A person is considered disabled if he has a physical, emotional, or combination of conditions that render him unable to work, considering his age, education and past work history. The condition must have existed for one year or be expected to last one year, or to result in death.

Your attorney can make sure that the appeal is properly filed after social security denies your application. Generally, you have 65 days from the date of a denial letter to file an appeal. Your attorney will also request medical records to support your claim. Finally, your attorney will represent you at the hearing with the administrative law judge.

You must be disabled and “impoverished” or you must be over 65 and “impoverished.