“Losing my father on January 5th was one of the hardest moments of my life. Amid the grief, I recalled his advice: ‘Do you like your attorney? Does he return your calls? Does he leave you in the wind?’ I was proud to tell him, ‘No, Dad, the opposite.’ Scott Lewis and his team, Nick and Rob, provided unwavering support during my SSDI and SSI journey. They were always just a call away, answering every question with empathy and care. Through their dedication, my case was ruled fully favorable. I know my father is looking down, proud and reassured. Thank you Scott Lewis disability you made this year the best year of my life.”
Contact Scott D. Lewis
Social Security Disability Attorney in Indianapolis
Scott and his team are dedicated to providing you assistance with the legal challenges that come with disability appeals, claim submissions, and delays in receiving the benefits you rightfully deserve.
No upfront costs. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Schedule a free consultation today.
Will I Get the Chance to Talk to an Actual Attorney When I Call?
A common complaint I hear from prospective clients is that when they hire a lawyer, they seldom get the chance to speak directly to the lawyer. The majority of my staff are attorneys who focus on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. The attorneys in my practice make the decision to accept potential clients, not the administrative staff.
We believe this initial attorney/client contact is crucial in beginning our case.
The initial contact with an attorney can help you decide if the relationship is a good fit for you, in addition to helping you understand the disability process. The lawyers in my office strive to explain not only the process, but what can be done to enhance your chances of winning your disability claim. This initial contact can give you the opportunity to ask questions regarding the appeals process, the importance of your medical providers, and your chances of being successful in your disability claim. With my office, the attorney client contact does not stop after the initial conversation. Our attorneys answer questions from current clients on a daily basis.
Whether you select my law office for Social Security Disability representation, or another office, make sure you are comfortable with the attorneys and staff and that they are knowledgeable about your claim. At times, the Social Security Administration may seem cold and hard to reach, but I believe you should not feel that way about your legal representation.
How Scott can helpHow I Run My Social Security Disability Law Office to Best Help My Clients
I take immense pride in representing my clients in the way that I would want to be represented. My standards are high, and I believe my clients benefit from that. I am constantly comparing my business practices not only with other law offices, but with other businesses that provide services. Below are some of the things I concentrate on to ensure my clients receive the legal representation they deserve.
Communication
Prompt communication is essential to good representation, whether through telephone calls, mail, or in person. Answering your questions by taking and returning phone calls is a big part of my business. My clients know that they can contact us about their medical conditions and any documents they receive from the SSA, and we update them on developments with their claims. We also use the mail extensively to communicate with our clients.
Timeliness
Being on time is critical with the SSA. There are deadlines that must be met. If we do not adhere to these deadlines, a client may find themselves having to start a claim from the beginning. If we find a client is not participating in returning paperwork to our office, we attempt to follow up on numerous occasions and document our efforts. We understand when you are disabled, you may need reminders and some extra effort to help you through the process.
Knowledge
Social Security Disability claims are all my office does. I have years of experience with the Social Security Administration. My office understands you may have limited, if any, knowledge on Social Security Disability matters. We attempt to explain this process in the easiest way for a client to understand. I have represented my clients in thousands of cases before Administrative Law Judges. At this stage in my career, it would take a lot to surprise me at a hearing. A good attorney will submit a prehearing brief to the judge and know what a judge will think is important to your case.
A Competent Staff
At this point in my career, I am so fortunate to have a staff on which I can rely. We use a collaborative method in preparing your case. From beginning to end of your case, we talk about your case amongst ourselves. One thing my office offers is the ability to talk to an attorney whenever you would like. Many offices use non-attorney case managers. I believe when you hire an attorney, you should be able to talk to an attorney. The Social Security disability process can be confusing, and my staff is here to help you through the process, answer your questions, and ease any anxiety you may be experiencing.
It is important to me that I give my clients the best chance of winning their cases. This starts with the initial client contact and follows through all the way to the resolution of the case. Every case is different and may require a different course of action. At the end of the day, I feel fortunate to have a position where I can help my clients get the disability benefits that they deserve.
Scott D. Lewis, Attorney
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from real Indianapolis residents whose disability cases Scott D. Lewis helped win.
“When I was searching for an attorney to help me with my disability claim, I googled ‘best disability attorney in Indianapolis’. Attorney Scott Lewis’s name was at the top of the list. I then contacted Scott Lewis’s office and they agreed to represent me. After working with Mr Lewis and his associates, Rob Tyree and Nick Moskalick, I realized why they are ranked #1 in their specialty. All 3 of these attorneys are professional, knowledgeable and personable. Any time I called the office with a question one of these 3 gentleman would answer the phone and they always made me feel like I was the only client they had — even though I know they represent hundreds of other clients. I don’t have the words to express how much I appreciate and respect them other than to highly recommend them to anyone looking for an attorney to represent them for their disability claim. You will be extremely pleased that you hired this firm.”
