When health problems stop you from working, everyday life becomes stressful, and figuring out the Social Security disability system can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve just started thinking about applying or you’re feeling frustrated after a denial, a Social Security disability lawyer in Lowell can help turn frustration into confidence. At Jim Glaser Law, we provide clear answers, straightforward guidance, and dedicated support to help you regain stability. Because when it comes to getting the benefits you need, Jimmy Knows!® exactly what to do.
Struggling to Get Disability Benefits in Lowell?
If your medical condition is keeping you from working, getting the benefits you need shouldn’t feel impossible. At Jim Glaser Law, we’ll fight to get you approved—whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial. Let us handle the stress while you focus on your health. Get your free case review with a disability lawyer in Lowell, MA, today.
1
Getting Help Is Easy.
We understand how confusing the process of filing a claim can be and we are ready to put our experience with Social Security disability claims to work for you. Our attorneys will assist you every step of the way.
2
You Don't Have to Fight Alone.
Filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits is a multi-layered process with strict requirements. Our experienced team knows this process inside and out, and we are ready to fight for the benefits you are entitled to receive.
3
It Costs Nothing to Start the Process.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our services are available to you immediately, without an upfront payment. We don’t get paid unless there is a successful outcome to your claim.
Table of Contents
- Social Security Disability Benefits Explained
- How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits in Lowell
- The Disability Claims Process
- What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied?
- What Our Lowell Disability Lawyers Can Do for You
- Lowell, MA, Social Security Disability FAQs
- Let Jim Glaser Law Help You Get Your Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability Benefits Explained
If you’re unable to work because of a long-term or serious medical condition, Social Security disability benefits may provide the financial support you need. These benefits are offered through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are designed to help people whose disabilities are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
There are 2 main types of disability benefits:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program helps people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. To qualify, you must have earned enough “work credits” over the years and have a medical condition that prevents you from working.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program is designed for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI can help with basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
To get approved, the SSA will evaluate the severity of your condition and whether it stops you from doing any kind of work.
How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits in Lowell
To receive Social Security benefits, you must meet certain eligibility rules set by the SSA. These rules are strict, and even small mistakes can result in a denial. One important tool used by the SSA is the Blue Book—a medical guide that lists conditions considered severe enough to qualify as disabilities. Your condition must either match a listing in the Blue Book or be proven to be just as limiting in order to be approved.
SSDI Eligibility Requirements
Social Security Disability Insurance is for people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify, you must meet both medical and work-related criteria:
- Disabling Condition: Your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and must last for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
- Work Credits: You earn work credits based on your income and how long you’ve worked. In most cases, you need at least 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Younger workers may need fewer credits.
SSI Eligibility Requirements
Supplemental Security Income is designed to help people who are disabled, blind, or over 65 and have very limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, you do not need work credits to qualify.
To be eligible for SSI, you must:
- Have a qualifying disability as defined by the SSA
- Have little or no income
- Own limited resources
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, a Lowell disability attorney can review your work history, medical records, and income to determine which benefits you may be eligible for and help get you started on the right path.
Our Results Speak For Themselves
The Disability Claims Process
Filing for Social Security disability benefits can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you through the application process in Lowell.
Before applying, collect key documents. You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number and proof of age
- Contact information for doctors, clinics, and hospitals
- Medical records, test results, and treatment summaries
- A list of jobs you’ve had in the last 15 years
- Your most recent W-2s or tax returns
You can submit your application:
- Online at ssa.gov
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213
- In person at the Lowell SSA office: 151 Warren Street, Lowell, MA 01852
It’s important to answer all questions accurately and include thorough medical evidence.
You’ll be asked about:
- Your medical condition and how it limits your ability to work
- Doctors you’ve seen and treatments you’ve had
- Your job history and daily activities
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Massachusetts.
It can take 3 to 6 months to get a decision. During this time, the SSA may contact your doctors or ask you to attend a special medical exam.
Applying with the support of an experienced SSDI lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that cause delays or denials. At Jim Glaser Law, we’ll help make sure your application is complete, well-documented, and properly submitted.
What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied?
If your application for disability benefits is denied, you’re not alone—more than half of all initial claims are denied, even for people who truly qualify. The good news? A denial isn’t the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision, and with the right help, you may still get approved.
Why Are SSDI Claims Denied?
