Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits in Cook County, IL: 5 Insights from Experienced Attorneys

March 3, 2025

Social Security Disability Attorney reviewing documents at Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law | Cook County, IL

When navigating the complex process of applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, many residents in Cook County, IL, turn to trusted legal experts for guidance. SSD benefits provide crucial support for individuals who are unable to work due to physical or mental impairments. Whether you are in the process of applying or facing difficulties with a denied claim, the help of a seasoned social security disability attorney in Cook County, IL can make all the difference.


In this article, we will highlight five key insights from experienced attorneys at Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law, to help you better understand the Social Security disability system and how to improve your chances of success.


1. Understanding Eligibility Requirements


One of the first things to understand when applying for SSD benefits is the eligibility criteria. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must demonstrate that you are suffering from a severe disability that prevents you from working. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate your claim, including:


  • Your ability to perform any type of work.
  • The severity of your condition.
  • Whether your condition is on the SSA’s list of qualifying disabilities.


Navigating this process can be overwhelming, which is why working with a social security disability attorney in Cook County, IL, is beneficial. A skilled attorney can help you ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements and improve your chances of approval.


2. The Importance of Medical Documentation


One of the most critical components of a successful disability claim is comprehensive medical documentation. The SSA needs clear evidence that your condition severely limits your ability to work. Doctors’ notes, test results, and hospital records all play a significant role in proving your case.


An experienced social security disability attorney in Cook County, IL can help you gather the right documentation, making sure that all necessary medical evidence is presented effectively. Attorneys at Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law, have the knowledge and resources to obtain and organize this documentation, giving your claim the best possible chance of approval.


3. The Role of Work History


Your past work history can also significantly affect your SSD eligibility. The SSA evaluates your work history to determine if you have earned enough work credits to qualify for benefits. Typically, you need to have worked at least five out of the last ten years in jobs covered by Social Security.


For those who do not meet the required work history, there may still be an option to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which does not require work credits. An attorney will assess your specific case and advise you on the best course of action to take.


4. The Challenges of Appeals


Unfortunately, a large number of SSD claims are initially denied. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t be discouraged. A denial does not mean the end of your case. In fact, many successful SSD claims result from an appeal. The appeals process can be complex, involving multiple levels of review.


Having a social security disability attorney in Cook County, IL by your side can help you navigate the appeal process effectively. Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law, have extensive experience helping clients appeal denied claims. They will guide you through the legal procedures, ensuring that your case is presented in the strongest possible light.


5. Timeliness Is Crucial


Filing for SSD benefits or appealing a denied claim requires strict adherence to deadlines. Missing a deadline can result in the loss of your right to appeal or receive benefits, even if your case is strong.


An experienced SSD attorney will help ensure that you file all necessary paperwork within the required timeframes. At Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law, they understand the importance of timely action and will work diligently to keep your case on track.


Seeking Expert Legal Help Can Make a Difference


Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a daunting and complicated process, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. By working with an experienced social security disability attorney in Cook County, IL, like those at Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law, you can increase your chances of a successful claim or appeal. Their expertise in handling SSD cases can ensure that all the proper documentation is gathered, deadlines are met, and your case is presented in the best possible light.


If you or a loved one is struggling with a disability and needs help with your claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law today. Call 888-921-5297 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation. Let the experienced team at Horn & Kelley fight for the benefits you deserve.


For more information on the SSDI process, visit the Social Security Administration’s website.

April 15, 2025
National Leaders in Social Security Disability Law Attorney John E. Horn of the law firm of Horn & Kelley, PC , just won another Social Security Disability case, this one at application, step 1 of the Social Security Disability process. His client was a 63 year old Cicero disability applicant with congestive heart failure, chest pain, shortness of breath and osteoporosis. We have represented many other Cicero disability claimants successfully. We Can Handle Cicero Disability Claims at All Levels Do not make the same mistake so many others have, call us before you file. We can handle your claim from the very beginning. A Cicero disability applicant would ordinarily make an appointment with us at our LaGrange office. We apply for Cicero disability claimants by filing online. Applications for Social Security Disability benefits have a seventy percent chance of being denied. Then it is necessary to file an appeal called reconsideration. We request reconsideration for Cicero disability applicants by filing their appeals online. Most claims are denied at reconsideration. Then it is necessary to file another appeal requesting a hearing by an administrative law judge. We request hearings for Cicero disability applicants by filing online. Many claims are won at the hearing level, but if you do not win, an appeal must be filed with the Appeals Council. Like everyone else who appeals to the Appeals Council, Cicero disability applicants file their appeals in Falls Church, Virginia, by fax or mail. The Appeals Council denies eight out of ten appeals. Social Security used to allow sixty-five percent of claims overall, but now it is allowing only forty percent of claims. We aim to win every claim without a hearing, but Social Security is just a big insurance company, and like any other insurance company, it only wants to take in premiums and not pay benefits. That means you need a Social Security Disability Lawyer who will if necessary take your case to the United States District Court, the United States Court of Appeals, or even the United States Supreme Court. Cicero disability applicants file suit against Social Security in the United States District Court in Chicago. If Cicero disability applicants do not win in the District Court, they appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago. Free Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win When you apply for Social Security Disability, make sure you hire a local fighter, a lawyer who can take your case to the United States District Court or United States Court of Appeals if necessary. You have at least a fifty percent better chance of winning with a fighting lawyer who can take your case to the United States District Court, the United States Court of Appeals or even the United States Supreme Court. Visit our website at www.johnehornattorney.com . We are national leaders in Social Security Disability law with more cases published in the Forum of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives than anyone else in the country for the last three years. We show other lawyers how to win. Horn & Kelley won nineteen out of twenty decisions in 2017 in the U. S. District Court and four out of four decisions in the U. S. Court of Appeals in 2017. We have represented many Cicero disability applicants. Horn & Kelley are lawyers who represents disability claimants at every level in Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana. Horn & Kelley has offices in Chicago , Tinley Park , and La Grange , Illinois, as well as Highland, Indiana. Their Chicago office serves Southwest Chicago. Their Tinley Park office serves Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs. Their LaGrange office serves Chicago’s west suburbs, including Cicero disability applicants. Their Highland office serves Northwest Indiana. We have represented more than 5,000 clients in the past twenty-five years. If you are a Cicero disability applicant, get a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability claim and call Horn & Kelley at 888-921-5297. Horn & Kelley practice law only in the field of Social Security Disability. Follow Horn & Kelley on X @HornKelleyLaw and like us on Facebook .
April 10, 2025
National Leaders in Social Security Disability Law Attorney John E. Horn of the law firm of Horn & Kelley, PC , just won another Social Security Disability case, this one at application, step 1 of the Social Security Disability process. His client was a 64year old Stickney disability applicant with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, bilateral knee surgeries, history of brain tumor, slurred speech, high blood pressure and anxiety We have represented many other Stickney disability claimants successfully.
Social Security Disability Lawyer gavel symbolizing justice and disability rights
March 24, 2025
Learn how a Social Security disability lawyer in Cook County, IL, can help you navigate the application process. Contact Horn & Kelley, PC at (708) 614-8833.
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