“More than two years ago, I realized I needed to file a Social Security disability claim. I called Lewis Disability Law and spoke to Rob, who gave me step-by-step instructions as to what I needed to do to file for my Social Security retirement benefits and for disability. I had to take it from there and get the ball rolling, but every time I had a question, I would call the office and someone (usually Rob) would take the time to explain things to me. Please note, I had not paid them a dime. This was all based on the assumption that if I went to court, they would take my case. As soon as my request for disability was denied, I contacted Lewis Disability Law and they did take my case. From that point on, I had to do almost nothing. They handled the paperwork and took care of collecting information. When it was time for my hearing, Scott Lewis called and explained what would happen. The day of the hearing, he was there to represent me. I know it doesn’t happen every time, but I did win my case, and I believe it was because of the representation I received from Lewis Disability Law.”
Why representation matters
Why Should I Hire an Attorney to Represent Me in My Social Security Disability Claim?
Do I really have to hire a lawyer?
Quite simply, no. SSDI or SSI claimants are not required to have a Social Security disability attorney or representative represent them in their disability appeal. Having representation is a client’s right. If you attend your SSDI or SSI hearing alone, most Administrative Law Judges will ask the claimant if they would like to continue their claim so they can seek representation.
Should you hire an attorney?
This is a personal preference. Although, statistically, more disability claims are won among individuals that are represented by an attorney or representative than those individuals that are not represented at their Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. In fact, some ALJ’s will send the claimant away from their hearing to get representation before proceeding.
Will representation benefit you at the hearing?
Hiring a skilled Social Security disability attorney has many benefits. An experienced Social Security disability attorney like Scott D. Lewis can assist the claimant with filing their appeals in a timely manner. Many clients are not familiar with the medical evidence that might be needed to support the disability claim, but a disability attorney is familiar with the Social Security Administration’s criteria that defines disability.
Will hiring an attorney speed up your hearing?
Absolutely not. Most claims are processed exactly the same regardless if you hire an attorney or not. Please don’t think that your attorney is able to speed up the disability process. Unfortunately, his/her arms are tied until the SSA assigns a hearing date for the claim. If you find yourself in dire circumstances, contact your attorney right away.
What Our Office Can Do for Your Claim
While hiring an attorney does not directly translate into a claim being processed more quickly by the SSA, there are many benefits of having an attorney on your case. Getting an attorney representative to help you with your initial application for benefits may help your chances of being found disabled. Some of the ways our office can help include:
- Helping you obtain a medical source statement from your doctor by providing questionnaires designed to get your doctor’s opinions on specific issues Social Security addresses.
- Ensuring your application is complete — the application can be overwhelming to someone who has never done it before, but we are able to walk you through and ensure you provide complete and accurate information.
- Submitting and following up on medical records in support of your claim.
- Keeping track of your claim to make sure it is processed in a timely manner.
On the Record Request
If your application is denied at the initial stages, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Currently in Indiana, we have to wait for 12–15 months to get a hearing. One way an attorney can try to speed up the process is to file a Request for a Decision on the Record (an OTR request). When I file an OTR request, I attempt to make sure Social Security has completely updated medical records, and I write a brief that explains why the ALJ should be able to find the claimant disabled without holding a hearing. If the ALJ agrees with my argument, we can get a favorable decision without having to wait for a hearing.
Critical Case Request
If your financial situation is dire or your medical condition is terminal, you may be eligible for a critical case designation. The SSA breaks down critical case requests into six different categories: terminal illness, veteran with 100% permanent and total disability rating, military casualty/wounded warrior, compassionate allowances, dire need, and potentially violent/suicidal. If your attorney thinks you meet one of these requirements, he or she can submit a critical case request on your behalf, and the SSA will expedite the processing of your claim.
Your role in your case
What You Can Do to Help Win Your Social Security Disability Case
Filing for and getting Social Security disability is indeed a process. Sitting back and hoping it will take care of itself is not in your best interest. Here are a few steps that may help enhance your claim:
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File your paperwork in a timely manner.
The SSA requires you to meet certain deadlines. You have 60 days (plus 5 days for mailing) to file a Request for Reconsideration after being denied on your initial application. If your Request for Reconsideration is denied, you again have 60 days (plus 5 days for mailing) to file a Request for Hearing. Failure to meet these deadlines may force you to start the process from the beginning.
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See the appropriate types of physicians for your conditions.
Seeing the right kind of specialist specific to your disability can go a long way to prove to the SSA you are disabled. More consideration is given to statements from a specialist such as statements relating to the severity of your condition, specific objective testing, and medical source statements as to your functional ability to work. The more records we can get to support your claim, the stronger your claim becomes.
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Keep in touch with your Social Security Disability attorney.
