Disability Benefits Consultation
Ask about SSDI or SSI disability, the application process, an SSA notice, or questions about benefits you already receive.
$19930 minutes
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SSDI • SSI disability • Applications & appeals
Know your next step with disability benefits.
Applying, waiting for a decision, or facing a denial can feel overwhelming. Choose a conversation about your questions, help with an application, or a consultation about an appeal.
Choose the help you need
Disability Application Help
Work through a disability application with Chanda or Tarajee. Discuss the information needed about your health, treatment, and work history.
$29990 minutes · Zoom
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Disability Appeal & Representation Consultation
Discuss a denial and whether reconsideration or a hearing is the next step to explore. This consultation is a conversation about your case; it does not itself file an appeal or establish representation.
$19930 minutes · Phone
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If you want representation
The next step is a referral to Tarajee to discuss whether she can take your case and the applicable fee agreement. Representation would require a separate agreement. No case acceptance or outcome is guaranteed.
Do not wait for an appointment if an appeal deadline is approaching. Booking a consultation does not extend the deadline on your SSA notice.
Medicare help
Questions about Medicare? Start with Chapter.
Chapter’s licensed advisors can help you compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and prescription drug plans. Ask about your doctors, medications, coverage, and costs. Their guidance is free.
Need to sign up for Part A or Part B? Enrollment is handled through Social Security. See Social Security’s Medicare enrollment options. Chapter can help you explore your Medicare coverage choices.
Chapter is a licensed insurance agency and a 24Help partner. We may receive a referral fee. Chapter’s guidance costs you nothing; insurance premiums and other coverage costs may apply. 24Help is not an insurance agency. Neither 24Help nor Chapter is part of Medicare or Social Security.
What happens after you apply?
SSA checks the nonmedical requirements. State Disability Determination Services (DDS) usually reviews the medical evidence. DDS may request more records or arrange an examination if it needs more information. SSA then sends you its decision. How SSA reviews a claim.
Initial application
SSA and DDS review your application, eligibility information, and medical evidence.
Reconsideration
If you disagree with the initial decision, you can request a new review. A different review team considers the case and any new evidence.
Hearing
If you disagree with reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Appeals Council
You can ask the Appeals Council to review a hearing decision. It may deny review, issue a decision, or send the case back for further action.
Federal court review may be available after the administrative appeal process. It is not a service offered by this page.
You generally have 60 days after receiving a decision to request an appeal. Read your notice carefully; other deadlines can matter. SSA explains appeal time limits.
How long can it take?
SSA’s general guidance says an initial disability decision usually takes six to eight months, but individual cases can take less or more time. This is an estimate, not a promised completion date.
Reconsideration, a hearing, and Appeals Council review are separate stages with additional waits. Timing varies by stage and office. Paying for a consultation does not move your claim ahead in SSA’s queue.
SSA’s general initial-decision guidance · SSA hearing processing information
How does SSA decide whether an adult is disabled?
SSA generally uses five questions for an adult’s initial disability claim. This is called the sequential evaluation process.
Are you working at a level SSA considers substantial?
SSA reviews work activity under its rules, including any applicable exceptions.
Does your medical condition significantly limit basic work activities?
The condition must meet SSA’s duration requirement: generally at least 12 continuous months, or be expected to result in death.
Does your condition meet or medically equal a listed impairment?
SSA compares the medical evidence with its disability listings.
Can you still do your past relevant work?
SSA considers what you can do despite your limitations.
Can you adjust to other work?
SSA considers your remaining abilities, age, education, and work experience.
SSA may reach a decision before all five steps. Childhood SSI claims and reviews of existing disability benefits use different rules.
Already receiving benefits?
A general disability consultation can also address questions about a continuing disability review, returning to work, or an SSA notice. Tell us which issue you want to discuss.
Received an overpayment notice?
We can help you understand the notice and the questions to ask about an appeal, a waiver, or repayment options. These are different paths. A consultation does not submit a request or pause a deadline. Read your notice and contact SSA promptly if time is running short.
Official sources behind this page
Checked October 25, 2026. Your individual notice and circumstances matter.