SSDRC




Filing an Application for Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability List of Impairments

Social Security Disability and SSI Back pay

Social Security Disability Status

SSI Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability and SSI Requirements

Social Security, SSI, and Mental Disability

How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits?

Qualifying: What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability?


Getting a Disability Lawyer in Minnesota for a Social Security or SSI Claim


If you are filing for social security disability (SSD) or SSI benefits in Minnesota, the good news is that you are statistically more likely to win benefits than applicants in other states. Over 40% of all disability claims in Minnesota are approved their first time through Minnesota’s disability determination services (DDS). In addition, if your case is denied and you file a reconsideration appeal with DDS, the odds that you will win the appeal are close to 20% (18.8 % to be exact).

However, while these figures are better than the national average, the fact remains that social security disability applicants in Minnesota stand a less than 50% chance of winning benefits at any given point in the disability determination process, and figures are particularly bleak at the appeal level.

If you are filing for disability in Minnesota and your SSD application and request for reconsideration appeal fail to win you benefits, it’s probably time you at least consult with a disability lawyer. A good disability attorney will look your case over to determine if there are any weaknesses in the medical evidence, as well as help to form sound legal arguments against the state disability examiner’s decision.

The fact that your second appeal will take place before a federal administrative law judge makes it pretty important for you to retain legal counsel at this level. Your lawyer can present your case in a professional and coherent manner—very few SSD/SSI applicants, no matter how educated or well-spoken, know the ins and outs of Minnesota disability law as well as a lawyer specializing in these cases. Also, for whatever, reason, statistics have shown that lawyers tend to respond more favorably to social security disability cases when they are presented by an attorney. Many studies indicate that cases in which claimants are represented by a disability lawyer have about a 50% greater chance of winning than those in which the claimants represent themselves.

Of course, it is true that quite a few cases are approved by the Minnesota disability determination services upon their initial application, without legal counsel of any kind. However, if you are a resident of Minnesota whose SSD/SSI case has been denied despite your medical condition, it is probably well worth your time and money to seek legal counsel to help determine what is preventing you from winning disability benefits, and how to help a judge see that your condition is truly disabling.















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  • Social Security Disability & SSI Resource Center

  • Social Security Disability, SSI Questions and Answers














    Questions and Answers about Social Security Disability and SSI Disability


  • Questions about Disability Lawyers and Hiring a Disability Attorney

  • Social Security Disability Medical Evaluation Form, Can A Doctor Be Forced to Complete One?

  • Can you get Social Security Disability or SSI for a short period of time, i.e. Temporary Disability?

  • Social Security Disability Advice from the Wrong Sources

  • What happens if the Social Security disability examiner cannot find all the needed medical records?

  • Who is the DDS Doctor, i.e. the Social Security Doctor?

  • What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI?

  • Requesting a Social Security Hearing when you have a Disability Representative or Attorney

  • Who Do You Call Or Contact For Your Social Security Disability Status or SSI Update?

  • You Cannot get a Social Security Disability or SSI Award if you don't Provide SSA what they need

  • Do you need a Lawyer at the Administrative Law Judge Disability Hearing?

  • When I Apply For Disability Should I List My Old Meds From Years Ago?

  • Lawyer for Social Security Disability--will I need one

  • Can a disability attorney speed up my disability hearing? By What Methods?

  • The difference between an Application for disability and a Social Security Reconsideration?

  • The Levels Of The Social Security Disability and SSI Application and Appeal Process

  • Are SSD and SSI disability cases decided differently or the same way in terms of Eligibility?

  • What are the Odds or Chances of Being Approved for Disability?

  • What are Social Security Disability and SSI Concurrent Benefits?

  • What does a Disability Denial Letter from Social Security say?

  • Should you get a Statement from a Personal Physician for your SSD or SSI Disability Case?

  • How Long Does It Take For An Answer To Qualify For Social Security Disability or SSI?