ManleyReynolds addresses frequently asked questions from previous interactions. As always, our attorneys are happy to answer questions! Frequently Asked Questions Each person's situation is different; these questions and answers are general information only. Contact us if you want personalized answers and guidance. Our Phone Number: (833) 438-7734 Do I qualify for Benefits? The immediate answer is, "it depends". Several factors determine whether you should start a claim with the Social Security Administration. The first question to answer is whether you are currently working. If you are and you make over a certain amount of money each month, you will not qualify for benefits. The monthly allowed amount changes annually. If the answer to the first question is no or you are under the allowed amount, the second question is, are my impairments medically determinable and have or will they last for at least 12 months? If the answer to both questions is yes then you should start the application process. If you are not sure about an answer, call our office and we can dicuss the situation with you! Link to Learn Even More How long does the process take? Most Initial Applications take between 8 and 12 months. Much of this time depends on how long your doctors take to respond to the requests for records. Requests for Reconsideration generally take between 8 and 12 months. Hearings before the Administrative Law Judge take 6 to 12 months. Link to Learn Even More How much does it cost? There are no out-of-pocket attorney fees for our clients. The Social Security Administration pays our attorney fees directly from the accrued back benefits. The SSA must approve all fees before they are released. There is never a fee if you do not receive benefits. Currently, the SSA determines attorney fees at 25% of the back benefits up to $7,500.00. Attorneys are never due anything from any future benefits clients receive. Link to Learn Even More How do I start? You can start an application for benefits several ways. 1. You can call us and we will start the process for you. 2. You can go on-line to ssa.gov and start. 3. You can go to or call your local field office for an appointment to start the claim. Link to Learn Even More Can I work? People are currently allowed to work and make up to $1,690.00 per month before tax and before being approved to receive benefits. SSI benefit recipients who are working will have a deduction in the amount of their monthly benefits. Please remember any person receiving SSI must inform the Social Security Administration of any work done each month. Link to Learn Even More I have no income, what do I do? The Federal Government does not offer any temporary benefits while your claim is pending. You can contact your local DHHS office to see if you qualify for benefits through their office. Please note that some DHHS offices will require you to repay the benefits you receive from them during the pendency of your social security claim. Link to Learn Even More What does disability mean? The Social Security Administration defines disability as a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents an individual from engaging in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Sounds pretty simple. But what is a medically determinable physical or mental impairment? Click here for a deep dive. What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)? Click here to find out more. Link to Learn Even More I applied before and I was denied, what can I do now? Call our office! Many times, even though someone has been denied, we are able to get them approved. Each person's case is different and we are happy to discuss your situation and let you know what we can do to help you. Link to Learn Even More Back to Top

5-Step Sequential Evaluation Process for Assessing Disability 5-Step Sequential Evaluation Process for Assessing Disability 01 Is the individual working above SGA level? At the first step, SSA considers an individual’s work activity, if any. SGA stands for Substantial Gainful Activity and the amount changes each year. For 2026 it is $1690 for the non-blind and $2830 for the blind. If an individual is working and his or her earnings average more than the SGA limit a month, then he or she is found not disabled. If an individual is not working or his or her earnings are less than SGA, the adjudicator goes to step two. 02 Is the individual’s physical and/or mental condition severe? At the second step, we consider the medical severity of an individual’s impairment(s). An individual must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or a combination of impairments) that is severe and meets the duration requirement. To be severe an impairment or impairments must interfere with basic work-related activities. To meet the duration requirement the impairment(s) must be expected to last twelve months or to result in death If the impairment(s) are not severe or do not meet the duration requirement, the individual is found not disabled. If the impairment(s) are severe and meet the duration requirement, the adjudicator goes to question three. 03 Does the individual’s medical condition meet or equal the severity of a Listing? At the third step, we also consider the medical severity of an individual’s impairment(s). SSA maintains a listing of medical criteria that are considered to be so severe that an individual is found to be disabled if his or her medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) matches them. An individual’s impairment(s) can be found to meet the listed criteria exactly or to be of equal severity. If an individual has an impairment that meets or equals one of the listings and meets the duration requirement, he or she is found to be disabled. If an individual does not have an impairment that meets or equals one of the listings or the duration requirement is not met, the adjudicator goes to Step 4. However, before going from step three to step four, the individual’s residual functional capacity (RFC) is assessed. This RFC assessment is then used at both step four and step five. 04 Can the individual do any of his/her Past Relevant Work? At step 4 a function-by-function comparison of the individual’s RFC and past relevant work (PRW) is completed. If an individual retains the physical and mental capacity to perform any PRW, he/she Is found not disabled. If no PRW can be done, or the individual has no relevant work, the adjudicator goes to step five. 05 Can the individual make an adjustment to any other work? At the fifth and last step, an individual’s RFC and age, education, and work experience are considered to see if he/she can make an adjustment to other work. If an individual can make an adjustment to other work, he or she is found to be not disabled. If an individual can not make an adjustment to other work, he or she is found to be disabled. Back to FAQ Page

Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage is an optional health insurance program that provides coverage for people age 65 and older, as well as individuals who receive federal disability benefits. People who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) typically qualify for Medicare after 29 months of benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans help cover hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs through different parts of the program. Parts of Federal Medicare Program Part A Part of Orignal Medicare and sometimes call Hospital Insurance. Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Medicare.gov Part B Part of Original Medicare and sometimes called Medical Insurance. Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medical supplies, and some home health services. There is generally a Part B premium through Social Secuirty. Medicare.gov Part C: Medicare Advantage Independent insurance companies partner with Orginal Federal Medicare to cover more than Orignal Medicare including drug coverage. An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies; includes Part A and Part B, and often Part D and extra benefits. Our staff has a Licensed Health Insurance agent that can help you today! Medicare.gov Part D Presription Drug Coverage which can be elected to help cover the cost of presciption medications. Medicare.gov Michigan Medicare Advantage In Michigan, Medicare is the same federal program available everywhere, but people often find Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans worth considering because many offer extra benefits, including vision, dental, hearing, prescription drug coverage, and annual out-of-pocket maximums that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t include. Part C plans in Michigan are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare and must cover everything Original Medicare does. Still, they frequently go beyond that with additional services and protections that can help reduce gaps in coverage that you’d otherwise pay for out of pocket with traditional Medicare. Generally, Michigan does not offer a separate Medigap supplement plan. Choosing a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan can simplify coverage and often provide more comprehensive benefits in one package, making it a preferred option for many people enrolled in Medicare in Michigan. Agent Hotline If you’re feeling unsure about your Medicare Advantage options, calling our Agent Hotline can make the process simple and stress-free. Our licensed health insurance agent certified in Medicare Advantage is here to answer your questions, explain your coverage choices, and help you compare plans based on your needs and budget. Instead of sorting through everything on your own, you can get personalized guidance and clear next steps in just one phone call. Call our Medicare Agent Hotline Today!

A Social Security Disability Law Firm with over 40 years of experience fighting for and getting Social Security Benefits for those in need. Step 1: File an Application At ManleyReynolds, we are happy to help at any point in the benefits process, from the initial application to the hearing. We will be there for you. We are comfortable handling every part of the process. Step 1: Application Image: Example of Application Link to Application An application for social security disability benefits must be filed in order to start the disability process. There is an online application that starts the SSD part and has information that is needed for both SSD and SSI. An application can be filed online, in person, by mail. If you hire us, we will file the application for you. Once the application is filed, DDS will begin working on the claim. They gather medical records, mail out forms for you to fill out and return, and in some cases, send you for one or more consultative exams. It is always the claimant’s responsibility to keep DDS and SSA informed of all medical providers, medical conditions and doctor and hospital visits. When we are your attorneys, we make sure SSA and DDS are updated for you. Failing to complete anything that has been asked of you, usually results in a denial for failure to comply. Once DDS receives the medical, the forms back and any exams they sent you for, they will make a decision on your case. This process can take a long time, especially if your doctor’s are not cooperating or you are slow in getting paperwork back to DDS. COVID has also slowed things down at DDS. DDS will send their determination to SSA and SSA will send out the letters to you. You will either be awarded benefits or not. If you are awarded benefits, you will receive more letters telling you your monthly award money and any back pay you may be entitled to. More likely though you will receive a denial letter indicating that SSA believes you have some impairments, but that the impairments do not prevent you from working. Currently, approval rate at the application step is only 21% Back to Our Approach Page

Sometimes a Judge doesn’t agree that you are disabled.  When that happens there are ways to appeal the Judge’s decision.   Appeals Sometimes a Judge doesn’t agree that you are disabled. When that happens there are ways to appeal the Judge’s decision. Appeal of the ALJ Decision Should you receive an unfavorable decision before the ALJ and are now calling us, we can file for a review of the ALJ’s decision for you. The Appeals Council will either deny the request if it feels the hearing decision was correct or will decide the case itself or return it to the ALJ for further review. Approximately 14% of cases are remanded back to the ALJ for further review. The appeals council approves less than 1% of the cases that their review is requested. Our office has been successful in getting approvals from the Appeals Council. Federal Court Review The federal court is limited in what they can do with an appeal of the ALJ decision and a refusal of the Appeals Council to send the case back to the ALJ. The Federal court cannot decide that the decision of the ALJ was wrong because the facts support a different decision. So long as “the findings of the Commissioner of Social Security as to any fact, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive, and where a claim has been denied by the Commissioner of Social Security or a decision is rendered under subsection (b) hereof which is adverse to an individual who was a party to the hearing before the Commissioner of Social Security, because of failure of the claimant or such individual to submit proof in conformity with any regulation prescribed under subsection (a) hereof, the court shall review only the question of conformity with such regulations and the validity of such regulations.” If the facts of the case are supported by the record in any way, even if more evidence supports a different conclusion, the court will not return the matter as the ALJ’s decision was based on the evidence in the file. This is a high bar for claimants to reach, and if you are contemplating going this way, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney before filing. As with all the prior steps, the claim must be filed with the federal district court within 60 days of the denial from the Appeals Council. Back to Our Approach Page

Doctors have their ways of doing things, and we can't really change that. That's why, if SSA says no to your disability claim at first, it's super important not to give up and to keep asking them to reconsider 01 My doctor says I am disabled, but SSA keeps denying me?!? Whether you can or cannot work is an issue reserved to the Commissioner. “A statement on an issue reserved to the Commissioner is a statement made by a medical source or a nonmedical source who is not part of the adjudicative team that would direct our determination or decision that the claimant is or is not disabled or blind within the meaning of the Social Security Act. We are responsible for making the determination or decision about whether a claimant is disabled or blind.” Your doctor is not part of the adjudicative team at SSA and, therefore, cannot make a determination as to the ability of a person to work. READ MORE AT SSA.GOV 02 What statements are considered to be Statements On Issues Reserved To The Commissioner? These examples do not include every possibility, consider the following statements to be on issues reserved to the Commissioner. A statement indicating whether: the claimant is disabled, blind, able to work, or able to perform regular or continuing work, the claimant has a severe impairment, the claimant’s impairment(s) meets the duration requirement, the claimant’s impairment(s) meets or medically equals any listing in the Listing of Impairments (Listings), the claimant has a specific residual functional capacity (RFC) using our programmatic terms about the functional exertional levels in DI 24510.006 Assessing Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) in Initial Claims (SSR 96-8p), the claimant’s RFC prevents him or her from doing past relevant work, the claimant meets the requirements of a medical-vocational rule in DI 25025.035 Tables No. 1, 2, 3 and Rule 204.00, the claimant’s disability continues or ends when we conduct a continuing disability review (CDR), a claimant’s drug or alcohol addiction is material to his or her disability, a claimant failed to follow prescribed treatment, or in a Title XVI child’s case, an impairment functionally equals the listings. 03 So Now What? Is there even a reason for me to go to the doctor? READ MORE AT SSA.GOV Your doctor is really important because they help take care of your health and provide information about your condition. However, when it comes to the official decision about whether your health problem means you can't work, your doctor's opinion is just one piece of the puzzle. The SSA, not your doctor, makes the final decision regarding disability. Even though your doctor can't make the final call on these things, what they say about your health is still very important. It helps the SSA understand your situation better. Back to FAQ Page

A medically determinable physical or mental impairment must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities that can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques What is a medically determinable physical or mental impairment? According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a medically determinable physical or mental impairment must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities that can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. The impairment must be established by objective medical evidence (signs, laboratory findings, or both) from an acceptable medical source, not on an individual’s statement of symptoms. Link to SSA Guidelines Medical Evidence In seeking Social Security Disability benefits, it's crucial to understand how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your application. The SSA requires clear, objective medical evidence to establish the presence of a disability. This means that the disability must be supported by physical, mental, or psychological abnormalities that can be identified through clinical evaluations and laboratory tests conducted by recognized medical professionals. Simply put, the existence of a disability must be verifiable through medical data, not just personal accounts of discomfort or pain. For your application to be considered, it's essential to have up-to-date medical records documenting your condition and the ongoing treatment you're receiving. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review these records meticulously, looking at treatment notes, imaging results, prescribed medications, and any physical therapy you may be undergoing. They're assessing the nature of your impairments and their longevity and potential to persist for at least 12 months or lead to mortality. A common hurdle many applicants face is the insufficiency of their medical documentation. If the medical records are sparse or fail to capture the full extent of the impairments, DDS may not find enough evidence to substantiate the claimed disability. It's important to remember that DDS relies solely on the written documentation in your medical records. They do not engage in direct discussions with you, your healthcare providers, or your personal network to gather additional insights. Therefore, ensuring that your medical records are comprehensive and accurately reflect the severity of your condition is paramount. If you're concerned that your doctor might not be documenting your condition thoroughly in your medical records or wondering whether a doctor's note stating your inability to work is sufficient for your claim, it's important to delve deeper into these issues. A detailed doctor's note can be supportive, but it must be part of a broader set of medical evidence that paints a full picture of your impairments and their impact on your daily functioning. Navigating the intricacies of Social Security Disability claims can be challenging, but understanding the importance of robust, detailed medical documentation is critical in advocating for your rights and securing the benefits you need. Back to FAQ Page

