How to Apply for Disability for Free in Houston

help applying for disability houston

How To Get Help Applying For A Social Security Check In Houston

In this guide, you will learn how to apply for Social Security disability benefits in Houston for free. You’ll learn about free organizations in Houston that will help you to either apply or appeal a disability denial. 

If you’re living with a disability, you know that navigating the system to obtain benefits can be a challenging and overwhelming task. There is lots of paperwork that is needed and coordination with Social Security, your doctors, and more. Fortunately, there are resources available in Houston to help you apply for disability at no cost.

I’m Nick Bryant and I have helped over 7,000 clients get connected to basic needs services in the Houston area. I often get questions related to applying for Social Security, so I wanted to make a resource guide to show you how to find help applying for disability in Houston. 

In this guide, we’ll take a look at several organizations that can provide assistance, including Beacon Law, Healthcare for the Homeless, Avenue 360, EDPNAs, disability lawyers, and pro bono legal aid. Keep reading to see who can help you apply for or appeal a disability decision in Houston Texas. 

Editor’s Note: Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is important to do your own research and due diligence when seeking advice or assistance from a professional in any legal matter. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the laws and regulations governing legal issues can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and individual circumstances. It is always recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney or other legal professional for specific guidance and advice tailored to your situation.

Homeless vs. Housed: 2 Approaches To Getting Help Applying For Disability In Houston

Whether you are homeless or housed will determine the options available to you to get free assistance applying for an SSI check in Houston. 

If you are homeless, there are lots of nonprofits that cater to the homeless population that can help you. These include:

  • Beacon Law
  • Coalition for the Homeless
  • Avenue 360
  • Healthcare for the Homeless
  • SEARCH Homeless Services

In order to get assistance from the agencies above you must be deemed homeless. Once you complete an assessment to determine if you are homeless, those that meet the eligibility criteria will be referred to one of these agencies. 

If you are housed and not deemed as homeless, you still have ways to get assistance applying for disability. Your options include:

  • Contacting an EDPNA which is a non-lawyer who can help you apply for disability.
  • Of course, disability attorneys can also help you.
  • Finally, there are low-cost to free legal aid clinics in Houston that may be able to help you apply for disability at no charge. 

Beacon Law (Appeal Disability Denial Houston)

Beacon Law is an organization that provides assistance to homeless individuals. One supportive service they offer is helping to appeal disability decisions.

Their staff attorneys, paralegals, and volunteer lawyers provide free legal assistance to help meet the legal needs of Houston’s homeless population. They can assist with a variety of legal matters, including:

  • ID restoration
  • Clearing criminal history
  • Social security disability appeals
  • Family law
  • Housing law
  • Limited wills and estates

To apply to get assistance appealing a Social Security disability denial you can visit the Beacon Law website. You can also call them at (713) 220-9780 or visit their office in downtown Houston at 1212 Prairie Street, Houston, TX 77002.  

Coalition for The Homeless (SOAR Expansion Program)

The Coalition for the Homeless can also be a way to get assistance applying for Social Security if you are homeless in Houston. They offer a SOAR Expansion Program which consists of case managers at various nonprofits in Houston who can potentially help homeless clients to apply for disability. 

They partner with 3 local organizations which include: 

  • Healthcare for the Homeless
  • Avenue 360
  • SEARCH Homeless Services

If you or a client is homeless in Houston and needs help applying for SSI, you’ll need to be assessed to be deemed homeless. You can do this by going through a Coordinated Access assessment. To schedule a Coordinated Access assessment in Houston, call the Coalition for the Homeless at 832.531.6041. You can also email them at ca@homelesshouston.org. 

Once you are deemed homeless, they will refer you to one of the agencies in their SOAR Expansion Program. 

Healthcare for the Homeless (Help Applying For Disability Check)

Healthcare for the Homeless is an organization that provides health and social services to homeless individuals in Houston. They offer SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) caseworkers to help with the disability application process.

The SOAR case managers serve as the appointed representative before the Social Security Administration for clients who are homeless and disabled, using the SOAR process for filing disability claims.

If you are in Houston and need help applying for disability, you’ll need to complete a Coordinated Access assessment. You’ll need to dial 832.531.6041 to start the process.

For information on other services at Healthcare for the Homeless call them at 713.286.6000. 

Avenue 360 (Disability Advocates Houston)

Avenue 360 is a low-cost health clinic in Houston. They offer a number of supportive services like help to apply for disability in Houston.

They have SOAR case managers who can help you to better understand the process of applying for disability. In addition, their case management program offers support to homeless adults with mental illness, physical disability, and/or substance abuse issues for the purpose of expediting the SSDI/SSI and medical benefits application process. 

You can learn more about the assistance they offer with Social Security applications by visiting the SOAR case management page.  To get referred to Avenue 360 for help applying for a disability check call 832.531.6041. This is the number for the SOAR Expansion team. If you fit the criteria for their program they will refer you to Avenue 360. 

