Tell us your story once
A two-minute review by phone or form. We check your work credits, your onset date and whether you're inside a filing deadline. If we can't help, we say so and point you somewhere that can.
SSDI · SSI · Nationwide representation
Two out of three claims are denied the first time. Yours doesn't have to be.
Tell us where you are in the process and we'll show you exactly what happens next — plus your real approval odds at that stage. Takes about two minutes.
No fee unless you win
All 50 states
A+ rated · 4.8/5 from 2,100+ clients
Interactive · Stage locator
Where are you right now?
Filing alone
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With a representative
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0
Years of combined advocacy experience
0
Recovered for clients since 2009
0
Claims and appeals handled
$0
Owed by you unless benefits are awarded
Why people call us
The paperwork isn't the hard part. Being disbelieved is.
You know what your body can and can't do. Then a letter arrives from someone who has never met you, saying otherwise. We've read thousands of those letters, and we know how to answer them.
- Savings running out while you wait
- A denial letter with no clear reason
- Doctors too busy to write what you need
- Forms that ask the same thing six ways
- Family who don't quite understand
- The fear of doing it wrong and starting over
The sequence
Three steps. We do the heavy lifting.
Social Security's process runs in a fixed order and every stage has a deadline. Here's what your side of it looks like.
We build the medical file
We request records from every provider, chase the slow ones, and translate your limitations into the language the Social Security Administration actually scores — residual functional capacity, not adjectives.
We file, appeal and appear
Every form, every deadline, every hearing. Your advocate cross-examines the vocational expert and argues your case in front of the judge. You focus on your health.
Qualifying impairments
Your diagnosis matters less than what it stops you doing.
Social Security scores function, not labels. These are the conditions we see most often — search yours, or tell us about it in the review.
No match in this list — that doesn't mean you don't qualify. Over 200 impairments are evaluated. Tell us about yours →
Estimator · SSDI
What might your monthly benefit look like?
SSDI is calculated from what you paid in, not from how severe your condition is. Move the sliders for a rough picture.
Use a rough average of your working years, before tax.
Age 50 and over changes how Social Security judges whether you can retrain.
This drives your back pay. The first five months are never paid.
Under 5 years of recent work usually points to SSI instead of SSDI.
Estimated monthly benefit
$1,640
SSDI · based on your earnings record
Possible back pay
$14,760
Paid over 10 years
$196,800
Estimate only. Built from the published Social Security benefit formula and averages — not a quote, not a promise, and not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Your actual award depends on your full earnings record and onset date.
Client outcomes
People who were told no, and then heard yes.
★★★★★
I was denied twice on my own and I'd given up. Disabilift took the file, got my rheumatologist to actually write what I couldn't do, and the judge approved me at the hearing. Three years of back pay landed in April.
DRDenise R.
Fibromyalgia · Ohio · Approved at hearing
Fibromyalgia · Ohio · Approved at hearing
★★★★★
What I noticed was that they called me. Every time something moved, someone rang. After eighteen months of silence from the government that was worth a lot on its own.
MKMarcus K.
Degenerative disc disease · Texas
Degenerative disc disease · Texas
★★★★★
I called on a Tuesday with my denial letter in my hand and eleven days left on the appeal clock. They filed it the same week. Approved on reconsideration, which they told me was unusual — but they did it.
PAPriya A.
Stage 2 breast cancer · Illinois
Stage 2 breast cancer · Illinois
Straight answers
The questions everybody asks first.
What does this cost me?
Nothing upfront and nothing if you lose. If you're approved, Social Security pays us directly out of your back pay — capped by federal law at 25% of back pay or $9,200, whichever is lower. Your ongoing monthly checks are never touched.
I was already denied. Is it over?
No — and being denied is normal, not a verdict on your condition. Roughly two-thirds of first applications are denied, many for paperwork and evidence gaps rather than medical merit. You generally have 60 days from the date on the letter to appeal. If that clock has run out, call us anyway; there are limited good-cause exceptions.
How long does the whole thing take?
An initial decision usually takes 6–8 months. Reconsideration adds several more. If it reaches a hearing, the wait varies heavily by hearing office — some under a year, some closer to two. We can tell you the current average for your specific office when you call.
Can I work at all while I wait?
Some. Social Security calls earning above a monthly threshold "substantial gainful activity," and going over it can sink a claim outright. The figure changes yearly and there are exceptions such as trial work periods. Talk to us before you take shifts.
What's the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is an insurance benefit — you qualify through work credits you earned paying FICA taxes, and the amount depends on your earnings history. SSI is needs-based for people with very limited income and resources regardless of work history. Some people qualify for both. We work out which applies during the review.
Do I have to go to a hearing in person?
Often not. Many hearings are held by phone or video, and your advocate appears with you either way. If your case does go before a judge in person, you will not be walking in alone or unprepared.
Are you part of the Social Security Administration?
No. Disabilift is a private advocacy firm. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Social Security Administration or any government agency. You always have the right to file entirely on your own for free.
Free case review
Let's find out where you stand.
Six quick questions. No documents needed, no payment details, no obligation. An advocate reviews every answer personally.
Your information is used only to evaluate representation
We never sell your data to third parties
Prefer to talk? Call (888) 846-0612
Question 1 of 6
About 2 minutes
Where are you in the process?
Pick the one closest to your situation.
Are you working at the moment?
Be honest here — it changes the advice, not our willingness to help.
How long has your condition kept you from working?
Social Security requires 12 months, or a condition expected to last that long.
Are you under a doctor's care?
Ongoing treatment records are the single strongest piece of evidence in a claim.
A little about your condition
This goes straight to the advocate who reviews your file.
Please choose your age range.
Please choose your state.
Typing is hard on bad days — tap the mic to speak instead.
Where should the advocate reach you?
One call. If we can't help, we'll tell you that on the call.
Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Enter a 10-digit US phone number.
Enter a valid email address.
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