Social Security Disability
Ted Smith Law Group helps Killeen and Bell County residents organize SSDI and SSI applications, denials, appeals, records, and SSA communication.
The basics
The Social Security Administration runs two programs for disabled citizens: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), based on your work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), based on financial need. Knowing which one fits your situation shapes everything that follows.
Most SSD conversations start with a denial letter or an application question. Bring the letter. The date on it matters.
Deadlines
Each stage of a Social Security appeal runs on its own 60-day clock, counted from when you receive the decision, not the date printed on the letter. Missing it usually means starting the claim over and losing months of back pay, so the denial letter is the first thing to bring to a call.
What SSDI pays
SSDI pays you, and in some cases family members, a monthly benefit until you can return to work, or for life if the disability is permanent. It limits job income but not income from other benefit programs.
The record
A disability report with the physicians and facilities that treated your condition, plus your medical tests, prescriptions, work history, and functional limitations. The work is making the record clear enough that the next reviewer understands the disability.
Local proof
Ted Smith has long found special meaning in helping disabled Central Texans prepare and document claims from the right medical sources.
Not sure where your situation fits? Request a free consultation or call (254) 690-5688.
Qualifying
You need an impairment, physical, psychological, or psychiatric, that has prevented you from working for the past 12 months or is expected to for the next 12. Earn above SSA's monthly income limit from a job and the application is denied without your disability ever being reviewed: a "technical denial."
Denials
SSA denies the majority of first-time SSD applications. That is not the end of the claim. Like many applicants, you may need to appeal before benefits are approved. The firm has helped many Central Texans appeal denied claims and handles communication with SSA.
Social Security Disability
A denial notice explains the reason, the next available appeal step, and the deadline.
Applications built on the right medical sources, work history, and functional limits.
Reconsideration, hearing preparation, testimony, and the medical evidence that decides them.
How VA ratings and SSDI interact for veterans and Fort Hood families.
How we help
SSD claims are paperwork-heavy. The work is making the record clear enough that the next reviewer can understand the disability and work limitations.
Medical providers, treatment history, work history, tests, prescriptions, and functional limitations.
The denial reason, missing proof, appeal posture, and next document deadline.
Preparation for questions, testimony, medical evidence, and video or in-person hearing logistics.
Keeping forms, records, and contact from stalling while the claim moves.
Why Ted Smith Law Group
The firm combines a long Killeen record, Ted Smith's disability-claim focus, and visible client reviews that frequently mention being guided through the process.
“Mr Ted Smith represented me with my Social Security disability. They worked very hard to get my benefits.”
Questions
SSDI is generally tied to your work history and disability insurance record. SSI is generally need-based, so income and resources matter. Some people may need to review both programs depending on their medical condition, work history, and household facts.
Qualification depends on current SSA rules for medical disability, work history, income, resources, and whether the record shows an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity. Medical records, provider notes, tests, prescriptions, earnings, and work limitations all matter.
You may be able to appeal, but deadlines matter. The denial letter, medical record, work history, missing proof, and next appeal stage should be reviewed before sending more forms to SSA.
The firm offers free consultations for SSD and SSDI matters so you can understand your next step before moving forward.
The firm has represented hundreds of Central Texans on Social Security Disability claims. Consultations are free, and appeal deadlines run from the date on the denial letter.
