Our Social Security Disability Practice

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My firm is dedicated to helping you at every step of the Social Security disability process. 

• Initial Application
• Reconsideration Appeals
• Administrative Hearings
• Administrative Appeals
• Federal Court Appeals

Every client gets a free consultation with Jonathan Heeps. I believe that you should be represented by a local law firm and a local attorney.  I don't employ non-attorney representatives and I don't farm out your case to a contract attorney. You are more than just a nine-digit number to me. I will review any documentation you have including your Social Security electronic folder, hearing decision, or medical records. If you decide to hire my firm there will be some paperwork that you need to fill out before I can begin representation. 

Applying for disability is a team effort between me and you. Claimants who are invested in their case are more likely to be successful. You must get medical treatment, if you don't have insurance please call my office and I will assist you in finding public programs that could potentially help you get the medical care you need. Occasionally I will send you forms to take with you to your doctor visits. Doctors are more likely to complete these forms if you ask them during your visit. I handle all the other aspects of your disability claim. I file all the paperwork with Social Security. I  request your medical records and submit them to Social Security. I represent you at the hearing and make the strongest legal case for your claim.  

I've found that our clients truly appreciate the time and effort we put into every aspect of their lives. We're here to help you and that's something we don't take lightly. Whether you are thinking about filing for benefits, already filed, have a hearing scheduled, or have already been denied let us help you. I offer free consultations and only get paid if you win. I approach every client with a focus on integrity, advocacy, and understanding. I fight for you! 

I can assist you in filing the initial application for disability benefits. The initial application is reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS). It takes on average 8 to 12 months to get a decision from DDS. Most claimants are denied at this level regardless of whether they are represented or not. In 2023, claimants were awarded 38% of the time at the Initial Application. 

If your initial application has been denied, I can file a reconsideration appeal. This appeal is also reviewed by the Disability Determination Services (DDS). On average a reconsideration appeal takes 8 to 12 months. Unfortunately, the vast majority of reconsideration appeals are denied with a rubber stamp. In 2023, claimants were awarded only 15% of the time at Reconsideration.

If your reconsideration appeal has been denied, I can help you file a Request for Hearing. It takes an average of 4-6 months to schedule a hearing before an ALJ depending on the office your claim is assigned to. I will request your medical records and send forms to your doctors. Once a hearing is set I will schedule a time to meet either in person or over the phone. I will be present during your hearing and make sure the ALJ follows the law. In 2023, claimants were awarded 51% of the time.

Represented by another attorney or had your claim denied by an ALJ? Call me and I will review your decision for free. I have successfully appealed numerous claims that were denied. It usually takes between 6-14 months for administrative appeals. These appeals are "paper" appeals meaning there is no hearing on the appeal. If your denial is overturned you will get another hearing. In 2023, claimants successfully appealed ALJ denials 12% of the time.

If you have exhausted all your administrative appeals, you can still file a claim in Federal District Court. If you were represented by another attorney or a non-attorney representative, call me and I will review your case file for free to determine whether your case warrants an appeal to the Federal Court. Remand rates vary by jurisdiction, but 58% of civil actions brought by claimants seeking benefits were remanded in 2023.