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30+ Years of Experience

30+ years of Experience

Advocating for the legal rights of disabled people in Oklahoma for over a quarter century.
Your local attorney

Your local attorney

Putting the power back in your hands by giving you the information you need to make informed choices.
Served 10K+ Clients

Served 10K+ Clients

Guiding thousands of Oklahomans through the SSDI process, from initial filings to fighting unjust denials and appeals processes.

Oklahoma City Social
Security Disability Attorney

Your Local Oklahoma Attorney

If you are disabled or injured and can not work, you may be entitled to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Social Security Income (SSI) benefits. However, the approval process for your disability benefits can often be challenging.

Determining which Social Security disability programs you may qualify for can feel overwhelming. Additionally, proving that you qualify for benefits can be complicated. Most first-time claims are denied and many are denied again during the reconsideration phase. Generally, your chances of approval increase when you have experienced legal representation on your side.

There are many ways you can improve your chances of qualifying even in the initial phases of applying for benefits. Before starting the claims process, it is always best to speak to an Oklahoma City Social Security Disability attorney. Whether you are just beginning the SSDI application process or have already been denied, we can help you move forward.

At The Law Center For Social Security Disability, attorney Gary Wayne Jones has been helping clients qualify for and receive the benefits they are entitled to for more than thirty years. If you are feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the Social Security disability process, an Oklahoma City Social Security benefits attorney may be able to help.

Call us today at (405) 236-1416 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.

Attorney Gary Wayne Jones
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What is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to workers who have become disabled if they have paid enough premiums to qualify. Premiums are paid monthly by employees when their employer withholds FICA from their paychecks.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits to severely disabled people with very limited income and resources. To qualify for SSI, a person must either be ineligible to receive SSDI or are only able to receive a very small amount of SSDI. The SSI program also pays benefits to people who are blind and adults with limited income who are 65 or older.

What Our
Clients Say
Every story deserves to be heard. Our client reviews reflect the trust and satisfaction our clients have in our legal expertise and dedication.
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process was smooth once he took over

"I hired Gary Jones years back when I was first denied for disability. And boy am I thankful I did! The process was smooth once he took over. We went into the hearing and I was so nervous. But he reassured me that I would be fine and we would get through it..."

K.C.

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very professional and committed

"Mr. Jones and his staff were very professional and committed to provide prompt return to questions that arose during my case and guidance during my process with social security. I recommend his services for social security disability"

T.T.

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answered any and all questions

"Mr. Gary Jones and his assistant Theetta were very professional and efficient! They answered any and all questions that I had throughout the process. I was in very good hands! I had a different attorney the first time I filed and it was a nightmare from beginning to end. I started over with Mr. Jones and had..."

R.H.

google review

very knowledgeable

"Gary was very knowledgeable and explained the details about my case when other lawyers would not. I really appreciate all his help and I definitely recommend him if you want a knowledgeable lawyer. Thanks again Gary."

D.H.

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Qualifying for SSDI Benefits

There are strict rules for qualifying for SSDI benefits. In most cases, you must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity.” This phrase is used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) when referring to your ability to earn income from a job.

To qualify for SSDI, your physical or mental disability must:

  • Have lasted or is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months, or is expected to result in death
  • Prevent you from doing the work you were doing before your disability
  • Prevent you from doing other kinds of work due to your condition

You must have also worked at a job that withheld social security premiums pursuant to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) from your paycheck each month. When determining eligibility the SSA considers your “work credits.” Work credits are the credits you accumulate when a portion of the taxes withheld from your employment are paid to the SSA. The amount of work credits needed to qualify for SSDI depends on your age.

As long as you are working and paying FICA each month you are considered “insured” for disability benefits. However, if you stop working and paying FICA, your insured status will eventually end.

Generally, your insured status will end five years after you last worked. You must prove that you became disabled before the date your insured status ended to be eligible for SSDI benefits.

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The SSDI Application Requirements

Qualifying for SSDI can quickly become overwhelming for most people. The application requires that you complete numerous SSA forms and provide evidence to prove the information on those forms.

Some of the additional records you will need to submit with your SSA forms include:

  • Workers compensation claim records if you were injured on the job
  • Medical records that prove your disability
  • Financial information such as bank account and retirement account statements, and other assets

Preparing the SSA forms and gathering the records to substantiate your claims can be time-consuming and confusing. Having an experienced Oklahoma City Social Security Disability lawyer by your side can ease your burden and streamline the process, helping you qualify and begin receiving your benefits sooner.

Why Do I Need To Talk To An Attorney Before Filing a Claim?

First-time applicants for SSDI are usually denied. In fact, only about 20% of applications are approved at the initial stage. You can request a reconsideration within 60 days after a denial. During the reconsideration phase, SSA may request additional information and forms.

An experienced Social Security Disability Attorney in Oklahoma City has the skill and deep understanding of the SSDI process to avoid application mistakes so you are more likely to be approved in the initial phase.

Some of the steps your SSDI attorney may take to support your claim include:

  • Have your doctor prepare a report about your condition that is consistent with the SSA regulations
  • Gather evidence to prove the severity of your condition
  • Object to improper procedures and evidence at a hearing
  • Consider and object if necessary to any request for a second medical opinion by the Administrative Law Judge
  • Help obtain a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) also known as a medical source statement
  • Have subpoenas issued to important witnesses
  • Review all actions taken by the SSA
  • Cross-examine SSA witnesses at your Administrative Hearing
  • Ensure your benefits are calculated correctly
  • Request a review by the SSA Appeals Council if you are denied

The SSDI application process is strict and small errors can cause your application to be denied. Let us help you apply for and receive the maximum SSDI benefits you are entitled to.

Gary Wayne Jones only handles Social Security law claims and is extremely successful in helping clients get the benefits they deserve. He will be your guide through every stage of your case and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Whether you have just begun to consider applying for SSDI benefits or you have been struggling with the claims process for months, let us help you move forward with your claim.

We will sit down with you, listen to your story, answer all your questions, and explain your rights. If we represent you, we will aggressively fight to get you the full amount of benefits you are entitled to.

Call us today at (405) 236-1416 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.