SEARCH Homeless Services (SOAR Case Managers Houston)

Search is another homeless organization that participates in the SOAR Expansion Project. Search has one of the largest teams of SOAR case managers in Houston, which gives them the ability to help many eligible clients apply for Social Security disability. 

To get connected to a Search disability specialist, you will need to complete a Coordinated Access assessment. If you are deemed homeless, you could be referred to Search (or another organization) to receive assistance applying for an SSI check.

To get referred to Search, call 832.531.6041 to be screened for a Coordinated Access assessment.  

Eligible Direct Pay Non-Attorney (EDPNA)

An EDPNA (Eligible Direct Pay Non-Attorney) is a non-legal representative who can assist with the disability application process. They are not lawyers, but they are authorized by the Social Security Administration to provide certain services, including helping with initial disability applications, appealing decisions, and gathering medical evidence. 

You can find EDPNAs in Houston or throughout the country by visiting a website called the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR). Here you will find a database of EDPNAs who can help you either appeal disability denials or apply for a Social Security check. 

There are four Houston EDPNAs who can help you to apply for disability: 

To find an EDPNA in Houston, you can either contact any of those listed above, visit the NADR website, or call NADR at 800.747.6131. You can also call NADR to learn more about any of the EDPNAs list above or ask questions about the ways EDPNAs can help you. 

Disability Lawyers

Disability lawyers are attorneys who specialize in helping clients with disability claims. They can provide legal representation and assistance with the entire application process, including gathering medical evidence, preparing for hearings, and appealing decisions.

Most disability lawyers typically only charge a fee if they win your case, and the fee is limited to a percentage of the backpay that you receive. The maximum fee a disability lawyer can charge is 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200

To find a Houston disability lawyer, you can simply Google them or use a website like Yelp to see a listing of lawyers and their ratings. 

Legal Assistance Agencies In Houston

Another way to get help applying for disability in Houston is by contacting free legal aid organizations. Places like Lone Star Legal Aid offer legal assistance at little to no cost if you qualify. 

You can learn more about the pro bono legal aid clinics in Houston in this resource guide

Conclusion

To get help applying for a Social Security check in Houston you have options like Beacon Law, EDPNAs, disability attorneys, and legal aid clinics. 

Navigating the disability application process can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact any of the individuals or agencies above to help you navigate a Social Security denial or appeal. 

No matter what route you go, do your homework before selecting someone to help you apply for disability in Houston. Call these individuals and ask questions, visit their websites, and ask for past clients that they have worked with. If you need more guidance on finding someone to help you apply for disability, contact the Houston Bar Association. They offer a legal line where you can ask questions and get expert advice. 

By taking advantage of these resources, you can increase your chances of a successful application and obtain the benefits you need to live a full and healthy life.

Similar Articles That May Interest You: 

Help Applying For Disability In Houston FAQ

What Is SOAR?

SOAR is a national program designed to help individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) benefits. The program provides training and technical assistance to case managers, social workers, and other professionals to help individuals with disabilities navigate the complex application process for SSI/SSDI benefits. The goal of SOAR is to improve access to healthcare, housing, and other essential services for vulnerable populations.

How Long Does It Take To Get Disability In Texas?

The time it takes to get disability in Texas can vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of the disability, the completeness of the application, and the current backlog of cases at the Social Security Administration (SSA). Generally, it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months or longer to receive a decision on a disability application. However, if the application is denied initially and the appeal process is necessary, the process can take significantly longer, potentially up to several years. It is important to note that every case is unique, and the time it takes to receive a decision on a disability application can vary widely.


Is It Better To Have Someone Help You Apply For Disability?

It is better to have someone help you apply for disability because the process of applying for disability benefits can be complex and confusing. An experienced advocate or representative can help you navigate the application process, gather and organize the necessary documentation and evidence, and ensure that all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time. A representative can also help you understand the eligibility criteria for disability benefits, and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements to receive benefits. Additionally, having someone help you with your application can increase your chances of success, as they can assist you in presenting your case in the strongest possible manner and help you address any issues or concerns that may arise during the application process. Ultimately, having someone assist you in the application process can help to minimize stress and increase your chances of receiving the benefits you need.


How Much Does A Lawyer Charge Help You Apply For SSI?

It is important to note that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has regulations regarding the fees that lawyers can charge for representing clients in disability cases. Specifically, the SSA caps the amount that a lawyer can charge at 25% of the back pay owed to the claimant, up to a maximum of $7,200. This means if you win a claim of $10,000 in back pay, your lawyer would get $2,500 and you would get $7,500.

Do I Have To Pay A Lawyer Upfront To Help Me With A Disability Case?

Most disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they will only receive a payment if you are awarded benefits. This fee is typically a percentage of the back pay owed to you by the Social Security Administration (SSA) if your application is approved. It is recommended that you discuss any potential costs with your lawyer before agreeing to work with them.

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