SSD Resources for OKC Residents - Ryan Bisher Ryan & SimonsRyan Bisher Ryan & Simons

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According to the Social Security Administration, more than 2.015 million people apply for Social Security disability benefits every year. Only a fraction of these people are initially approved for benefits, and the rest are denied or have to go through the arduous appeals process. Ultimately, fewer than four out of every ten claims are allowed, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we understand how challenging and confusing it can be to apply for SSDI in Oklahoma. For this reason, we have prepared this list of Social Security Disability resources in Oklahoma City. Should you need additional Social Security Disability help, do not hesitate to contact us. We have been in business for over 35 years and focus exclusively on Social Security and personal injury cases, so we have developed in-depth knowledge and skill in Social Security law. We will put this knowledge to good use in your case.

More Information on Social Security Disability Benefits

You can learn more about the Social Security program from the following resources:

Social Security website – Learn how to apply for benefits, how the program is administered, and the benefits to which you may be entitled.
RBR website – We discuss some of the top myths about Social Security Disability, FAQs about Social Security Disability, qualifying for SSI benefits in Oklahoma, and many more topics on this site.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities – Learn more about how many people apply for Social Security benefits, the benefits you might be approved for, and the challenges you may face.

Impairments that Qualify You for Social Security Disability

To qualify for SSD benefits, you must either meet or equal one of the impairments in the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments or qualify under a medical-vocational allowance. It is important to note that if you qualify based on your condition being in the Listing of Impairments, you must meet the specific definition of the condition. You must have the same type of test results, limitations, or other characteristics described in the listing. It is not enough to simply be diagnosed with a condition in the Blue Book.

Low-Cost Medical Coverage for Those with Disabilities in Oklahoma

One of the most important parts of your disability claim is your medical records. When you do not have health insurance, it is difficult to receive the medical care you need. However, the Social Security Administration will consider the medical evidence you have and whether you sought medical care that was available to you. It might expect you to take advantage of low-cost medical care and free or income-based clinics in your area.

Some options may include:

Oklahoma Medicaid – Oklahoma Medicaid is available to individuals who have children under 18 who meet income eligibility guidelines, aged 65 or older, are blind, pregnant, children under the age of 19, or are disabled.
Oklahoma State Department of Health – Local health departments provide some medical services for free or at a low cost.
Free and charitable clinics – You can find income-based clinics or free and charitable clinics throughout Oklahoma in this directory.

You can also apply for health insurance to defray some of the costs of healthcare through the marketplace. The HealthCare.gov site also features a specific page on coverage options for people with disabilities.

Other Benefits

You may qualify for other benefits that can help provide you with income and resources to pay for housing, food, clothing, and other essentials while your SSDI claim is pending. These benefits may include:

VA Benefits

VA disability compensation provides benefits to veterans who suffered a service-related injury or illness. You can check the VA website to learn:

Which conditions qualify for benefits
How to make a claim
Where to file your claim
How to appeal an adverse decision

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If your disabling injury occurred at work, you might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. In some situations, you can qualify for both workers’ compensation benefits and Social Security Disability benefits. You can contact the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission to learn more about applying for these benefits and to request the forms to make your claim.

Private Disability Benefits

If you have purchased disability insurance through your employer or a private insurance carrier, you may be able to use your short-term or long-term disability benefits while your Social Security disability claim is pending. Contact your insurance carrier for more information.

Low-Income Benefits

If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to qualify for additional programs, such as:

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program – SNAP benefits help you pay for food.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Family – TANF benefits provide cash benefits to recipients.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – LIHEAP helps with energy costs, including paying home energy bills, providing weatherization services, and facilitating minor energy-related home repairs.

You can apply for these and other programs through Oklahoma Human Services.

You can also find information about local food pantries, prescription assistance, and the commodity supplemental program here. Details about other financial benefits, transportation vouchers, and more resources to help you make ends meet in Oklahoma City are here.

The Oklahoma Department of Housing and Urban Development website has listings for affordable housing options and subsidized apartments.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your SSD Claim

At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we often help claimants who have been denied at one of the steps of the claims process. We have also talked about some of the most common mistakes claimants make when applying for SSD benefits, including: