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Disability can disrupt your life in ways you never expected—jeopardizing your income, independence, and your family’s financial security. If you live in Springfield, Illinois, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11.3% of residents under age 65 live with a disability that can make working impossible.
Navigating long-term disability (LTD) insurance and Social Security Disability claims is challenging, especially when benefits are delayed or denied. Fortunately, help is available.
Why Choose Ortiz Law Firm for Your Springfield Disability Claim?
We exclusively represent disabled individuals—not insurance companies—and have helped clients throughout Illinois, including Springfield, recover the benefits they deserve. Our practice focuses on long-term disability insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims, using proven strategies to maximize your chance of approval.
Springfield Long-Term Disability Claims
Insurance companies use predictable tactics to deny or terminate long-term disability claims. We know how these strategies work and how to counter them.
We help LTD claimants by:
- Identifying weaknesses in the insurer’s decision
- Obtaining medical and vocational evidence
- Preparing customized residual functional capacity forms for treating providers
- Handling administrative appeals and lawsuits
Early action matters. Evidence can disappear, and appeal deadlines are short.
Call (888) 321-8131 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Legal Duties of Insurance Companies Under ERISA
Most employer-sponsored long-term disability plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA sets strict federal rules insurers must follow when handling disability claims.
Key ERISA protections include:
- Timely Notification: Clear written explanations for denials
- Access to Information: The right to review the records and policies relied upon
- Full and Fair Review: The opportunity to appeal and submit additional evidence
- Fiduciary Responsibility: Insurers must act in the best interests of plan participants
When insurers violate these duties, their decisions can often be challenged.
Springfield Courts, Government, and Department of Insurance Information
- Central District of Illinois | United States District Court
- United States Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
- Government Website for the State of Illinois
- Illinois Department of Insurance
Springfield Social Security Disability Lawyers
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration. While the application process can feel overwhelming, you do not have to go through it alone.
Although our office is located in Pensacola, Florida, we represent SSDI claimants in Springfield and throughout Illinois. Most hearings are now conducted remotely by phone or through Microsoft Teams, making nationwide representation easier than ever.
We assist Springfield SSDI claimants at every stage, including:
Understanding the Difference Between SSDI and SSI
Many clients ask about the distinction between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD, also called SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both programs support individuals who cannot work due to disability, they differ in important ways.
- Eligibility: SSDI is based on your work history and payroll tax contributions. SSI is needs-based and does not require prior work.
- Funding: SSDI is funded through Social Security taxes. SSI is funded by general tax revenues.
- Benefit Amounts: SSDI benefits depend on your earnings history. SSI payments are set federally and may be supplemented by Illinois.
- Medical Coverage: SSDI recipients typically qualify for Medicare after two years. SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid immediately.
If you are unsure which program applies to you, we can help evaluate your options.
What to Expect at a Disability Hearing
Disability hearings are private and informal—not like a traditional courtroom trial. You, your attorney, and possibly expert witnesses (such as vocational or medical experts) will participate, usually by phone or video.
The Administrative Law Judge will ask questions about your medical conditions, daily limitations, work history, and treatment. Your legal team helps prepare you in advance and presents evidence supporting your inability to work.
After reviewing the evidence, the judge issues a written decision regarding eligibility for benefits.
RELATED POST: What Happens At A Social Security Disability Hearing?
Springfield, IL Social Security Administration Offices and Resources
- Directions to the Springfield, IL Social Security Administration office
- Social Security Website
- Peoria Office of Hearing Operations Information
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Springfield Illinois Disability Lawyer
We offer free case evaluations for:
- Wrongfully denied or terminated long-term disability claims
- Social Security Disability claims at the application, reconsideration, and hearing stages
Do not try to navigate this process alone.
Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation today.
