Cincinnati Social Security Disability Lawyer
Lawrence & Associates is a trustworthy advocate for clients seeking support with Social Security Disability cases in Cincinnati. Our compassionate team of attorneys has the experience and skillset needed to navigate a claim from start to finish, no matter the complexity.
If you or your loved one is in need of assistance with a case, do not wait to get the help you deserve. Call our law office today at (513) 951-6723 to schedule an initial consultation with a Cincinnati social security disability lawyer.
table of contents
- Get the Benefits You Deserve With Help From a Local Cincinnati SSD Lawyer
- Our Successful Social Security Disability Case Results
- What Is Social Security Disability?
- What Types of Social Security Disability Cases Do We Take?
- Types of Qualifying Ohio Disability Conditions
- How Long Do I Have To File a Social Security Disability Claim?
- Why Are SSD Claims Often Denied?
- Social Security Disability Appeals Process
- Call a Social Security Disability Lawyer at Lawrence & Associates Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Get the Benefits You Deserve With Help From a Local Cincinnati SSD Lawyer
Social Security Disability benefits come in two forms: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each of these systems works in its own unique way, with specific eligibility requirements. Due to the complexity of the claims process, especially when dealing with denials, it is crucial to secure legal support.
At Lawrence & Associates, our seasoned Cincinnati attorneys can help with every aspect of filing a Social Security Disability claim. We handle initial applications, appeals, ALJ hearings, and the gathering of medical evidence so that our clients can focus on themselves and their families. Review our client stories and case results to learn more about our commitment to your success.
Justin Lawrence
Founding Partner
“We provide guidance and direction to our clients with the understanding that this is one of the most challenging processes they will ever experience in their lifetime. Each case is treated with utmost importance, as if it is the sole focus of our attention. Our client’s can have confidence that our staff understands the Social Security process. We take pride in helping our client fight for the benefits.”
Our team has extensive experience with local SSA offices and judges in Cincinnati, giving us the required knowledge to navigate client cases. We operate on a contingency fee structure, meaning you pay no fee unless we secure benefits. With our local presence and track record of success in Cincinnati, you can trust our lawyers to get the job done.
Our Successful Social Security Disability Case Results
- “Our hearing rep Miranda Deem recently helped a client facing serious health and personal challenges navigate the disability application process. Despite difficult circumstances, the firm worked to simplify the process and ensure timely communication with Disability Determination Services. As a result, the client’s case was approved early, and they received their first disability check ahead of schedule.”
- ”Miranda Deem helped secure a Social Security Disability win for a child facing significant health issues. Despite ongoing medical challenges and delays in the decision process, the legal team persisted through the appeals process and ultimately achieved a favorable outcome at the hearing. After a long and difficult journey, the decision brought much-needed relief and support to the family.”
Hear From Our Satisfied Clients
What Is Social Security Disability?
As mentioned before, there are two primary forms of Social Security Disability: SSDI and SSI. We will take a closer look at each of these below.
Social Security Disability Insurance
SSDI is designed for people who have worked and paid into Social Security taxes. To be eligible for these forms of benefits, you must have a qualifying disability and have earned enough work credits based on age and work history.
SSDI is funded by payroll taxes paid by workers and employers and provides monthly benefits based on your past earnings. Additionally, individuals can become eligible for Medicare after two years on SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income
SSI is intended to provide financial assistance to individuals with low incomes and limited resources. Unlike SSDI, this benefits program is not based on work history. To be eligible, you must be over 65, blind, or disabled, and meet strict income and asset limits.
SSI is funded by general tax revenues, rather than Social Security taxes. The monthly amount that qualifying recipients receive is based on federal and, sometimes, state supplement levels. People on SSI may qualify for Medicaid; however, this varies by state.
What Is Considered a Disability by the SSA?
To be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration, individuals must meet all of the following requirements:
- Inability to maintain substantial gainful activity (SGA) – As of 2025, earning more than $1,550 a month, or $2,590 a month if blind, may disqualify you.
- A medically determinable impairment – A licensed medical professional must diagnose the condition.
- The condition must last, or be expected to last, 12 months or more, or result in death.
In addition to these criteria, the condition must meet the Blue Book definition. The SSA provides a list of conditions that automatically qualify if the benchmarks are met. If your condition is not listed, you can still qualify based on the severity and limitations it causes. Some of the most commonly approved impairments include the following:
- Mental disorders, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism
- Cardiovascular conditions, including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, and peripheral artery disease
- Respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis
- Musculoskeletal disorders, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and herniated discs
- Neurological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy
SSI is funded by general tax revenues, rather than Social Security taxes. The monthly amount that qualifying recipients receive is based on federal and, sometimes, state supplement levels. People on SSI may qualify for Medicaid; however, this varies by state.
What Types of Social Security Disability Cases Do We Take?
At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, our focus is on providing exceptional customer service. Our attorneys and staff are responsive to your questions and concerns, making sure that you are always kept up to date on the status of your case and that you understand your options and the next steps to take. We work closely with experts and medical professionals to get you the benefits you need, including:
- Disabled Worker Benefits – The most common type of Social Security benefit that requires an attorney’s services is the Disabled Worker Benefit, also known as SSDI, RSDI, or DIB.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – This is needs-based income for the aged, blind, or disabled. In order to get SSI, a single individual cannot have more than $2,000 in resources, and a married individual cannot have more than $3,000 in resources. The amount of income an applicant can earn is similarly restricted.
- Childhood Benefits – If a child is disabled, they may qualify for SSI benefits if they are under the age of 18 and have a physical or mental condition, or combination of conditions, that meets Social Security’s definition of disability for children.
- Retired Worker Benefits – The Social Security Administration pays retired worker benefits to citizens who worked for long enough to be covered by Social Security and who have reached at least age 62 (for partial benefits) or age 70 (for full benefits).
Types of Qualifying Ohio Disability Conditions
Conditions that qualify as a disability for Social Security eligibility are numerous. The most common conditions that lead to disability benefits include the following:
- Back and spinal injuries
- Vision loss/blindness
- Diabetes-related conditions
- Loss of use of arms or legs
- Arthritis
- Depression
However, you are ineligible for Social Security disability benefits if you are working full-time. This is true even when working in a limited capacity or with work restrictions.
Our Social Security attorneys have had success in getting applications approved for clients with the following conditions:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Meniere’s disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Tertiary syphilis
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
- Seizures
- Schizophrenia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Mosaic Down syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Autism
- Kienbock’s disease
- Edema
- Stroke
- Complex regional pain syndrome
If you have any physical or psychological condition that keeps you from working, call the Social Security attorneys at Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC today.
We can also help with these aspects of SSD cases:
- The SSD Application Process
- Listing of Impairments
- Work Credits
- Substantial Gainful Activity
- Residual Functional Capacity
How Long Do I Have To File a Social Security Disability Claim?
While there is no specific deadline for filing a Social Security Disability claim, delays can still hurt your case. We recommend filing as early as possible, as soon as your disabling condition prevents you from working. For SSDI, the SSA allows retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before your application date, but only if you were disabled during that time, and you meet the work credit requirements for that period.
To secure SSI benefits, you can apply any time after becoming disabled and meeting income and resource requirements. However, benefits only start from the date you apply, not before. In addition, there is no back pay for time before the application. If you are unsure when your condition began affecting your ability to work, the SSA will help determine the onset date based on medical records.
Why Are SSD Claims Often Denied?
Social Security Disability claims often meet denials on first attempts. In fact, roughly 67% of initial SSDI applications are denied nationally. In Ohio, the initial approval rate of SSDI claims has been around 36‑39% in recent years, meaning about 61‑64% are denied initially.
There are several reasons why a claim may be denied, such as insufficient medical evidence, incomplete paperwork, or your condition being deemed not severe enough. A Cincinnati lawyer can review your Social Security Disability claim before filing to help avoid these pitfalls from the start.
Social Security Disability Appeals Process
Understanding each step of the appeals process allows you to know what to expect and better prepares you to navigate any challenges:
- Reconsideration – To begin the appeals process, you or your attorney will request a complete review of the initial denial by an individual who was not involved in the initial decision.
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing – If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing where you and your representative can present your case before a judge.
- Appeals Council – If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the Social Security Appeals Council to review the decision for legal or procedural errors.
- Federal Court – As a final step, you can file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court if the Appeals Council denies your request or upholds the ALJ’s denial.
Lawrence & Associates can represent clients at every stage of the appeals process, answering questions and providing clarity along the way.
Call a Social Security Disability Lawyer at Lawrence & Associates Today
Disabilities can lead to long-term effects on individuals’ livelihoods and careers. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to fighting for fair compensation for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky residents.
If you or your loved one is unable to work due to a disabling health condition, get help with pursuing financial benefits today. Contact Lawrence & Associates for a free consultation and get started on building a compelling case.
Our compassionate and experienced trial attorneys are here to give you a measure of justice and financial relief for what you’ve been through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Cincinnati?
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in Cincinnati. It is helpful to gather your medical and work history beforehand.
How Much Will It Cost To Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?
Most disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if you win—typically 25% of your back pay, capped at $7,200, as of 2025.
Can I Work Part-Time and Still Receive SSD Benefits?
Yes, you can work part-time as long as your earnings stay below Substantial Gainful Activity limits—currently $1,550 a month, $2,590 a month if blind, but earning too much may cause benefits to stop.
case results
