Frequently Asked Questions

At Peter T. Skeie & Associates, our practice is focused on Social Security disability and ERISA disability claims.  With this concentration, many clients have similar questions.  Please look over the questions to see if we can help give you an answer, or simply contact the firm for a risk-free consultation.

Social Security Disability questions

ERISA questions

Various sources for Social Security and ERISA information

Contact Peter T. Skeie & Associates

Call 615-313-9111 (toll free at 866.683.9681) or contact the firm online to schedule a free initial consultation.


What will a lawyer do for my Social Security disability claim?

Although, you have the ability to pursue a claim on your own, it is better to have someone on your side with experience and thorough understanding of what these claims entail.  Your lawyer will also ensure that the proper documents are filed under the proper time constraints.

Most disability claims are denied in the initial application, and it is very possible that your claim will be denied upon reconsideration as well.  If you do have to go before an Administrative Law Judge, it is best to have an attorney by your side to deliver a clear and focused argument on your behalf.

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How do I apply for Disability benefits with SSA?

  • You can click here to apply online at the Social Security Administration’s website.
  • You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and they will schedule an appointment to call you back and set up your claim.
  • You can go to your local Social Security Field office and tell the staff you want to apply for disability benefits and they will provide you with the proper forms and information.

Peter T. Skeie & Associates looks forward to helping physically and mentally disabled people collect their benefits.  Feel free to contact the firm for representation, guidance, and assistance while trying to obtain SSDI or SSI benefits, or to schedule a free initial consultation to get an idea of the Social Security benefits process.

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How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

The law firm of Peter T. Skeie & Associates works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay for your Social Security or ERISA disability claim until you win your case and collect compensation.  At that point, the firm bills you for a portion of your compensation to cover the costs of the case.  If your case is not successful, you owe nothing.

To find out more information relating to your specific situation, contact the firm to schedule a free initial consultation.

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What kinds of group benefits does ERISA cover?

ERISA applies to any benefits offered to employees by a private employer. ERISA typically provides the following employee benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) and other retirement plans
  • Pension plans
  • Severance pay
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

ERISA also includes on-site benefits such as day-care services.

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When should I contact a lawyer?

When involving an attorney in a disability claim, generally, sooner is better.  If you suspect that an injury may keep you out of work for an extended period of time, contact Peter T. Skeie & Associates right away.  An experienced ERISA and Social Security lawyer such as Peter Skeie can make sure the proper documents and information are included in the initial claim and in the administrative appeal.  If you are denied the administrative appeal for benefits, the evidence you propose on the next appeal may be limited.  Consulting an attorney early in the process helps protect your rights and increases your chances for success in recovering benefits.

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How long will my ERISA case take?

The insurance company should respond to your initial claim about 45 days after it receives your application.  The insurance company may take extensions to evaluate your claim, but it will inform you in writing if this is the case. 

Appeals, however, can take much longer.  Filing an administrative appeal can take six months to go through.  If this appeal is denied, the next step is to appeal to the court, which can take anywhere from one to two years.

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