Principal Office Located at 1424 Gables Court, Plano, TX 75075
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Client Testimonial
We would like to thank the entire staff at Coats and Todd for helping Daniel victoriously win his Social Security case. After years of financial hardship, this will give our family financial freedom to get caught up on expenses and live comfortably for years to come. -Tameka Ramos, Mesquite, TX
Dallas, TX Social Security Disability Lawyers
Attorneys Helping Clients With Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals in Plano, Collin County, and Denton County
Physical injuries, health issues, serious illnesses, and mental illnesses can significantly affect a person's ability to care for themselves and provide for their own needs. Fortunately, those who suffer from these types of impairments may be able to receive disability benefits through Social Security. However, the process of applying for these benefits can be complex, and disability claims are often denied. By working with an experienced attorney, people with disabilities can take the correct steps to receive the benefits they need.
For more than 20 years, the Law Offices of Coats & Todd has been serving people in need of assistance with their Social Security disability claims. We work with our clients at all stages of application filing and administrative review to help them get the relief they need. We understand the many challenges involved in pursuing a disability claim, and we work to help our clients overcome those challenges. We are more than just your attorney; we are your partner in this process, committed to helping you secure the benefits you need and deserve.
Have Questions About SSDI?We Have Answers.
Why hire us?
If you are disabled and cannot work, call us!
Our Philosophy
We advocate to help you get the benefits you need.
Losing Isn't an Option
Put 60 years of combined experience on your side.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Those who have worked, earned an income, and contributed taxes to Social Security may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These benefits will provide financial assistance for those who have suffered impairments that have affected their ability to maintain gainful employment and earn enough income to meet their needs. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based public assistance program for those who do not have the necessary work history, SSDI provides benefits based on the work a person has performed in the past and the ways their disabilities have affected their ongoing needs. Our attorneys can help you understand whether you qualify for SSDI and make sure you complete all requirements when applying for these benefits.
SSDI Benefits
The benefits paid out through Social Security Disability Insurance will depend on the amount of income a person earned before they became disabled. These benefits are paid in cash on a monthly basis, and the average amount of monthly benefits is around $1,200. However, a person with a higher average monthly income during their years of employment may be able to receive higher benefits. After collecting SSDI for 24 months, a person will also be eligible for medical coverage through Medicare, which is usually only available to people over the age of 65.
SSDI Qualifications
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, a person must have earned the minimum number of work credits based on their age and earnings, and they must have paid Social Security taxes during their years when they were working. A person must also show that they have a physical or mental condition that is severe enough to be considered a disability, and this condition must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months. Because of their condition, a person must be unable to earn the necessary income that is considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
Some Health Conditions for SSDI
While there are many types of issues that may affect a person's ability to work, Social Security may not necessarily recognize a health condition as a disability. Some conditions are included in the Listing of Impairments maintained by Social Security, and they may automatically qualify a person for disability benefits. If a person's condition is not included in the listing, this does not mean that they will be unable to receive benefits. In these cases, a person may be able to show that their condition is equivalent to a condition included in the listing, or they may provide evidence showing that their condition has caused them to be disabled. For a health condition to qualify as a disability, it must make a person incapable of performing work that they had done previously or other jobs available in the national economy that would be considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
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Asthma and COPD
Certain types of respiratory disorders can severely impede a person's ability to breathe and use their lungs to process oxygen. This can prevent a person from working in jobs that require physical exertion, and in severe cases, they may be unable to breathe without assistance.
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Diabetes
Those who suffer from conditions that affect the body's ability to create or process insulin may have difficulty regulating their blood sugar levels. This can lead to heart disease, strokes, and damage to the eyes, nerves, and kidneys, all of which can affect a person's ability to work.
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Back Pain & Back Injuries
Serious injuries to the back and spinal cord can result in debilitating pain, inability to lift objects, limitations on mobility, loss of sensation, or paralysis. Certain types of health conditions can also affect the back, including scoliosis, nerve root compression, and degenerative disc disease.
