{"id":2869,"date":"2026-05-01T06:34:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T06:34:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/?page_id=2869"},"modified":"2026-05-18T18:06:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T18:06:17","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>

FAQs<\/span><\/span><\/h1>
Frequently Asked Questions<\/div><\/header><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image\"<\/div><\/section>

SSI & SSDI<\/b> FAQs<\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
<\/p>\n

If you have questions about Social Security Disability benefits, you\u2019re not alone. The process for both SSDI and SSI can be confusing, especially when you\u2019re dealing with deadlines, paperwork, and medical requirements.<\/p>\n

Our FAQ is here to give you clear, straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often\u2014from applying for benefits to appealing a denial. If you don\u2019t see your question here, reach out to Magnolia Disability Law directly. We\u2019re here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image\"<\/div><\/section>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>

Frequently Asked Questions<\/em><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>

The \"What Do I Do If...\"<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/header>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
I just received a letter or a thick packet from the Social Security Administration (SSA). What should I do?<\/div><\/div>
\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
I have a new doctor, a new diagnosis, or an upcoming surgery. Do I need to tell you?<\/div><\/div>
\n

Yes, absolutely. Medical evidence wins disability cases. Please use our Report a Medical Update<\/strong>\u00a0form to give us the doctor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
My phone number, email, or physical address changed. Who do I notify?<\/div><\/div>
\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>

Money & Work<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/header>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
Can I work part-time while my disability case is pending?<\/div><\/div>
\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
I am facing severe financial hardship (eviction, foreclosure, utility shut-off). Can we speed up my case?<\/div><\/div>
\n

The SSA is notoriously slow, but in extreme circumstances, we can file a \u201cDire Need Request\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
When and how do I pay my attorney fees?<\/div><\/div>
\n

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\u2019t have to worry about paying us out of pocket.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>

The Waiting Game & Timeline<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/header>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
Why haven\u2019t I heard from your office in a few weeks? Is my case at a standstill?<\/div><\/div>
\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>

Preparing for the Hearing<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/header>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
Do I have to go to a courtroom for my hearing? What will it be like?<\/div><\/div>
\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
What should I wear to my video or in-person hearing?<\/div><\/div>
\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>

SSDI FAQs<\/em><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
How long does it take to get SSDI benefits?<\/div><\/div>
\n

It can take several months to over a year, depending on whether appeals are necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

What conditions qualify for SSDI?<\/div><\/div>
\n

Any physical or mental condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death may qualify.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Can I work while applying for SSDI?<\/div><\/div>
\n

You may work limited hours, but earning above a certain threshold can disqualify you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

What if I\u2019ve already been denied?<\/div><\/div>
\n

You still have options. Most approved claims happen during the appeals process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Do I need a lawyer for SSDI?<\/div><\/div>
\n

You are not required to have one, but representation significantly improves your chances\u2014especially at the hearing stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

How much does it cost?<\/div><\/div>
\n

We work on a contingency basis. You don\u2019t pay unless we win your case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>

SSI FAQs<\/em><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
What\u2019s the difference between SSI and SSDI?<\/div><\/div>
\n

SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on your work history and earnings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

What income or assets disqualify me from SSI?<\/div><\/div>
\n

SSI has strict limits on income and resources. We can help determine if you qualify based on your specific situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

How long does SSI take?<\/div><\/div>
\n

Initial decisions can take several months, and appeals may extend the timeline significantly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Can I receive SSI and SSDI at the same time?<\/div><\/div>
\n

In some cases, yes\u2014this is called concurrent benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

What if I\u2019ve already been denied?<\/div><\/div>
\n

You can appeal, and many applicants are approved during the appeals process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Do I need a lawyer for SSI?<\/div><\/div>
\n

You\u2019re not required to have one, but having experienced representation can significantly improve your chances\u2014especially at the hearing stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2869","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nFAQs - Magnolia Disability<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"FAQs - Magnolia Disability\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Magnolia Disability\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-18T18:06:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/faqs\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/faqs\\\/\",\"name\":\"FAQs - Magnolia Disability\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-01T06:34:28+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-18T18:06:17+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/faqs\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/faqs\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/faqs\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"FAQs\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/\",\"name\":\"Magnolia Disability\",\"description\":\"Disability and SSI Assistance in Baton Rouge LA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rhinowebllc.com\\\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"FAQs - Magnolia Disability","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"FAQs - Magnolia Disability","og_url":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/","og_site_name":"Magnolia Disability","article_modified_time":"2026-05-18T18:06:17+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/","url":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/","name":"FAQs - Magnolia Disability","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-05-01T06:34:28+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-18T18:06:17+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/faqs\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"FAQs"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/#website","url":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/","name":"Magnolia Disability","description":"Disability and SSI Assistance in Baton Rouge LA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2869","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2869"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2869\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3385,"href":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2869\/revisions\/3385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rhinowebllc.com\/magnolia-disability-law-firm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}