An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can explain the requirements that must be met for your application or appeal to be approved. Basically, if you have a severe medical problem that prevents you from performing gainful employment for at least twelve contiguous months, you are entitled to Social Security disability benefits. However, you must have paid Social Security payroll taxes over a certain period of time to be considered insured. If you stopped paying Social Security taxes, you must prove that your disability occurred before your insured status expired. To improve your chances of winning an appeal, you should learn as much as you can about the benefits approval process and work closely with your social security disability lawyer to ensure accurate documentation of your condition. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. We have been fighting for our client’s rights for over 20 years.