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Hearing Impairment
Loss of hearing may be considered a disability be based on whether a person has received cochlear implants, whether they meet certain criteria for discerning spoken words, or whether they meet decibel thresholds for air-conducted and bone-conducted sounds.
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Cancer
Certain types of cancer, such as stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, or cervical cancer, will automatically qualify for disability benefits. Other forms of cancer may be considered disabilities based on a person's response to treatment.
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Lupus
This disease causes the immune system to attack the body's organs or systems. It can result in fatigue, fever, joint pain, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or memory loss, and if symptoms are severe, a person may be disabled due to their inability to work.
Client Testimonial
A friend told me about Coats and Todd. From the very moment they took my case, they were compassionate, constantly kept me notified of the process, listened to me when I had concerns and made me feel like more than just a client. I was awarded my disability providing me hope and a future moving forward. -Shawn M.
Denied Claims
A significant percentage of Social Security disability claims are denied. These denials may occur for a number of reasons. A person may have failed to provide the proper information in a Social Security disability application, or Social Security officials may have decided that the applicant was not disabled based on the medical evidence provided. Rather than spending time reapplying for disability benefits, applicants can work with our attorneys to appeal the denial. We will help you file a request to reconsider the denial, and if benefits are still denied, we will help you request an administrative hearing. During your hearing, we will present the necessary evidence to show that you are disabled and deserve to receive Social Security disability benefits.
Federal SSDI Appeals
If an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) chooses to deny Social Security disability benefits after reviewing the evidence provided in an administrative hearing, this ruling may be appealed in federal courts. In these cases, we can make sure you meet all requirements to file an appeal within the correct time period, and we will help you prepare to argue your case before a federal judge. Federal cases can be complicated, and you must meet specific requirements when filing briefs and presenting arguments, and it is crucial to have representation from an attorney who is experienced in winning these types of cases. Our lawyers can help you navigate the appeals process successfully, and we will fight to help you receive the benefits you deserve.
Meet Our Team
Over 60 Years of Combined Experience on Your Side
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Catherine I. Coats
A native of Texas, Catherine Coats has spent her entire legal career in service of individuals with disabilities. Her dedication, hard work, and a tireless dedication to making a difference in the lives of her clients has allowed her and her team to help thousands of people secure their medical and disability benefits.
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Christopher L. Coats
Christopher Lawrence Coats is a Texas native and a second-generation attorney. He earned his undergraduate degree from DePauw University, where he majored and philosophy and studied political science. Christopher went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Texas A&M School of Law in Fort Worth before joining The Law Offices of Coats & Todd.
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Jason Blair
Jason Blair was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, where he attended Reitz Memorial Catholic High School. He went on to earn a degree in English from Indiana University in Bloomington. After graduation, he initially attempted to become a writer before deciding to attend law school and become a disability lawyer. He moved to Texas in 2011.
Client Testimonial
Coats and Todd attorneys go beyond the call of duty. They have the best caseworkers, who are kind, willing to listen when I was in distress. They successfully completed our case. Now we can live a normal life, able to pay our bills on time. I recommend Coats and Todd to everyone I know. Thank you!!! -George Montgomery
From Our Blog
How to Prepare for Your Social Security Disability Hearing
Navigating the Social Security disability process can be incredibly stressful and confusing. However, thoroughly preparing for your disability hearing is one of the most important things you can do to help your......Read More
Tips for First-Time SSDI Filers in Texas
Navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process for the first time can seem confusing and daunting. Knowing what to expect and following tips will help your Texas disability claim get......Read More
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From our principal office in Plano, Texas, we serve clients throughout Dallas County, Denton County, Collin County, Tarrant County, and the rest of North Texas, including but not limited to Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Arlington, Irving, Denton, Carrollton, Addison, Coppell, Grand Prairie, Allen, Anna, Murphy, Fairview, Prosper, Lewisville, Little Elm, The Colony, Flower Mound, Duncanville, and DeSoto.
