FAQs

Do not panic, but do not ignore it. Call our office for next steps. Once we review it, your case manager will contact you if any action is required on your part.

Yes, absolutely. Medical evidence wins disability cases. Please use our Report a Medical Update form to give us the doctor’s name, facility, and the date of your visit. You do not need to order the records yourself; our team will pull them at the strategically right time.

Please fill out our brief contact update form here. It is critical that we have your current information so we can reach you instantly regarding time-sensitive SSA deadlines.

This is a very sensitive issue that can impact your case. Social Security has strict monthly earnings limits (known as Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA). Before you accept any job, return to work, or start a side hustle, please schedule a brief call with your attorney to discuss how it might affect your claim.

The SSA is notoriously slow, but in extreme circumstances, we can file a “Dire Need Request” to try and expedite your hearing. If you receive an official eviction or foreclosure notice, upload a copy to us immediately so we can evaluate if your case qualifies.

As we agreed at the start of your case, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win your case. The SSA typically pays our fee directly out of your past-due backpay benefits, so you don’t have to worry about paying us out of pocket.

Rest assured, no news is normal news in the disability process. The SSA routinely takes several months to process paperwork or schedule hearings. While we wait on them, our team is working behind the scenes monitoring deadlines and tracking your medical updates. If the SSA requests anything new, we will contact you immediately.

At Magnolia Disability, most of our disability hearings are currently conducted via telephone. The telephone hearing is held before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), it is non-adversarial hearing: there is no opposing attorney, there is no jury, and it is not like a dramatic TV trial. Although it is very informal, you will be expected to take an oath that your testimony is true. Your attorney will meet with you well in advance to ensure you understand what to expect and feel confident.

Most hearings are conducted via telephone. It is recommended you wear comfortable clothes. Even if your hearing is in-person at the hearing office or via live video feed, you do not need to buy a suit. We recommend dressing in clean, comfortable, casual attire (like a polo shirt or a nice blouse and jeans/slacks). The most important thing is that you look respectful and are comfortable sitting through the proceedings.

It can take several months to over a year, depending on whether appeals are necessary.

Any physical or mental condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death may qualify.

You may work limited hours, but earning above a certain threshold can disqualify you.

You still have options. Most approved claims happen during the appeals process.

You are not required to have one, but representation significantly improves your chances—especially at the hearing stage.

We work on a contingency basis. You don’t pay unless we win your case.

SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on your work history and earnings.

SSI has strict limits on income and resources. We can help determine if you qualify based on your specific situation.

Initial decisions can take several months, and appeals may extend the timeline significantly.

In some cases, yes—this is called concurrent benefits.

You can appeal, and many applicants are approved during the appeals process.

You’re not required to have one, but having experienced representation can significantly improve your chances—especially at the hearing stage.