while receiving disability benefits?
Limited work is possible through SSA work incentive programs. SSDI allows a trial work period, while SSI has income exclusions. Rules are complex, so consult with us before starting work.
What happens if my disability application is denied?
You have 60 days to appeal. Most denials can be appealed through reconsideration, then an ALJ hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court.
How much will I receive in disability benefits?
SSDI amounts are based on your earnings record (average $1,500-$1,800/month). SSI provides up to $943/month for individuals in 2024, reduced by countable income.
Can I get disability for mental health conditions?
Yes. Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are among the most common qualifying conditions.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability?
While not required for initial applications, professional assistance significantly increases approval chances, especially for appeals and hearings.
What if I've been denied multiple times?
Many people are denied initially and upon reconsideration but approved at the hearing level with proper representation. Don’t give up—contact us to evaluate your case.
Can I receive both SSDI and SSI?
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low enough. This is called “concurrent benefits.”
Las Vegas Disability Resources
Las Vegas Social Security Office 1250 S Buffalo Dr Las Vegas, NV 89117 Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) 300 Booth St #4000, Reno, NV 89509
Nevada Disability Advocacy & Law Center Provides free advocacy services to qualified Nevada residents
H2: Start Your Disability Claim Today
Don’t navigate the complex disability system alone. Fingerscan Digital Inc provides the expert guidance you need to secure the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Fingerscan Digital Inc Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 965-2448 JTran@fingerscan-digital.com