Social Security disability claims can be a long process. Make sure to let your attorney know about updates to your contact information, medical treatment, and your current physical or mental symptoms. Due to financial hardships, many of my clients end up moving, changing or disconnecting their telephones. Letting us know your current address and a good contact number can make it much easier to keep your Social Security disability file updated. Also, as your physicians or conditions change, we can update your file to make it easier to prepare you and your file for your court date.
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Be patient.
We understand the stress your disability and the lack of funds can put on a claimant’s life. Unfortunately, the Social Security claims process in Indiana can be very long. It is important to realize that this process is more like a marathon than a sprint, and to win you must stick with it and attempt to keep your head up.
Additionally, going to a Social Security disability hearing without talking to your Social Security disability attorney can result in some surprises. I attempt to prepare my clients before each hearing with a preparation session to help them better understand what kind of questions the ALJ will be asking. Being unaware of the procedures used and the questions you will be asked can cause you to walk into the courtroom unprepared for what will happen at your hearing.
Before we get started
→ Get a free consultation
Your Free Consultation & How Fees Work
Your initial consultation with our office is free. When you call our office to initially discuss your claim, you will probably have many questions. So will we. We will need to talk to you to get an idea of whether you qualify for one of Social Security’s disability programs. Some of the questions we will ask include:
- Are you still working? It is possible to qualify for Social Security disability benefits even if you are working, but there are limits on the number of hours you can work and the amount of monthly gross income you can earn.
- When is the last time you worked? What is your household income? Eligibility for SSDI is based on the number of work credits you have earned in the past ten years; SSI is based on your household income and financial resources.
- What medical conditions do you have that keep you from being able to work? These conditions can be mental, physical, or a combination of both. Social Security typically requires medical evidence showing that you have been diagnosed with these conditions and are receiving treatment for them.
We do not charge for the initial consultation because in addition to answering your questions about Social Security disability, we also use that time to gather important information we need to help you make an informed decision about proceeding with your claim.
How Does the Fee Agreement Work?
If you are trying to make ends meet while struggling through the Social Security disability process, chances are you do not have the extra money to pay for up front attorney’s fees. Scott Lewis represents Indiana disability appeal claimants on a contingency basis — you will pay no up front costs and will only pay a fee if Mr. Lewis wins your claim. The fee is based on a percentage of your past due lump sum amount and cannot exceed a certain monetary figure set by the Social Security Administration. If Mr. Lewis is unsuccessful, there is no percentage paid, no maximum amount, and therefore no fee for his legal services. The Social Security Administration generally takes his fee directly out of your past due lump sum — there is nothing to pay out of pocket.
Common questions
Answers to Your SSDI Questions
These are the questions Scott hears most from clients in Indianapolis and across Indiana.
SSDI is a federal insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration. It pays monthly benefits to workers who have a qualifying disability that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. To be eligible, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have accumulated the required Social Security work credits through payroll tax contributions.
Initial claims typically take 3 to 6 months. If your claim is denied and you request reconsideration, add another 3 to 5 months. An ALJ hearing — the stage at which approval rates are highest — can take 12 to 18 months depending on the Indianapolis hearing office backlog. Having an experienced attorney by your side can help move things along and avoid unnecessary delays.
No — there are zero upfront costs. Scott D. Lewis works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless he wins your case. When he does win, attorney fees are capped by federal law at 25% of your back pay, with a maximum of $7,200. There are no hidden charges or surprise bills, ever.
Absolutely — a denial is not the end. Over 60% of initial SSDI claims are denied, and many are ultimately approved at the appeal stage, particularly at the ALJ hearing level where Scott’s experience can make a measurable difference. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal, so it is important to act quickly.
SSDI covers a broad range of physical and mental health conditions, provided the disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and prevents you from doing substantial work. Common qualifying conditions include back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, diabetes complications, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
About your attorney
Scott D. Lewis
Social Security Disability Attorney — Indianapolis, IndianaComing from a hard working Indiana middle class family, Attorney Scott D. Lewis knows how difficult it may be to make ends meet on a limited income. If you find yourself disabled and unable to work, this may create an even heavier burden on you and your family. Indiana disability claimants struggling with paying bills and putting food on the table sometimes need encouragement in moving forward in the disability process. Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis often tells his clients to stay optimistic during the lengthy appeals process.
While Indiana is currently ranked near the bottom among states in processing time for Social Security claims, many times a winning case can result in a substantial past due benefit amount and a continuing monthly social security disability payment.
For Indiana disability claimants who may not ever recover from their disability, a check coming in the mail every month may be one of the few positive things they can identify in their disabling condition. If the disabled person is entitled to a monthly disability payment, they should be able to look in their bank account every month and find it there.
NOSSCR Member
20+ Years Experience
Indiana State Bar
BBB Accredited — A+
Avvo Rated: Excellent
Meet our Social Security Disability attorneys