ST. LOUIS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYERS

If an illness, injury, or disability is preventing you from working, you may be worried about how you’ll pay your medical bills and provide for your family.

The government created Social Security Disability benefits to help Americans like you cover their expenses. But the application process can be complex and confusing, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies more than half of all initial claims.

At Cofman Townsley, we’re here to help people across Missouri and Southern Illinois get the Social Security Disability benefits they’re owed.

Whether you need help appealing a denied claim or applying for the first time, we’ll do everything we can to build a strong claim on your behalf. Don’t wait another day. Contact our legal team now.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

Understanding Social Security Disability Claims

Social Security Disability (often called SSD or SSDI) is designed for people who have a strong work history and have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify, you must:

Have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of a disability
Have earned enough “work credits,” which are based on your age and how long you’ve worked
Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to your condition

Benefits of SSDI:

Monthly payments based on your past earnings
Eligibility for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period
Potential benefits for certain family members, including spouses and children

Social Security Disability Eligibility

You must meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements to receive SSD benefits. The two main factors the SSA reviews during the application process are your:

Disability

The SSA considers your condition a qualifying disability if you:

Cannot perform the work you did before
Cannot adjust to other work because of your condition
Have been disabled, or are expected to be disabled, for at least one year or your disability will result in death

Common examples of disabilities that may result in eligibility for SSD benefits include:

Severe back and spinal disorders such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis
Mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s disease
Cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Cancer, particularly aggressive or late-stage forms
Chronic respiratory illnesses such as COPD or cystic fibrosis
Intellectual or developmental disabilities such as autism or Down syndrome

Work History

Workers pay into the SSD system with taxes from their paychecks. The SSA assigns you credits based on how much you earned while working, with a maximum of four credits earned per year. You are eligible to receive SSD benefits if you earned at least the minimum number of credits (20) within the past 10 years you’ve worked.

COMMON REASONS YOUR SSD APPLICATION MAY BE DENIED

The SSA has strict requirements when reviewing and approving applications. This means that otherwise valid claims are often denied due to minor errors and mistakes.

Some of the most common reasons for denials include:

Errors in your application forms
Insufficient medical documentation
Not meeting the criteria for disability

At Cofman Townsley, we understand how confusing and frustrating the SSD application process can be. Our experienced legal team is here to give you peace of mind by taking over the process for you, allowing you to relax and focus on spending time with your loved ones.

We’ll ease the SSD application burden on you and your family by:

Reviewing your SSD application and ensuring it’s free from errors, omissions, and delays
Gathering evidence of your disability that proves how it’s affecting your day-to-day life
Helping you appeal your application if it’s denied by the SSA

WHAT IS SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people who are disabled, blind, or over age 65 and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI doesn’t require a work history or prior contributions to Social Security.

To qualify, you must:

Meet the SSA’s definition of disability (if under age 65)
Have very limited income and assets (as defined by federal limits)
Be a U.S. citizen or meet specific immigration criteria

Benefits of SSI

Monthly payments determined by federal and state guidelines
Automatic eligibility for Medicaid in most states
Additional state-specific supplements may be available

Income Requirements for SSI

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), applicants must meet strict income and resource limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These limits are designed to ensure that assistance is provided to individuals with the greatest financial need.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for both programs at the same time. If you’re unsure which type of claim applies to your situation or if you’re eligible to receive both, our experienced attorneys can help guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you need.

Fighting for You

If you need SSD benefits, you deserve legal help from professionals who know what it takes to get your claim approved. At Cofman Townsley, we have been helping injured people in Missouri and Southern Illinois since 1973.

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