Nevada Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from working, Social Security and Nevada disability benefits can cover some of your living expenses. However, obtaining benefits isn’t easy. Recent data from the Social Security Administration shows that just 37% of applicants received benefits based on their initial application.
National Disability Alliance understands the hurdles you may face when seeking disability benefits. For help with an initial application or appeal, contact our qualified disability attorneys today.
On this Page
- Understanding Disability Benefits in Nevada
- Why NDA Stands Above the Rest in Nevada
- Nevada Application Process: Step by Step
- Why Initial Claims Often Fail, and How To Appeal
- NDA Knows Nevada Disability Claims
- Contact Us Now To Secure Your Disability Benefits in Nevada
- FAQs About Nevada Disability Benefits
Understanding Disability Benefits in Nevada
Nevada offers two primary disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.
SSDI Program: The Basics
SSDI pays monthly benefits to individuals with qualifying medical conditions that prevent them from working. The conditions must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. In addition, the applicant must have a long enough work history and have paid a sufficient amount into the system through payroll taxes. Typically, you must have worked for at least five of the past 10 years and have accrued 40 work credits. Individuals can earn up to four credits each year.
Monthly payments vary based on your past earnings history.
SSI for Disabled Individuals
SSI is a needs-based program available to disabled individuals with limited income and assets. It doesn’t require applicants to meet work history requirements. However, you must have little to no monthly income and prove you have less than $2,000 in assets. Couples may qualify if their assets don’t exceed $3,000. The SSA looks at income, bank balances, cash availability, equities, and other similar items to determine whether you meet its financial requirements.
Monthly SSI payments in 2025 for eligible individuals are $967, while couples receive $1,450.
Mandatory and Optional Nevada SSI Supplement Payments
Blind or elderly SSI recipients may also be eligible for monthly Nevada SSI supplementation payments, which can be either mandatory or optional. Nevada introduced mandatory supplementation when it converted from a state-run welfare program to SSI in 1974. However, since it usually pays less, most recipients choose optional supplements.
Disabled recipients generally don’t qualify for an SSI supplement unless they’re part of a qualifying couple and their spouse is blind or aged. Recipients living in an institution that’s primarily financed through medical assistance may also qualify.
The Social Security Administration considers your living arrangements to determine how much you’ll receive from an SSI optional supplement.
Why NDA Stands Above the Rest in Nevada
Our seasoned legal team has years of experience advocating for individuals with disabilities. We’re quite familiar with the intricacies of SSDI and SSI in Nevada. Our understanding of the local landscape and processes helps streamline the application and appeals process for clients.
We have Nevada disability lawyers available in the state’s major cities and surrounding areas, including Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City. There are no upfront fees for our services, and all consultations are free. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you’ll pay nothing for our help unless we win your claim. Our fee is a pre-agreed percentage of your past-due benefits.
We serve clients from all walks of life, including those in underserved communities and Spanish speakers. Our attorneys work diligently to prevent mistakes that hurt your chances of securing benefits.
Nevada Application Process: Step by Step
The SSA may approve your benefits after a successful application. Here’s a quick overview of how to apply for disability in Nevada.
1. Submit an Application
You can prepare and submit an online application for benefits or schedule an appointment at your local Social Security Administration office. In the application, you’ll provide information about your disability and work history. It also asks for the contact information of your health care providers.
The SSA encourages applicants to use its online tools as much as possible. The wait time for an in-person appointment averages 34 days, which can lengthen the overall time it takes to receive a decision.
2. Medical Review at a Nevada Disability Determination Services Facility
The SSA sends your application and supporting information to the Nevada Bureau of Disability Adjudication—the state’s disability determination facility, or DDS. The facility determines whether your condition meets the legal definition to qualify for benefits. You may be asked to undergo a medical evaluation with the DDS as part of the process.
3. The Decision Letter
The DDS provides its findings to the local SSA field office in Las Vegas, Reno, or Carson City. You’ll receive a letter from the SSA notifying you of the results. On average, the application process takes 229.9 days, or over seven months, to complete. Individuals with conditions that qualify for a Compassionate Allowance can receive expedited approval of their claim.
Why Initial Claims Often Fail, and How To Appeal
The SSA denies the majority of initial applications for disability benefits. In Nevada, only 38.2% of claims won approval at the initial level. The most common reasons for denial include the following:
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Failure to respond to SSA requests for information
- Incomplete application
- Exceeding SSA income limitations
- Lack of qualifying work credits
The agency allows applicants to appeal a denial through a three-phase process. If you decide to appeal, you need thorough documentation that supports your case. A Nevada disability attorney can help you prepare your evidence and advocate for you during the appeals process.
Reconsideration
In a reconsideration, another claims examiner reviews your application and medical evidence. You can submit additional information, such as new tests or physician diagnoses, to validate your claim. According to the SSA, about 13% of applicants were approved for benefits during a reconsideration appeal in 2022.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing
If your application fails at the reconsideration level, you can request a hearing with a Nevada administrative law judge. Hearings typically take place in Las Vegas or Reno, but judges may travel to other local areas if necessary.
In 2022, over 54% of disability applicants received benefits following a hearing. However, the average wait time for a hearing in Nevada is nine months, so it may take a while to receive a decision.
Appeals Council and Federal Court
Most cases resolve following a hearing. However, if your case requires additional attention, you can seek a review from the Appeals Council. If unsuccessful, you may take your case to a federal district court.
NDA Knows Nevada Disability Claims
Our Nevada disability lawyers know all the ins and outs of the local SSDI and SSI application process. Many of our staff members are previous SSA professionals who understand what the agency looks for when approving benefits. Our knowledge allows us to provide unmatched service to clients and avoid the mistakes that derail applications.
Whether you need assistance preparing a strong initial application or with an appeal, we’re here for you. Our attorneys are familiar with many of the local administrative law judges who oversee hearings, and we can advocate on your behalf to achieve a favorable outcome.
Contact Us Now To Secure Your Disability Benefits in Nevada
A disability can make it impossible to work or earn a living. Don’t let it. Get help from the dedicated attorneys at National Disability Alliance. Schedule your free consultation by calling 833-693-4722 today.
FAQs About Nevada Disability Benefits
Who Qualifies for SSDI Versus SSI?
You may be eligible for SSDI if you have at least 40 work credits and a qualifying disability that prevents you from maintaining substantial gainful employment. The SSI program is available to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited monetary income and resources.
How Much Is Nevada's SSI Supplement?
The supplement amount depends on several factors, including your qualifying category, living arrangements, and monetary resources. It ranges from $36 to $391 for individuals. However, it is only available to older and blind individuals. Disabled individuals are generally not eligible for the supplement.
What Are Nevada SSDI Approval Odds?
Based on the SSA’s most recent analysis, about 49% of applicants obtained benefits, with the majority of approvals occurring at the initial application stage.
Can I Work While Getting Benefits?
Yes, you can continue to work while receiving SSDI as long as your monthly income doesn’t exceed the SSA’s substantial gainful activity limit. It’s currently $1,620, or $2,700 if you’re blind.
Helpful Resources To Get You Started
Types of Disabilities
Learn which conditions qualify for SSDI and SSI – and how medical documentation plays a key role.
Types of Disabilities
Disability Benefits
Explore the benefits available through Social Security Disability and what you can expect to receive.
Disability Benefits
Application Process
A step-by-step look at how to apply for disability benefits – and how we can help simplify the process.
Application Process
FAQs
Have questions? Find quick answers to the most common disability questions we hear from applicants.
FAQs
