Social Security Disability Lawyers for Central Texas
The firm has represented Central Texans on Social Security Disability claims for decades. SSDI and SSI can provide monthly income when a qualifying condition prevents substantial gainful activity, and a strong claim starts with understanding how SSA decides.
The Social Security Administration runs two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), tied to work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is need-based. Both use SSA's disability standard, including whether a medically determinable impairment prevents substantial gainful activity and meets the duration rule. Knowing which program fits is the first step of every claim.
A denial letter, a diagnosis, or just the story is enough to start.
Watch
Social Security Disability: Lesson 2
A short animated video from Ted Smith Law Group.
How do you qualify?
You need a physical or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous 12 months or result in death, and that prevents substantial gainful activity. Earnings from work can also produce a technical denial before SSA reviews the medical evidence. The medical and non-medical rules both have to line up, which is what the firm checks before anything gets filed.
What matters in these cases
Medical evidence decides most claims
Treating providers, test results, prescriptions, and honest statements about what work the condition prevents. The firm helps identify which records SSA actually needs.
Free consultations; federally regulated fees
SSD consultations are free. Attorney fees are regulated by SSA and are typically paid from past-due benefits when a claim succeeds; case expenses may be handled separately.
A denial generally allows 60 days from the day you receive the letter to appeal, and SSA generally presumes it arrived five days after the date printed on it. Whether to appeal or file a new application depends on the reason and procedural posture.
Whatever exists is enough to start: a letter, a diagnosis, or just the story.
✓
SSA letters
Any denial or decision letters, with dates.
✓
Medical picture
Providers, tests, prescriptions, and what work the condition limits.
✓
Work history
Jobs and dates matter for SSDI; income and resources for SSI.
Why Ted Smith Law Group
Ted finds special meaning in assisting families and individuals with their Social Security Disability claims. Clients get his special attention in all the phases of this complex process: building, documenting and filing the best possible case, from the right medical sources.
“Ted Smith is the best in the area! I can't say enough good things. The whole office cares about their clients and make sure your case is taken care of swiftly and done perfectly.”
“I used Ted Smith Law group to probate my wife's estate. Ted Smith and Barbie King were absolutely terrific in supporting my Probate case. They far exceeded my support expectations.”
“The Ted Smith Law group helped me with my SSDI case. It was a lengthy process and they were there all the way through. They kept me up to date on what was needed to be done and documents that needed to be completed.”
“The Ted Smith Law Firm is #1 in both customer service and professional service. They help me with all my Will and Deed issues when my husband passed in a very timely manner. I want to thank everyone from the firm for their care and support in this very difficult time.”
No. The firm handles SSD and SSI claims across Central Texas: Killeen, Harker Heights, Temple, Belton, Copperas Cove, Fort Hood, and the surrounding counties. Most of a disability claim happens by phone, mail, and electronic filing, so the office location rarely matters day to day.
How long do I have to appeal a denial?
Generally 60 days from the day you receive the denial letter; SSA presumes the letter arrived five days after the date printed on it. Bring the letter in as soon as it arrives so nothing rides on the deadline.
What does it cost to hire an SSD lawyer?
Consultations are free. Attorney fees are regulated by SSA and are typically paid from past-due benefits when a claim succeeds. Case expenses, if any, are handled separately and should be discussed before representation begins.
Talk through your disability claim
One short call establishes where the claim stands and what the next deadline is.
