Social Security Disability Lawyers for Central Texas
The firm has represented Central Texans on Social Security Disability claims for decades. SSD and SSI provide monthly income when a condition makes work impossible, and a strong claim starts with understanding how SSA actually decides.
The Social Security Administration runs two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), tied to work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is need-based. Both use SSA's disability standard, including whether a medically determinable impairment prevents substantial gainful activity and meets the duration rule. Knowing which program fits is the first step of every claim.
A denial letter, a diagnosis, or just the story is enough to start.
Video overview
A short overview of Social Security Disability claims.
Watch the firm's overview, then use the guides below to understand applications, denials, appeals, and the records SSA reviews.
Qualifying
How you qualify.
You need a physical or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous 12 months or result in death, and that prevents substantial gainful activity. Earnings from work can also produce a technical denial before SSA reviews the medical evidence. The medical and non-medical rules both have to line up, which is what the firm checks before anything gets filed.
What matters in these cases.
Fort Hood
VA disability and SSDI, handled together.
The two systems review the same conditions separately, and qualifying for one never blocks the other. Ted Smith's JAG background makes the combined conversation a normal one here.
Evidence
Medical evidence decides most claims.
Treating providers, test results, prescriptions, and honest statements about what work the condition prevents. The firm helps identify which records SSA actually needs.
Cost
Free consultations; federally regulated fees.
SSD consultations are free. Attorney fees are regulated by SSA and are typically paid from past-due benefits when a claim succeeds; case expenses may be handled separately.
A denial generally allows 60 days from the day you receive the letter to appeal, and SSA generally presumes it arrived five days after the date printed on it. Whether to appeal or file a new application depends on the reason and procedural posture. The firm has helped claimants through reconsideration, hearings, and later review.
Whatever exists is enough to start: a letter, a diagnosis, or just the story.
✓
SSA letters
Any denial or decision letters, with dates.
✓
Medical picture
Providers, tests, prescriptions, and what work the condition limits.
✓
Work history
Jobs and dates matter for SSDI; income and resources for SSI.
Why Ted Smith Law Group
Why claimants across Central Texas use this office
Disability claims reward preparation: the right records, filed the right way, at the right stage. The firm has been doing exactly that from Killeen since 1976.
Since 1976
SSD practice serving all of Central Texas from Killeen.
JAG roots
Fort Hood legal assistance background; VA+SSDI handled together.
“Ted Smith is the best in the area! I can't say enough good things. The whole office cares about their clients and make sure your case is taken care of swiftly and done perfectly.”
“I used Ted Smith Law group to probate my wife's estate. Ted Smith and Barbie King were absolutely terrific in supporting my Probate case. They far exceeded my support expectations.”
“The Ted Smith Law group helped me with my SSDI case. It was a lengthy process and they were there all the way through. They kept me up to date on what was needed to be done and documents that needed to be completed.”
No. The firm handles SSD and SSI claims across Central Texas: Killeen, Harker Heights, Temple, Belton, Copperas Cove, Fort Hood, and the surrounding counties. Most of a disability claim happens by phone, mail, and electronic filing, so the office location rarely matters day to day.
How long do I have to appeal a denial?
Generally 60 days from the day you receive the denial letter; SSA presumes the letter arrived five days after the date printed on it. Bring the letter in as soon as it arrives so nothing rides on the deadline.
What does it cost to hire an SSD lawyer?
Consultations are free. Fees in SSD cases are federally regulated and typically come out of back benefits if the claim succeeds, not out of pocket.
Can I get VA disability and SSDI at the same time?
Yes, potentially. They are separate systems with separate reviews, and receiving one does not block the other. The firm regularly handles the combined question for Fort Hood families.
Talk through your disability claim with the Killeen office.
One short call establishes where the claim stands and what the next deadline is.
