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We help you win Disability benefits.

We tell it like it is.

What the Disability attorneys at McDonald Law Firm want you to know…

The Disability attorneys at McDonald Law Firm have vast experience handling Social Security Disability matters. We literally have seen and heard it all. We know what will help your Disability claim and we know what can hurt it. Each month, we offer a handful of tell-it-like-it-is tips in an effort to improve your chance of success and set realistic expectations:

Find a doctor or clinic.

Disability Attorneys - SSDHelpNow.com

Unfortunately, many of our clients can’t afford to go to a doctor or pay for medical treatment. Sadly, this can hurt your case. Social Security wants to see medical records and, if you don’t have any, your Disability claim could be in trouble. If at all possible, find a way to get seen by a doctor or medical professional so that we have documentation to back up your Disability claim. Many cities have free or low-cost medical clinics. Teaching hospitals and community health centers often provide care to the nation’s uninsured. Churches and non-profit organizations are another good resource. Documentation is key. Something is better than nothing.

Follow your doctor’s orders

It is extremely important that you comply with the treatment prescribed by your doctor. If you don’t, Social Security could deny your claim for “treatment non-compliance.”  That is, Social Security might conclude that you would be able to work if you took your medication, underwent surgery, or otherwise followed your doctor’s recommendations.

If you have good reasons for not following your doctor’s orders, Social Security might not hold it against you. Common justifications could include not being able to afford your medication or suffering intolerable side effects. No matter what the issue, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the obstacles you are facing so it is documented in your medical records.  We realize that it is not always easy to follow treatment regiments when you have little income and few resources, but it is in your best interest to try to do what the doctor tells you.

Talk to our Social Security Disability team. Call 855-702-9061.
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Tell your attorney if you babysit.

If you babysit for friends or family members ― even if you do it as a favor ― you should tell your attorney. Depending on the age of the children and the physical demands, it could be viewed by Social Security as evidence of your ability to work. In fact, in the early stages of the Disability process, you will be asked to complete a Disability questionnaire about your “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL).  One of the questions pertains to whether you take care of anyone else and what you do for them.

If you state that you watch your niece every day, it could raise a red flag and, possibly, jeopardize your claim. However, if you explain that your niece is 15 years old and she rides the bus to your house and helps with light chores, then that could actually help your case. Your attorney can evaluate your circumstances and advise you appropriately.

Come clean about alcohol and drug use.

If you regularly use alcohol or drugs or have had a substance-abuse problem, it is important that you are honest with your attorney about it. Alcohol and drug use can affect Disability decisions. If there is evidence of drug or alcohol abuse in your medical records, Social Security must determine whether it impacts your Disability or is “material” to your functioning. In other words, if Social Security determines that your condition would go away if you stopped using drugs or alcohol, then it will deny your claim.

An advantage to having an attorney is that we can advise you how to deal with the issue and handle questions, especially if you undergo a consultative exam or have a Disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Credibility and preparation are extremely important in all Disability cases, but even more so if drugs and alcohol are a factor.

Talk to our Social Security Disability team. Call 855-702-9061.
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Kick the habit.

If you have COPD, congestive heart failure or a cardiopulmonary problem, smoking can jeopardize your claim. Social Security is unlikely to approve a Disability application for someone with emphysema who continues to smoke two packs of cigarettes a day. We don’t necessarily expect you to quit cold turkey, but there are resources available to help you stop smoking. The American Lung Association offers tips, tools and support to help smokers quit.

Stay in touch.

If an attorney or a member of the McDonald Law Firm is calling you, there is an important reason for it. Try to return our calls as quickly as you can and always keep your case manager updated about your condition and treatment. Also, IMMEDIATELY advise your case manager if you return to work ― even on a part-time  basis. This could substantially impact your claim and we need to know the details so we can plan the best course of action.

We hope you found this information helpful. The Disability attorneys at McDonald Law Firm have helped thousands of people across the country obtain Social Security Disability benefits and we would be pleased to help you, too. Call us at 855-702-9061, message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+, or take a free Disability eligibility evaluation see if you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

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"helped me when I needed it most"

McDonald Law Firm has helped me when I needed it most. The case managers are on top of their game and know exactly what they are doing. —TD

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does Disability pay?
  • How long does it take to get Disability?
  • What medical conditions qualify for Social Security Disability?
  • How do you apply for Medicare Disability benefits?
  • I missed a Disability appeal deadline. Now what?
  • How long do you have to be disabled before you can get Disability benefits?
  • What are the Social Security Disability requirements?
  • How do I apply for Disability?
  • Should I hire a Disability lawyer?
  • I was denied Disability. Now what?
  • Can you work while on Disability?
  • MORE FAQs

Disability Forms

  • SSA-16: Social Security Disability Application Form
  • SSA-3369: Social Security Disability Work History Report
  • SSA-3373: The Function Report
  • SSA-3368: Adult Disability Report
  • SSA-827: Social Security Disability Medical Release Form
  • SSA-3441: Social Security Disability Appeal Form
  • SSA-561: Request for Reconsideration
  • HA-501: Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge

No up-front fees.

Don’t think you can afford an attorney? Think again. You'll never pay anything up-front. You have nothing to lose but plenty to gain.

Get help with your claim.

We file Disability claims every day. It’s what we do. We know how to cut through the red tape to help get the benefits you need.

We only get paid if you win.

The federal government pays us when the case is over – and only if we win. If we aren’t successful, we don’t collect. It’s that simple.

Call us: 855-702-9061

Whether you’re just beginning the Disability process or have found yourself overwhelmed in the middle of it all, we can help.
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