Salt Lake City Social Security & Disability Benefits Attorney

Committed to Protecting the Rights of the Disabled

Nearly everyone in Utah is affected by a physical or mental disability at some point; the victim can either be you or a close family member or friend. A severe disability can cause significant financial hardship, and government benefits may be available to help.
At the Law Office of Melvin A. Cook, I help Salt Lake City families obtain the benefits they deserve. Even though the process may be long, my clients know that I am always there to answer questions and provide updates.

What are some available government benefits?

As a Salt Lake City social security and disability benefits attorney, I understand the tremendous challenges and obstacles my clients face on a daily basis. Depending on the severity of your condition and where the it originated, there may be several different types of social security and disability benefits available in Utah:

• Workers compensation: If your disability occurred at work, either in one incident or over time, you are probably eligible for workers compensation benefits to reimburse you for lost wages and medical bills, both now and in the future.
• Social Security disability: If you are disabled and cannot work and you meet some other income and employment qualifications, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
• Supplemental Security Income: SSI provides additional income to people who are elderly or disabled, but have no qualifying employment history — they have not paid enough Social Security taxes to be otherwise eligible. Even disabled children can receive SSI benefits. SSI is completely need-based.

What are some common disability conditions?

To receive Social Security disability benefits in Utah, you must have a recognized disability that significantly interferes with your daily life or prevents you from working. Common medical conditions for which Social Security disability benefits may be collected include:

• Back injury
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Spine Injuries
• Herniated disc
• Shoulder injury
• Neck injury
• Knee injury
• Ankle injury
• Orthopedic problems
• Diabetes
• Crohn’s Disease
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Neuropathy
• Neurological Disorders
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Carpal Tunnel syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Migraine headaches
• Hearing Difficulties
• Vision Difficulties
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Mood Disorders

What is the application process for Social Security benefits in Utah?

Although every case is unique, most Social Security Disability claims follow the same rough timeline:

• Initial review — After your claim is filed, Disability Determination Services (DDS) evaluates your claim. Most claims are denied at this stage.
• Reconsideration — You have 60 days to appeal at the reconsideration stage, which is an internal review process. Once again, most claims are denied at this stage.
• Administrative hearing — You have 60 days to appeal the decision to an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ conducts an independent review, and the process is more formal, allowing me to be a more effective advocate for you. The wait time for an ALJ hearing could exceed a year.

Contact a Salt Lake City Disability Attorney with a sense of urgency regarding your case

You should not expect to file a disability claim today and have a check in the mail tomorrow. The process may be long, but I am with you every step of the way. For Social Security and Disability in Utah, contact the Salt Lake City Law Office of Mel A. Cook at 801-746-5075 or online to schedule your free consultation. Hablo Español.