The things people ask me most

No. Anyone can apply on their own, and many people do. I'm happy to talk at any stage, though a lot of people call only after a denial, and that's fine too.

For Social Security claims the fee is set by law: 25 percent of back pay, up to a cap the agency sets, paid out of that back pay. If the claim isn't approved, there's no fee. VA claims have their own rules, which I put in writing first. Costs like medical-records fees are separate and may be owed either way.

It varies a lot with the office, the stage and the kind of claim. Months is common and more than a year isn't unheard of. I won't promise a date, but I will tell you what's happening.

SSDI is based on your work history and the taxes you paid in. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work. The medical question is similar; the rest differs.

Earning above a monthly limit set by Social Security can count against an SSDI claim. Call me before you take a job, leave one, or change your hours.

Often, yes. They answer different questions, so one doesn't decide the other. I'll explain how they fit together for you.

Any letters from Social Security or the VA, the names of your doctors, and a rough list of the jobs you've held. If you have none of that yet, call anyway.

Call right away. Sometimes there's a good reason the agency will accept, and sometimes a new claim is better. Either way, I'd rather read the file than guess.

No. This office handles disability claims and appeals only. If you call with something else, I'll tell you what kind of lawyer to look for.