Minneapolis Social Security Disability Lawyer
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
- Last Modified:
- July 7, 2025
If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, our attorneys at Brown & Crouppen can help you navigate the legal process. Our Minneapolis Social Security Disability lawyers can help with your case from beginning to end.
Social Security Disability claims in Minneapolis can be highly complicated to navigate, especially without the help of a personal injury attorney. Without legal representation, you risk missing deadlines or forgetting crucial documentation and evidence. Our firm is highly experienced and top-rated in the Midwest. Call a Minneapolis Social Security Disability lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.
- Why You Should Hire a Minneapolis Disability Attorney From Brown & Crouppen
- Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability in Minnesota?
- Timeline for Receiving a Decision on a Disability Claim
- Common Reasons SSD Claims Get Denied
- Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Applying for SSD Benefits
- How To Appeal a Denied SSD Claim
- How Minnesota Laws May Affect Your SSD Case
- Our Minneapolis Social Security Disability Attorneys Are Here To Assist You
Why You Should Hire a Minneapolis Disability Attorney From Brown & Crouppen
Our knowledgeable legal team at Brown & Crouppen is highly skilled in handling Social Security Disability claims. With a history of successful case results, we can use our experience to navigate your case and win a favorable outcome.
Since 1979, our personal injury lawyers have assisted clients in securing over $1 billion in compensation. With over 40 years of experience and more than 250 legal professionals on staff, we have what it takes to handle even the most complex cases. One of our core values is community service. Our team volunteers with various nonprofits and community organizations to stay involved and committed to local efforts.
Our Minneapolis personal injury attorneys can provide skilled representation and legal advice for your Social Security case. Schedule a free case evaluation today to learn more.
"At Brown and Crouppen, we believe one of the most important ways to build trust with a client is to talk to them. And so that's what we do. We talk to them very early in the case, and then we continue to do that throughout the process. Our goals are to talk to them at a minimum every 30 days, and we do that so that we can follow up with them. Make sure they're getting the proper medical treatment and taking all the steps necessary to properly build the value of their case."
Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability in Minnesota?
Social Security Disability is a federally administered program by the Social Security Administration that offers monthly benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must meet medical and non-medical requirements, including:
- Work History Requirements
- You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, FICA, for a set number of years.
- You generally need 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned within the past 10 years ending the year your disability developed.
- Disability Eligibility
- For a disability to be eligible, it must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
- Be medically determinable and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Must meet or match a condition described in the SSA’s Blue Book or become unable to adapt to other employment.
In Minnesota, Social Security Disability has state-specific considerations. The Minnesota Disability Determination Service reviews initial disability claims. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development oversees this state agency. It makes a decision about eligibility based on your medical records, work history, and consultative exams.
This process can take time to conclude. Some factors that may delay your claim’s acceptance are if there is inaccurate or missing information on the application, or your medical records are insufficient. If your claim is denied, you can appeal through the standard process:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing
- Appeals Council Review
- Federal Court Review
Our Minneapolis lawyers can assess your eligibility for Social Security Disability and help you complete and submit the application.
Timeline for Receiving a Decision on a Disability Claim
It’s also important to be realistic about the claims process’s timeline. The SSA typically takes between three and six months to decide on an initial application. At this point, your claim is either accepted or denied. If you face a denial, you can move on to the reconsideration stage, which can take several months to over a year.
If your claim reaches the Appeals Council, it may take six months to a year to receive a decision. A review by the federal district court can take up to two years. Overall, the disability claims process can take several months to a few years, depending on delays or appeals.
Common Reasons SSD Claims Get Denied
Several reasons can lead to a denial of your Social Security Disability claim. The most common is insufficient medical evidence, followed by a lack of condition severity, earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, and other common contributors.
Insufficient Medical Evidence
If your medical records do not point to your condition significantly impacting your ability to work, this can also lead to a denial. Other issues with medical evidence in your claim may include gaps in treatment, a lack of specialist documentation, and outdated information. It’s essential to include all necessary information with your claim to fully communicate your need for support.
