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ManleyReynolds is a Social Security disability law firm. Contact us today, and let us help you get the benefits you deserve National Disability Benefits Law Firm From beginning to resolution, we guide your case and protect your Federal Disability Rights. (833)-438-7734 *Over 25 years experience in acquiring national disability benefits We Are There With You At Every Step Of The Process. Our Approach on Disability At ManleyReynolds, your attorney is with you every step of the way. We take the time to explain the process clearly so you feel confident throughout your case. You can ask questions anytime, and calling us is always free. From your first call to the day your benefits are secured, your attorney works personally to guide and represent you. CALL US TODAY Vicki Corr Vicki Corr, senior attorney, is dedicated to helping her clients access the benefits they may be eligible for. With Vicki, you’re never just a number; she works directly with you to make sure every client gets the support they need. Read More Free Case Consultation First name Last name* Email* Phone Purpose of Inquiry I would like a... Call Back Email Text Submit Your one-stop shop to SSA Federal Benefits- Medicare SSA Federal Medicare Agent Services helps you navigate Medicare with confidence and clarity. Our licensed, independent agent compares plans from Michigan carriers to find coverage that fits your needs and budget at no cost to you. Get personalized guidance, straightforward answers, and support every step of the way. Are you Medicare Eligible? We help individuals across Michigan clearly understand Medicare eligibility and coverage options. Whether you’re nearing the 24-month SSDI waiting period or already eligible, our independent Medicare brokers explain how Parts A, B, C (Medicare Advantage), and D work together. We simplify enrollment timelines, coverage choices, and potential costs in plain language, and can enroll you in a plan right over the phone. By comparing plans from multiple carriers, we help you find coverage that fits your medical needs and budget. Our guidance is local, personalized, and focused on making Medicare easier and less stressful. Call our Medicare Agent Hotline Today! From the Desk of Our Attorney From the Desk of Our Attorney Social Security Disability Reference Resources 4 hours ago Approved for disability? You may be entitled to Medicare! 3 hours ago SSD V. SSI 3 hours ago Call Today (833) 438-7734 Client Testimonials ManleyReynolds, PLLC, attorneys are there every step of the way until you receive the benefits you deserve. You will no longer battle SSA and paperwork on your own. Don't wait. Don't do this alone. Contact us today (833) - 438 - 7734

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

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

Contact Us Phone (833) 438-7734 Email vicki@getssdi.org Address 18000 W 9 mile, Rd. Southfield, MI 48075 Mon - Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm First Name Last Name Email Phone Tell us about your situation... Send Thanks for submitting!

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

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

It means the highest level of work you can consistently manage despite your physical or mental limitations. Think of it as the most demanding work you can realistically handle throughout a typical workday and workweek. What is Maximum Sustained Work Capability? This term is used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if you qualify for disability benefits. It means the highest level of work you can consistently manage despite your physical or mental limitations. Think of it as the most demanding work you can realistically handle throughout a typical workday and workweek. How does the SSA measure this? Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): They examine your medical records and doctor's opinions to create an RFC outlining what you can still do (how much you can lift, stand, walk, concentrate, etc.). Comparing to Job Demands: Your RFC is compared to the requirements of Link to SSA Guidelines Link to SSA Guidelines Why is this important for disability benefits? If the SSA finds your impairments prevent you from doing even the easiest types of jobs consistently, you're more likely to be considered disabled and eligible for benefits. If you have milder limitations, the SSA also looks at your age, education, and skills to see if you can adapt to different work. Link to SSA Guidelines Back to FAQ Page

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

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

Medicare Medicare is a federal 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 helps cover hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs through different parts of the program. Parts of Medicare 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 Independent insurance companies partner with Orginal 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. Medicare.gov Part D Presription Drug Coverage which can be elected to help cover the cost of presciption medications. Medicare.gov Michigan Medicare In Michigan, Medicare is the same federal program available everywhere, but people here 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 options, calling our Medicare Agent Hotline can make the process simple and stress-free. Our licensed agent 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!

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

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.