About Keener Law Firm
If you’re struggling with a physical or mental condition that is preventing you from working, it can be a difficult and stressful time. That's why it's important to find a Social Security Disability attorney you can trust and have confidence in. At The Keener Law Firm, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you get the benefits you deserve.
Whether you're applying for the first time or have already been denied, we are here to guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible.
With our disability team on your side, you can rest assured that you will have the best chance of receiving the benefits you've worked hard for. Don't wait any longer, contact The Keener Law Firm today!
Testimonials
I lost my job because I could no longer work. I saw the commercial on the TV and decided to call. I was denied twice and had to have a hearing, but in the end, Mr. Keener got me approved. It was a long process, but I am now receiving my disability checks. Jackie was great, and I have already referred a friend to The Keener Law Firm.
John Hunsinger
After being refused twice (for Social Security disability) I felt like I was getting nowhere. Then I saw your TV ad and decided to call the firm. I received the paperwork and the Keener Law Firm got right on my case. I could not work because of side effects from diabetes, grand mal seizures and neuropathy in my feet. It was frightening and the bills were getting out of control. Jackie handled my cases and was so nice. Mr. Keener was great and my case was approved! I can't thank The Keener Law Firm enough!
Pamela Streetman
I was referred by a family member to The Keener Law Firm. The entire staff was fantastic, and Mr. Keener was especially great! They were up front with me about everything and helped me win my claim.
Calvin Ward
I had applied twice on my own and was denied both times. I saw Mr. Keener's commercial, and I decided to give him a call. I had had no idea why I kept being denied until Mr. Keener explained it to me. I had a hearing with Mr. Keener and was approved. Everyone at the firm took good care of me and I was pleased with my results.
Bruce Salters
I came to Mr. Keener because I was in need of a workers' compensation lawyer. I had suffered a shoulder injury and everything just went from bad to worse. A friend referred me to Mr. Keener and he was excellent. Both Mr. Keener and Amber kept me informed. They promptly returned my calls and were very easy to talk to. Without a doubt I'd refer The Keener Law Firm to anyone needing a great attorney.
Tony Redd
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We represent clients across the country in Social Security Disability Cases.
FAQ'S
Remember, a denial of your claim is not the end of the road. You have the right to challenge it through an appeal process.
Your application for SSD benefits goes through an initial review to determine whether you meet the non-medical eligibility requirements, such as having a sufficiently long work history. If you do, your application is reviewed by the Disability Determination Services to determine if you are disabled.
If your claim is denied, a skilled and experienced disability lawyer at The Keener Law Firm reviews your claim. We then gather additional evidence, including medical records, to mount a strong challenge to the decision through the appeal process.
Here are the key stages of the appeal process that an SSD lawyer can guide you through to challenge the denial and potentially win approval of your claim for disability benefits:
- Reconsideration: The first stage of the appeal process is a review of your application by a new claims examiner.
- Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): An unfavorable decision at the reconsideration stage can be challenged at a hearing where an ALJ considers witnesses and other evidence presented by your disability lawyer before making a decision.
- Appeals Council Review: A request to review an unfavorable ALJ decision to the Appeals Council may result in the approval of benefits or the case returned to the ALJ.
- Federal District Court review: This stage takes the appeal to federal court, where your SSD lawyer prepares a persuasive brief arguing for approval of your claim
The Keener Law Firm only receives a fee for handling an appeal if you win. Learn more during a free consultation by contacting The Keener Law Firm.
Social Security rules recognize that older individuals may have a harder time in getting work after getting disabled while younger ones should be encouraged to work.
- For people aged 18-49 years, your condition must be so severe that you cannot do even a “sedentary” job or a job on which you can sit for 8 hours a day. But if you are unable to read and write or speak English and are age 45 or above, you can qualify for disability benefits if you can only do sit down jobs whereas your past jobs required a lot of standing.
- At age 50, Social Security relaxes rules to qualify for disability. If you are limited to sitting down type of jobs, and your earlier jobs required a lot of standing or lifting, you may qualify for benefits starting at age 50.
- At age 55, it becomes even easier to qualify for disability benefits. For example, if you cannot lift a weight of 20 pounds occasionally and are unable to do past jobs anymore, you may qualify for disability.
To find out if you qualify for disability benefits, you must find out if you fit in the following criteria:
- If you are presently working and earn more than $1,350 per month, you may not be able to prove that you are disabled.
- The severity of your medical condition should prevent you from doing basic activities like walking, sitting, and remembering, for a minimum of one year.
- If you have a condition mentioned in Social Security’s Listing of Impairments (also called The Blue Book) and you meet the criteria in the Listing, the Social Security may find you disabled.
- If you do not meet the criteria for any Blue Book Listing, Social Security would consider whether your condition prevents you from doing a current or past job. If you can work full time at a current or past job, the Social Security might not find you disabled.
- You may not be able to do any of your current or past jobs but if you can do any other available job, Social Security might not find you to be disabled.
You can apply for Social Security Disability on your own. However, the Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits process and federal regulations are far from simple or straightforward. Therefore, it is a good idea to seek representation from an experienced and knowledgeable SSD lawyer.
An experienced attorney understands how to compile your SSD application and medical records. An SSD lawyer can also frame sound legal arguments or “briefs” to ensure the judges are able to understand your case and why you deserve benefits under the Social Security rules.
Has your disability case been denied?
We can help.
Valid cases get denied every day.
-Russell G. Keener