Condition Not Considered Severe Enough
If your condition does not significantly impair your ability to work for at least 12 months and is not expected to result in your death, it will likely not qualify. You can avoid this issue by including with your claim all medical documentation that points to the severity of your condition and its impact on your life.
Exceeding the SGA Limit
If you earn more than the cap on Substantial Gainful Activity, you may not qualify as disabled. As of 2025, this cap is $1,550 per month or $2,590 for individuals who are blind.
Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment
Not following your doctor’s prescribed treatment without a valid reason can result in a claim denial. This can indicate that you are not doing everything possible to lessen the impact of your condition, and treatment could potentially allow you to return to work.
Previous Denial Without New Evidence
If you reapply for Social Security Disability but fail to provide new medical evidence, you may be denied again for the same reasons. An attorney can help collect additional evidence of your condition and its debilitating effects on your life to increase the likelihood of your claim being accepted.
Lack of Work Credits
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have enough work credits. If you don’t, you may not be eligible. Our legal team can review your case and determine whether you meet the credit requirements to apply.
If your claim is denied, our dedicated legal team can examine the reasoning and help with an appeal. We can strengthen your case by rebuilding your claim with solid evidence and the proper documentation. Call Brown & Crouppen to speak with a Minneapolis Social Security Disability attorney today.
Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Applying for SSD Benefits
Avoidable mistakes can delay or hurt your claim. You can expedite the claims process and facilitate a smooth transition from application to approval by steering clear of these common errors.
- Failing to provide medical evidence. If you can’t prove that your condition is real, prevents you from working, and will last over 12 months or result in death, then your claim will likely be denied.
- Not following treatment plans. The Social Security Administration may deny a claim if you have not followed your doctor’s treatment advice.
- Applying too soon. You shouldn’t apply before your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Missing deadlines. There are strict deadlines for appealing a denial—typically 60 days. Missing the deadline may require you to restart the process.
- Not seeking help from an attorney. A legal professional can be your advocate throughout the claims process and ensure everything is filed accordingly.
Fortunately, our lawyers can help with your claim even if mistakes have occurred. We can review a denial, identify its cause, and rebuild your claim with the necessary fixes and additional strong evidence.
How To Appeal a Denied SSD Claim
To appeal a denied Social Security Disability claim, start by filing Form SSA-561, or a Request for Reconsideration, online or at your local Social Security office. You’ll also need to submit new or updated medical evidence and explain any errors made in the initial decision.
If your reconsideration is denied, the next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge. You can request a hearing online or by submitting Form HA-501. It’s important to have strong evidence, including medical records and, if possible, witness testimony. We recommend working with an attorney who can represent you during this stage.
If the judge denies your claim, you may submit Form HA-520 to ask the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council to review the decision. New evidence can only be submitted if it relates to the time before the judge issued their ruling.
The final stage of appeal is filing a civil lawsuit in federal district court. At this point, the court reviews whether the Social Security Administration followed the law—it does not reconsider your disability status directly.
Because the process is complex and deadline-driven, it’s important to be well-prepared at each step. Our law firm has a strong record of success in disability appeals and can help you build the strongest case possible.
How Minnesota Laws May Affect Your SSD Case
In Minnesota, Disability Determination Services operates as a state-run agency under the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Their staff makes the initial decision on your disability claim based on the rules established by the Social Security Administration. Hearings in Minnesota are held at the Office of Hearings Operations locations.
Minnesota provides state health coverage and programs such as:
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) — additional financial support for those receiving federal disability benefits.
General Assistance (GA) — temporary aid for individuals awaiting SSD approval.
These programs can assist with covering medical expenses and basic needs while waiting for SSD decisions or appealing a denial.
Brown & Crouppen is well-versed in Minnesota-specific Social Security Disability issues. We manage your case filing and keep you informed about available programs and support.
Our Minneapolis Social Security Disability Attorneys Are Here To Assist You
If you or a loved one needs assistance with a Social Security Disability claim, contact our law office today. We believe that everyone deserves access to the best representation possible. Call 888-609-4967 to schedule a free consultation with a Minneapolis Social Security Disability lawyer.
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