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470 reviews
Highland Social Security Disability Lawyers
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50+
Years Focused on
SSD Claims -
NOSSCR
National Board
Leadership - 2 Languages English & Spanish
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$0
Fee Unless
You Win
Free Case Evaluation
Why Highland Disability Claimants Turn to Scully Disability Law
Disability law is all we do. That means your case is handled by SSD lawyers who spend their days working with medical evidence, work histories, Social Security Administration rules, hearings, and appeals that can determine the outcome of a disability claim.
That experience matters when a claim becomes complicated. We know how to identify gaps in the record, develop evidence of your functional limitations, prepare you to testify about how your condition affects you, and keep your case moving through each stage of the disability process.
A denial does not make a claim disposable. When a case has grounds to move forward, our attorneys have the experience to pursue it through hearings and further appeals, including federal court when appropriate.
Over 50 Years Of SSD Experience
Decades spent exclusively on Social Security Disability and SSI claims for Chicago and Chicagoland residents.
National Board Leadership
Our lead attorney serves on the Board of Directors of NOSSCR and formerly chaired the Chicago Bar Association’s Social Security Section.
Thousands of Hearings, One Client at a Time
We’ve represented claimants in thousands of hearings across Illinois, treating every new case with the same diligence as our first.
Accessible, Personal Service
You work directly with a dedicated Social Security Disability attorney throughout your case, not through a rotating call center.
How an SSD Attorney Handles Each Stage of Your Claim
Whether you are filing your initial application, challenging a denial, or preparing for a hearing, we provide representation throughout the entire disability process. We manage the legal details of your claim so you can focus on your health, your family, and moving forward with your daily life.
You will meet with the attorneys who will represent you from start to finish. No meeting your lawyer for the first time at your hearing, a common occurrence with the national disability franchises. We are very accessible to our clients.
Thomas J. Scully III
Founding Attorney
We Handle Every Stage of Your Social Security Disability Claim in Highland, IN
The Social Security Disability process in Highland, Indiana, follows federal rules and can involve several stages. Your claim begins with an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If it is denied, you may be able to proceed through reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Council review, and ultimately federal court.
Not every claim goes through every stage. If your SSDI application is approved, the process ends earlier. If you receive a denial, our Highland Social Security Disability lawyers can review the decision and help you pursue the appropriate appeal.
Filing a Social Security Disability Application
To receive SSDI, you generally must have worked long enough and recently enough in jobs covered by Social Security to meet the applicable insured-status requirements. You must also meet Social Security’s definition of disability.
Your application asks for information about your medical conditions, treatment, medications, work history, and how your conditions affect your ability to function. We help develop the medical and vocational evidence Social Security will use to decide whether your condition prevents you from performing substantial work.
Requesting Reconsideration After an SSDI Denial
If your initial Social Security Disability claim is denied, reconsideration is generally the first level of appeal. A new reviewer examines the claim, including the evidence originally submitted and any new evidence available at reconsideration.
Our attorneys review why your SSDI claim was denied, identify gaps or weaknesses in the record, and submit updated medical evidence or other supporting information when appropriate.
Appealing an SSDI Denial at a Disability Hearing
If your claim is denied again at reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This gives you an opportunity to testify about your medical conditions, treatment, symptoms, work history, and the limitations that keep you from working.
We prepare you for the hearing, review the evidence in your Social Security file, address issues that may affect your claim, and represent you before the Administrative Law Judge.
Requesting Social Security Appeals Council Review
If the Administrative Law Judge issues an unfavorable decision, you can ask the Social Security Appeals Council to review it. The Appeals Council may deny the request for review, grant review and issue its own decision, or return the case to an Administrative Law Judge for further proceedings.
At this stage, your SSD lawyer in Highland will examine the hearing decision and administrative record to determine the grounds for further appeal.
Appealing an SSDI Denial in Federal Court
After completing the required administrative appeals, you may be able to challenge Social Security’s final decision by filing a civil action in U.S. District Court.
A federal court appeal is different from a disability hearing. The court reviews the agency’s final decision and administrative record rather than simply deciding your disability claim again from the beginning. Depending on the case, the court may affirm the decision, reverse it, or remand the case to Social Security for further proceedings.
Important: Social Security generally gives you 60 days to request the next level of appeal after you receive a decision. Your notice explains the applicable deadline and how to appeal, so do not put a denial letter aside.
