Michigan Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI) Lawyers

When work stops, your bills don’t. We’ll shoulder the process.

A serious injury or illness can make steady work impossible. Applying for Social Security Disability is confusing, deadlines are strict, and many valid claims are denied at first. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM), you get the entire team on day one—attorneys, case managers, and medical‑records staff—moving quickly to file correctly, develop strong evidence, and appeal denials.

Free consultation • No fee unless we win
Call 248‑584‑1300 or 1‑855‑LISS‑LAW (855‑547‑7529)
2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072 — Serving clients across Michigan

SSDI vs. SSI — plain English

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For workers who paid into Social Security (FICA). Your benefit depends on your work history and earnings. Medicare eligibility typically follows after a waiting period.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Needs‑based assistance for people with limited income/resources, regardless of work history. Medicaid eligibility is typically linked to SSI in Michigan.

Many people apply for both SSDI and SSI. We’ll determine your best path and file the correct applications.

What does “disabled” mean to Social Security?

To qualify, your medically determinable physical and/or mental impairment must:

1. Prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA), and
2. Last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.

SSA reviews your case under a 5‑step process that looks at work activity, severity, medical listings, your residual functional capacity (RFC), and whether any jobs exist in significant numbers that you can still do.

How LSM strengthens your claim

1. File it right: We complete (or clean up) your application and function reports, focusing on limitations that matter to SSA.
2. Medical proof: We collect records, imaging, and treatment notes; request supportive statements from your providers; and, when appropriate, obtain medical source statements tied to work‑related limits (sitting, standing, lifting, off‑task time, absences).
3. Work history & RFC: We translate past jobs into SSA‑friendly terms (exertional levels, SVP) and document why you can’t sustain competitive employment.
4. Appeals & hearings: If denied, we appeal on time, prepare you thoroughly for the hearing, cross‑examine experts (medical and vocational), and submit targeted legal briefs to the judge.

Common conditions we handle

• Orthopedic & neurological: spinal disorders, failed back surgery, radiculopathy, TBI, MS, neuropathy
• Cardiopulmonary: heart failure, arrhythmias, COPD/asthma, long‑COVID complications
• Autoimmune & inflammatory: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s/colitis
• Mental health: major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety/PTSD, schizophrenia
• Chronic pain & systemic: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraine
• Cancer (including treatment side effects) and severe complications from injuries/illnesses

Timeline at a glance

• Initial application → Reconsideration: months; many claims are denied at early stages.
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): additional months; this is where solid development makes the difference.
• Appeals Council/Federal court: when legal errors require further review.

We keep your claim moving and calendar every deadline so nothing is missed.

What you can do now

1. Get consistent medical care and follow treatment plans.
2. Tell your doctors how symptoms affect work‑like tasks (sitting/standing, lifting, pace, attendance).
3. Log your limitations: bad days, flares, med side effects, and how often you lie down or miss activities.
4. Share records: bring prior decisions, work history, and provider contact info—we’ll gather the rest.
5. Call LSM. We’ll map your claim and start building proof.

If you already received a denial

Don’t give up. Most claims are denied early. We analyze the reasons (medical listings, RFC, credibility, vocational issues) and file your appeal before the deadline. The sooner we start, the better we can develop the record for success at hearing.

Fees — simple and client‑first

In most cases, fees are contingent and set by federal rules: a percentage of past‑due benefits, capped at a maximum set by SSA. If we don’t win, you don’t owe an attorney fee. We’ll explain all costs up front.

FAQs: SSDI/SSI in Michigan

Can I work while my claim is pending?
Limited work may be allowed below SGA thresholds; we’ll advise how it could affect your case.

Do age and education matter?
Yes. SSA’s Medical‑Vocational Rules (“grids”) consider age, education, and past work when deciding if other jobs exist that you can do.

What if I have both physical and mental impairments?
SSA must consider the combined impact of all impairments. We document how they interact to limit consistent work.

Could I lose Medicare/Medicaid if I try to return to work?
Programs like trial work periods and expedited reinstatement may help. We’ll explain options based on your benefits type.

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Liss, Shapero & Mitnick — Integrity, clarity, client‑first.

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