At ManleyReynolds, PLLC, we approach every case with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to working tirelessly to get you the benefits you deserve. We are here to help guide you through the process. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you navigate the complex world of Social Security disability law. The ManleyReynolds Approach At ManleyReynolds, PLLC, we approach every case with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome. We understand the challenges individuals face when seeking Social Security disability benefits and are here to guide you through the process. We use a personable and helpful approach. Let us put our experience to work for you as we navigate the complex world of Social Security disability law together. SSD and SSI What is the difference? You may have heard SSD and SSI many times while working through this process. These are two different federally funded benefit programs from Social Security. Depending on your past, you may only qualify for one type of social security payment. SSD is for people who have a sufficient work history. A person must have the required work credits and have an illness or injury that is medically determinable that prevents them from working full-time, that has or will last for at least 12 months, or will end in death. While SSI is for anyone who, for any reason, does not have a work history and has a medically determinable impairment. This includes children who have a medically determinable impairment that has or will last for at least 12 months or end in death. More Questions? See our full article here 3 Steps to Federal Benefits Step 1: Application Step 2: Reconsideration Step 3: Hearing The first step in your journey to receiving your benefits is to start an application. There are several ways to do this: 1. You can call us at (833)-GET-SSDI, and we will apply for you. 2. You can go online and fill out the electronic forms at ssa.gov. 3. You can call or go to your local field office. Read More The second step is to file a Request for Reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of the date on the denial letter There are several ways you can file this request: 1. You can call our office at (833)-GET-SSDI, and we will file it for you. 2. You can mail in the forms to request a reconsideration. 3. You can go online and fill out the request. 4. You can go to your local field office to file it. Read More The third step is to file a Request for Hearing. This must be done within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. 1. You can call our office at (833)-GET-SSDI, and we will file it for you. 2. You can mail in the forms to request a hearing before the Judge. 3. You can go online and fill out the request. 4. You can go to your local field office to file it. Read More More Questions? See our full article here Attorney's Fees We don't get paid, till you get paid. There are no out-of-pocket attorney fees for our clients, ever. The Social Security Administration pays our attorney fees directly from the back benefits. The SSA must approve all fees before they are released. There is never a fee if you do not receive benefits. The SSA determines attorney fees at 25% of the back benefits up to $9,200.00. No fees ever come from future monthly benefits. Link to Attorney Fees page on SSA.gov Step 1: Application Up to a full 12 months Timeline to Benefits* Step 2: Reconsideration Up to 12 months after Step 1 denial Step 3: Hearing Request Usually between 6-8 months to receive hearing date Step 4: Judge's Decision After hearing date, up to 6 months for decision *All times are estimates; your specific matter could take more or less time than noted here. Judge Denied you? There's still hope today. Sometimes a Judge doesn’t agree that you are disabled. When that happens, there are ways to appeal the Judge’s decision. You can appeal to the Appeal Council that will review the judge's decison. This can more than a year. Learn More About the Appeal Process Here The First Step: Your Free Consultation Your first step is simple and costs you absolutely nothing. During your free consultation, we listen to your story, review where your Social Security disability claim stands, and explain your options in plain language. Whether you are just thinking about applying, have been denied, or are already waiting for a hearing, we step in right where you are. We do not make you start over, and we do not undo the progress you have already made. We build from it. There are no upfront fees, no hidden costs, and no risk to you. In fact, you pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case and you receive back pay. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. It is that simple. Our job is to make the process easier, clearer, and less stressful, so you can focus on your health while we focus on your case.