Get Experienced Help With Your SSDI Application or Appeal
You do not have to wait for an SSDI denial to get legal help. Speaking with an attorney in Highland can help identify missing evidence, avoid inconsistencies, and make sure your work history and limitations are accurately presented. Already applied? We can step in at any stage, from reviewing a pending claim to appealing a denial or preparing for a Social Security Disability.
Recent Case Results
Every claim is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. These examples show the kind of work we do at each stage of the process.
Scully Disability Law Gives You the Ability to Fight Back Instead of Giving Up
More than just a firm motto, this is our mission since the founding of our law firm, and we have the track record to prove it!
We work hand in hand with our clients and have been doing so for a very long time. It is difficult to find any other firm that has been practicing in this area longer than we have.
Thomas J. Scully III
Founding Attorney
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits in Highland?
Social Security does not award disability benefits simply because you have been diagnosed with an illness or injury. The central question is whether a medically determinable condition prevents you from performing substantial work and meets Social Security’s duration requirements.
Depending on the program and your circumstances, Social Security will consider factors including:
- How severely your medical condition limits your ability to work
- Whether your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death
- Whether you can perform substantial gainful activity
- Your past work and, when applicable, whether you can adjust to other work
- Your medical records and other evidence documenting your limitations
- For SSDI, whether you have sufficient work credits and meet the applicable insured-status requirements
This is where the details of your medical records matter. A diagnosis identifies what condition you have. A disability claim must also show what that condition does to your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, concentrate, remember instructions, maintain attendance, interact with others, or perform other activities required in a work setting.
Our Highland disability lawyers help connect those pieces so Social Security receives a complete picture of why your condition prevents you from maintaining substantial work.
SSDI or SSI? SSDI generally depends on your work history and Social Security-covered earnings, while SSI is a needs-based program with income and resource requirements. Some people may qualify for both programs. If you are looking for information about needs-based disability benefits, visit our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) page to learn about eligibility and how to apply.
Our fees are strictly controlled by Social Security. We are prohibited by law from overcharging, and we are proud of never having done so.
Thomas J. Scully III
Founding Attorney
What Medical Conditions Qualify for SSD Benefits in Highland?
Your condition does not have to appear in Social Security’s Listing of Impairments to qualify for SSDI benefits. If it does not meet or medically equal a listing, the SSA can still evaluate whether your limitations prevent you from performing your past relevant work or adjusting to other work.
Our Social Security Disability lawyers in Highland work every day with people whose health has changed what they are able to do. We handle SSDI claims involving a wide range of physical and mental health conditions.
Musculoskeletal & Physical
- Degenerative disc & spine disorders
- Chronic pain conditions
- Arthritis & joint disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Injuries limiting mobility
Mental & Cognitive Health
- Depression & anxiety disorders
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Intellectual & developmental disabilities
- Cognitive decline & memory disorders
Systemic & Chronic Illness
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes with complications
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Cancer & treatment side effects
- Autoimmune disorders
- Respiratory conditions
Meet Our Attorneys
Attorney Thomas J. Scully III
Founder of Scully Disability Law, Thomas J. Scully III has dedicated more than 40 years to helping individuals pursue Social Security Disability benefits. A Vietnam Veteran and former Chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s Social Security Law Committee, he brings extensive experience representing claimants at disability hearings and throughout the appeals process. He is committed to providing personal, compassionate representation to every client he serves.
Attorney Michael DeYoung
Michael DeYoung has spent the majority of his legal career representing Social Security Disability claimants throughout the disability process, including hearings, Appeals Council reviews, and federal court appeals. A Northwest Indiana resident, he understands the challenges faced by individuals seeking disability benefits and provides direct, attorney-led representation focused on achieving the best possible outcome for each client.
Client Testimonials
The people we help are at the heart of everything we do. Read what clients from Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and throughout the Greater Midwest have to say about their experience with Scully Disability Law.
I am an Illinois attorney with over 40+ years of litigation practice so I know great lawyers when I have experiences with them. I referred a case to Tom Scully and have met with him on multiple occasions. He is forthright, clearly a renown expert in disability law, and he and his staff were a pleasure to work with. He and his staff gave me an assessment of the case that was straightforward given the bureaucracy and delays caused by the process.
In the end he was very successful in getting a great result. He is my top go-to lawyer for these types of cases.