Some common reasons for denial include:
- Missing or incomplete medical records
- Not enough recent work credits
- A condition that doesn’t clearly meet the SSA’s Blue Book criteria
- Inconsistent or unclear information in your application
- Failure to respond to SSA requests or exams
The Appeals Process in Massachusetts
If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to begin the appeals process. Here’s how it works:
- Reconsideration: A different SSA representative reviews your application. New evidence can be submitted at this stage.
- Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If denied again, you can request a hearing. You’ll have the chance to explain your condition in person (or virtually) and present updated records. This is where having a skilled disability lawyer can make a big difference.
- Appeals Council Review: If the judge denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision.
- Federal Court Review: As a final step, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
Each level of appeal has strict deadlines, specific rules, and unique challenges. That’s why it’s so important to have legal support on your side. A Lowell SSDI lawyer from Jim Glaser Law can step in right away to:
- Review your denial letter
- Identify what went wrong
- Collect updated medical records or expert opinions
- File the necessary appeal paperwork on time
- Represent you in hearings, if needed
The appeals process can be frustrating, but you don’t have to face it alone. We know how to make your case stronger the second time around, and we’ll stand by your side every step of the way. Get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Our Lowell Disability Lawyers Can Do for You
Applying for Social Security disability benefits isn’t easy, and more than 60% of applications are denied the first time. For many people, it’s not because they don’t qualify—it’s because the paperwork was incomplete, the medical evidence was unclear, or they weren’t sure how to clearly show how their condition meets the SSA’s strict guidelines.
That’s where we come in.
Attorney Jim Glaser and his qualified team know how to walk you through each step with clarity and confidence. We’ll help you:
- Gather and organize strong medical records
- Complete your application thoroughly and accurately
- Communicate with the SSA so you don’t have to
- Avoid common mistakes that lead to delays or denials
- Represent you during the appeals process
- Maximize your chances of getting approved
Trying to handle your claim alone can be overwhelming. We understand what the SSA looks for, how the Blue Book conditions apply to your case, and what it takes to win.
Best of all? You don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
You deserve to focus on your health—not paperwork and deadlines. Jimmy Knows!® how to help you get the benefits and peace of mind you need.
Lowell, MA, Social Security Disability FAQs
The timeline for receiving SSDI benefits can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the strength of your medical evidence, and how quickly the SSA processes your claim. Some people receive a decision in a few months, while others may wait over a year, especially if the case goes to a hearing. Working with an attorney can help reduce delays by helping ensure your application is complete from the start.
You are not required to have an attorney to apply, but having legal support can make a big difference. A Social Security disability lawyer understands how to present your condition clearly, collect the right documentation, and avoid common mistakes that lead to delays or denials. Many people find that hiring a lawyer increases their chances of approval, especially if they’re dealing with a complex case or an appeal.
While every case is different, applicants who have legal representation are generally more likely to be approved. An experienced lawyer knows how to build a strong case, gather the right medical records, and present your situation to the SSA.
Disability payment amounts vary depending on your work history and how much you’ve paid into the Social Security system. SSDI benefits are based on your past earnings, while SSI benefits are need-based. Although there is an average range, each case is unique and your benefit amount will depend on your specific situation.
Yes, but there are strict limits on how much you can earn while still qualifying for benefits. The SSA has programs like the Trial Work Period that let you test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. It’s important to understand the rules before starting a job.
The SSA maintains a list of conditions in what’s known as the Blue Book. However, you don’t have to match a listed condition exactly—you can still qualify if your condition is severe enough to keep you from working full time. Mental and physical conditions may both be eligible.
Yes, in some cases, you can apply for both programs. This is known as a concurrent claim. Whether you qualify for one or both depends on your work history, income, and financial resources.
Let Jim Glaser Law Help You Get Your Disability Benefits
If you’re struggling to get disability benefits, you’re not alone. The system can be confusing, slow, and discouraging, but help is just a click or a phone call away. At Jim Glaser Law, we’ve spent years fighting for people just like you throughout Lowell and across Massachusetts, and we know what it takes to win.
Whether you’re applying for the first time, dealing with delays, or fighting a denial, our team is here to guide you. A Lowell Social Security disability lawyer can handle the paperwork, speak to the SSA on your behalf, and make sure your voice is heard. You focus on your health—we’ll take care of the rest.
Call us today or fill out our free case evaluation form to get started. Jimmy Knows!® disability law and how to fight for what you may be entitled to.