ManleyReynolds attorney's wrote a detailed description and steps through the benefits process. Step 2: Request for Reconsideration The second step is to request reconsideration; almost everyone who files will have to do this step. This applies to both SSD and SSI claims. The request can be filed online, in person, or by mail. If you hire us, we will file the Reconsideration request for you, even if you did not contact us until after you received the initial denial. This step is substantially the same as the initial application process. There is more paperwork, more medical records, and possibly more consultative exams. The claimant is always responsible for keeping DDS and SSA informed of all medical providers, medical conditions, and doctor and hospital visits. Failing to complete anything asked of you usually results in a denial for noncompliance. Generally, only 13% of Requests for Reconsideration are approved for benefits. Most people receive a denial letter at this step as well. Back to Our Approach Page

About us Boutique Social Security Disability Firm Phone: (833) 438-7734 Email: Vicki@getssdi.org Address: 18000 W 9 Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48075 25+ years of experience Located in Michigan. Servicing the United States. Who We Are ManleyReynolds, PLLC is a Social Security disability law firm dedicated to helping clients get the benefits they deserve. We handle a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, guiding you through every step of the process. When you call, you speak directly with your attorney, who explains your case, answers your questions, and prepares you for your hearing. Our goal is to secure your financial support while you focus on your health and well-being. What Makes Us Different What sets us apart is our combination of coast-to-coast reach and personal, hands-on service. Unlike large, impersonal firms, we are a small, dedicated team that works closely with every client, guiding them through even the most complex or challenging disability cases. Our size allows us to provide personal attention, clear communication, and tailored strategies, while our experience handling difficult cases ensures we fight for the benefits you deserve, no matter where you live. Where we are located Phone Chat Mail Location

Past relevant work is work that you have done within the past 5 years that was substantial gainful activity. Any job held for less than 30 days is no longer considered relevant work Past Relevant Work (PRW) (1) Definition of past relevant work. Past relevant work is work that you have done within the past 5 years that was substantial gainful activity and that lasted long enough for you to learn to do it. ( See § 416.965(a).) Any job held for less than 30 days is no longer considered relevant work. Past 5 years SSA will go back five years from the date you allege you were no longer capable of full-time, sustained work activity. SGA For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount for 2025 is $1,620.00 . The monthly SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals for 2025 is $2,700.00 . SGA for the blind does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, while SGA for the non-blind disabled applies to Social Security and SSI benefits. Substantial Work is "substantial" if it involves engaging in significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both. Gainful Work is gainful if it is: performed for pay or profit; of a nature generally performed for pay or profit; or intended for profit, whether or not a profit is realized. Lasted long enough to learn Duration refers to the length of time during which the person gained job experience. It should have been sufficient for the worker to have learned the techniques, acquired information, and developed the facility needed for average performance in the job situation. The length of time this would take depends on the nature and complexity of the work. Any job held for less than 30 days is not used in determining this section. Back to FAQ Page

octors have their ways of doing things, and we can't really change that. That's why, if SSA says no to your disability claim at first, it's super important not to give up and to keep asking them to reconsider. My Medical Records are Not Helping My Claim The attorneys at ManleyReynolds know all about doctors and their note-taking skills. 01 Tricky Puzzle When you go to the doctor, you usually talk about one specific problem, like a sore knee from arthritis or a nasty sinus infection. But sometimes, even if your knee still hurts from last week, it might not get mentioned again if you're there for something else. That sore knee may not be written about until your next annual physical exam. This can make your medical records look a bit patchy like puzzle pieces are missing. This is tricky because when the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your records to decide if you can get disability benefits, they might see these gaps and think you're not as unwell as you say. 03 Mixed Up Notes At ManleyReynolds, PLLC, where our lawyers work, we pay close attention to your medical records. If something seems off, like notes about you swinging a golf club when your condition should make that tough, we get to the bottom of it. We had a case like this, and it turned out the doctor's notes were a bit mixed up. The person wasn't playing golf; they were using the club to help stretch their back. Thanks to our careful preparation, we were ready with the correct explanation when the judge asked about it. 02 Don't Give Up Doctors have their ways of doing things, and we can't really change that. That's why, if SSA says no to your disability claim at first, it's super important not to give up and to keep asking them to reconsider. Eventually, you'll talk to a judge who listens to disability cases (the ALJ stage). This is your chance to tell your story to someone face-to-face and explain any bits of your medical records that might not make sense at first glance. 04 Always Remember So, remember, even if your medical records aren't perfect, that doesn't mean you don't deserve help. It just means we need to work together to make sure your story is told right and all the pieces fit together in a way that makes sense to everyone, especially the judge. Back to FAQ Page