Timothy Daw
5.0I cannot thank Attorney Michael DeYoung and the entire staff enough for everything they did to help me through my disability case. From the very beginning, they treated me with kindness, compassion, respect, and patience during one of the most stressful times of my life.
I highly recommend this law firm to anyone needing help with a disability claim. They truly care about their clients and go above and beyond for the people they represent. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Christine Graf
5.0I think that everyone was very nice and went above and beyond for us! They kept in contact with us and was always there to answer all questions! Michael DeYoung was amazing with my husbands case! The staff is amazing! I would recommend this law firm to everyone that needs help with their case! Thank you for all your help Michael you did a great job for us!
Tami Hubbard
5.0I am very grateful for the entire staff at attorney Scully’s office. Their professionalism and empathy speaks volumes to clients they represent. If you or a loved one needs their assistance they help you every step of the way. I truly can’t say enough good things about this law firm
Sarah Kuechenmeister
5.0Meet With a Disability Lawyer in Highland, Indiana
Our Highland office serves disability claimants from Highland and surrounding Lake County communities. If pain, fatigue, limited mobility, or another medical condition makes getting to the office difficult, you can also speak with our team by phone or video.
Whether you meet with us in person or remotely, you receive the same attorney-led representation throughout your Social Security Disability claim.
Highland Office
- 9105-A Indianapolis Boulevard, Suite 102, Highland, IN 46322
- (219)419-4497
- contactus@scullydisabilitylaw.com
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering applying for disability benefits or have already received a denial, these are some of the questions Highland residents commonly ask our lawyers about what happens next.
Your case evaluation with an SSD lawyer at Scully Disability Law is free, and you do not pay attorney fees unless you win your case. Under Social Security’s standard fee-agreement process, attorney fees are generally limited to the lesser of 25% of your past-due benefits or the applicable fee cap. The fee must be authorized by the SSA.
There may be separate costs associated with obtaining the medical records needed to support your claim. These costs are set by your medical providers rather than Scully Disability Law and typically range from $50 to $200, depending on the provider and the number of records required. We explain the fee arrangement and any potential case costs before you hire us so you know what to expect.
You can apply for SSDI online through the Social Security Administration, call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone or schedule an appointment, or contact your local Social Security office. SSA recommends applying as soon as you become disabled because SSDI generally has a five-month waiting period before benefits can begin.
You can also speak with a Highland Social Security Disability lawyer before filing. We can help you prepare the application and identify medical and work-history evidence that may be important to your claim.
Do not assume a denial means you do not qualify for SSDI. In general, you have 60 days to appeal an unfavorable Social Security determination or decision. The first appeal after an initial denial is usually reconsideration, followed by an Administrative Law Judge hearing, Appeals Council review, and potentially federal court.
Read your denial notice carefully because it explains your appeal rights and deadline. A Social Security Disability attorney at Scully Disability Law can review the reason for the denial, identify issues in the record, and help you pursue the appropriate next level of appeal.
Social Security hearings before an Administrative Law Judge can currently be held in person, by audio/telephone, by agency video, or by online video. After you request a hearing, SSA sends a Notice of Ways to Attend a Hearing explaining the available formats and your options for agreeing or objecting to certain methods.
If your hearing is in person, SSA generally schedules it at the hearing office with jurisdiction over your case, although another location may sometimes be used to reduce travel. Your hearing notice will provide the specific location and instructions.
There is no set timeline for an SSDI claim. An initial decision can take several months, while a claim that is denied and goes through reconsideration, a disability hearing, or further appeals can take much longer. The timeline depends on factors such as how quickly Social Security obtains your medical records, whether additional evidence or examinations are needed, and how far your claim proceeds through the appeals process. Working with a Social Security Disability lawyer in Highland cannot guarantee a faster decision, but it can help prevent avoidable delays.
Yes, you can apply while working, but your work activity can affect whether Social Security considers you disabled. In 2026, earnings above $1,690 per month for most non-blind applicants ordinarily indicate substantial gainful activity (SGA). The 2026 SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals is $2,830 per month.
Earnings are not always the whole story. SSA has rules for evaluating work activity, including self-employment and certain impairment-related work expenses. If your condition has forced you to reduce your hours, change your duties, or receive significant assistance at work, it is worth discussing the details with an SSDI attorney rather than assuming that working automatically prevents you from qualifying.
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