Facing a Disability That's Keeping You From Working?
When health problems force you to stop working, the worry sets in quickly. How will you pay your bills? How will you afford medical care? Where can you turn for help?
Social Security Disability benefits exist for exactly this reason—to provide support when you need it most.
These benefits offer:
- Monthly income to help cover your essential living expenses
- Access to Medicare or Medicaid so you can continue getting the medical treatment you need
- Financial stability and peace of mind during one of the most challenging times in your life
But getting approved isn't easy. The majority of initial applications are denied. The process is complex, the rules are strict, and one mistake can cost you months—or even your entire claim.
That's where we come in.
Since 1977, John L. Harlan & Associates has been helping people in Eastern Oklahoma navigate the Social Security Disability system. With 48 years of legal experience and thousands of successful cases, we know what it takes to win.
Social Security Disability law is all we do. We don't split our focus across multiple practice areas—every case we handle is a disability case. This specialization means we stay current on every rule change, every procedural update, and every strategy that can strengthen your claim.
As members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) since 1995, we attend national conferences twice a year to stay at the forefront of disability law.
We serve clients throughout Eastern Oklahoma, including Pryor, Sapulpa, and the surrounding Cherokee Nation communities. Whether you're just starting your application or facing a denial, we're here to guide you through every step.
How Social Security Determines Disability
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must meet the government's strict definition of disability. Social Security uses a five-step evaluation process to decide if you're eligible:
1. Are You Currently Working?
If you're earning more than a certain amount per month (known as "substantial gainful activity"), you generally won't qualify for benefits—even if you have serious health problems. Disability benefits are designed for people who cannot work.
2. Is Your Condition Severe?
Your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities like standing, walking, sitting, lifting, remembering instructions, or concentrating. Minor impairments that don't substantially affect your daily functioning won't qualify.
3. Does Your Condition Match a Listed Impairment?
Social Security maintains a detailed list of medical conditions with specific criteria. If your condition matches one of these "listings" and meets all the requirements, you may be approved based on medical evidence alone.
4. Can You Return to Your Past Work?
If your condition doesn't meet a listing, Social Security examines whether you can still perform the work you did in the past 15 years. They consider both the physical and mental demands of your previous jobs and whether your current limitations would prevent you from doing that work.
5. Can You Do Any Other Type of Work?
Even if you can't return to your past work, Social Security will determine if there's any other job in the national economy you could perform given your age, education, work experience, and medical restrictions. If they decide you can do other work—even if those jobs don't exist locally—you'll likely be denied.
This is where legal representation makes all the difference.
We know how to present your medical evidence, work history, and limitations in a way that addresses each step of this evaluation. We understand what the judges are looking for, and we know how to build a strong case that protects your rights.
Understanding SSDI vs. SSI: Which Program Is Right for You?
Social Security offers two different disability programs, and it's important to understand which one applies to your situation—or if you might qualify for both.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is an insurance program for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes (FICA) over the years. Think of it as an earned benefit based on your work history.
Key features of SSDI:
- You must have earned enough "work credits" through past employment
- Your monthly benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings
- There are no limits on income or assets
- After 24 months of receiving SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare
- Benefits can include payments for eligible dependent children
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. It's designed to help individuals who may not qualify for SSDI or whose SSDI benefits are very low.
Key features of SSI:
- No work history required
- Strict income and asset limits apply ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples)
- Benefit amount is set by federal law
- You become immediately eligible for Medicaid (SoonerCare in Oklahoma)
- Certain resources like your home and one vehicle don't count toward the limit
Can You Get Both SSDI and SSI?
Yes. In some cases, people receive what's called "concurrent benefits" from both programs. This typically happens when your SSDI payment is low enough that SSI can supplement it up to the federal benefit level.
The medical requirements are the same for both programs. Whether you're applying for SSDI, SSI, or both, you must prove that your medical condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Why Choose John L. Harlan & Associates?
Many law firms wait until after you've been denied to get involved. We do things differently.
We handle your initial application from the very beginning. The questions you answer and the evidence you submit during the initial application become a permanent part of your file—everything you say will be reviewed by the judge at your hearing. That's why it's critical to get it right the first time.
When you hire us, you get:
- A complete review of your case and honest answers to your questions
- Professional completion of your online application
- Strategic development of medical evidence to support your claim
- Monitoring of deadlines and case status throughout the process
- Thorough hearing preparation so you feel confident and ready
- Experienced cross-examination of vocational and medical experts
- Federal Court appeals experience if necessary
Our approach is personal. We offer flexible scheduling with weekend and evening appointments available. We take the time to understand your situation, your limitations, and your goals.
Our fees are contingency-based. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if you win your case.
If you're unable to work due to a physical or mental condition, don't wait. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving the benefits you've earned.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
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