Meet Our Team
Ficek Law, PC's SSDI Specialists in Fargo, ND
Experienced Disability Lawyer in Sioux Falls, SD
Guidance for Disability Applicants Across Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties
Many people in Sioux Falls contact Ficek Law when health concerns begin affecting their ability to work and their financial stability. Some are dealing with long-term medical issues, while others face sudden changes that make daily tasks difficult. The disability process can feel overwhelming when forms, deadlines, and documentation requests start piling up, especially for individuals navigating care from major local providers like Avera or Sanford.
Local applicants often share that they feel unsure how to coordinate medical records from multiple clinics, respond to follow-up requests, or understand what the Social Security Administration expects. These challenges add stress at a time when health and income are already major concerns.
Our team helps bring order to a process that can feel confusing and discouraging. We review what Social Security and insurance providers typically request in this region, assist with organizing clear documentation, and provide guidance through each stage so the next steps feel manageable.
If you’d like to discuss your situation, complete our web form or call us at (701) 436-2461 to schedule a free consultation.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 701-436-2461 today!
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How Do I Communicate My Functional Limitations?In your Initial Application, you told SSA why you cannot work. This might be your physical health (back, hands, arms, legs) or your mental health (difficulty with people) or both. Each time you go to the doctor, you should tell your doctor every symptom you are experiencing that is preventing you from working. Always remember, if a medical issue is preventing you from working, but it is not consistently reflected in your medical records, to SSA, it is as if it doesn’t exist.
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What Are My Chances for Approval at the Reconsideration Appeal?Low. About 90% of Reconsideration appeals are denied. Reconsideration Appeals are typically a “rubber stamp” of the Initial Application. Denials are a very normal part of SSA’s process and not something to take personally. SSA is a large, inefficient government system that forces the majority of claimants to file two appeals prior to any chance at approval.
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How Do I Become Eligible for SSI?Before filing for SSI, it is important to know what the requirements are to receive benefits. Eligibility is based on you:
- Being disabled; or
- Being blind; or
- Being over the age of 65; and
- Having limited income and resources; and
- Being a U.S. citizen, national, or a certain type of alien.
For a child to qualify for SSI, they must have a physical or mental impairment expected to endure more than 12 months or result in death.
The Advocate You Want on Your Side
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Free Case Consultations
Schedule a free case consultation today to discover how we can help you, without any cost or obligation.
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No Hourly Rate
We don't charge hourly rates - We offer fair and transparent pricing for our legal services.
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No Retainer Fee
We don’t charge retainer fees, ensuring you can get started with your case immediately without any upfront costs.
How Disability Cases Move Through the Sioux Falls Region
Disability applicants in this part of South Dakota follow a specific administrative path. Many initial filings begin with the local SSA office, and reviews are processed through South Dakota’s Disability Determination Services. People often describe waiting for exam requests, fielding phone interviews, and keeping track of timelines that feel hard to manage without support.
Some applicants travel between appointments in different areas o f the city or across county lines, which can create gaps or delays in medical records. Others who live near the Minnesota border rely on out-of-state specialists, which can make documentation more complex. These local factors can influence how long the process takes and how complete a claim appears to reviewers.
Understanding these regional patterns helps applicants stay organized, respond appropriately, and avoid preventable setbacks.
Practical Reasons People Choose Ficek Law
Clients choose our team because they want steady, factual guidance from professionals who understand the regional system and the pressures that come with managing a disability claim.
- We do not charge hourly rates.
- We do not require a retainer fee.
- We offer virtual meetings for convenience.
- We help simplify the claims process.
- We organize essential medical documentation.
- We provide clear, consistent communication.
- We focus specifically on disability-related matters.
Common Disability Claim Frustrations in the Area
People throughout the Sioux Falls region describe a range of issues that slow their claims or add unnecessary stress. These often include:
- Conflicting or incomplete medical records from different clinics
- Unclear instructions on what evidence is needed
- Follow-up calls from disability examiners that feel rushed or confusing
- Delays in receiving decision letters
- Difficulty explaining limitations during interviews or forms
- Uncertainty about how out-of-state medical providers (including Minnesota clinics) affect a claim
These obstacles are common across the region and do not necessarily reflect the strength of a person’s medical condition. Often, the issue lies in how information is organized or interpreted, not in the legitimacy of the disability itself.
Our Approach to Supporting Disability Applicants
Our team helps clients understand what SSA reviewers look for, prepare documentation that reflects their daily limitations, and navigate the steps that come before a hearing. We also assist with disability insurance claims by explaining policy terms, helping clients respond to requests, and keeping records organized through each stage.
For those facing hearings, we discuss what to expect, which points matter most, and how to communicate everyday limitations in a clear and straightforward way.
If You’re Ready to Take the Next Step
Paperwork, medical documentation, and insurance requirements can feel demanding at a time when health is already a challenge. Ficek Law supports individuals throughout Sioux Falls, Lincoln County, Minnehaha County, and nearby communities along the Minnesota border who need guidance in the disability system.
If you’re ready to talk about your situation, our team is available to explain what to expect and how the process generally moves forward. Contact us at (701) 436-2461 to schedule a free consultation.
Real People. Real Results.
Hear from Former Clients Who Got the Benefits They Deserved
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"He did a tremendous job."
Thank you to Anton (Tony) Ficek Law for helping me with my Social Security case. He did a tremendous job in answering my questions and working with me through a difficult process.
- Tim S. -
"He will walk you through every step"
My experience working with Tony from Ficek Law was a great experience. I was very comfortable talking with him and his staff. ...
- Ashley R. -
"I Love Their Service"
He helped us a lot. Do you know what they’re doing? They’ll do everything for you.
- Moamin M. -
"The Communication Was Impeccable"
After over four years of struggle, I found this excellent lawyer who fought for me. I personally feel many people do not understand an illness, not clearly visible, but he did.
- Shawna E. -
"Call This Firm. They Are Excellent"
The staff are very welcoming, and Mr. Ficek made us feel comfortable and at ease.
- Deborah D. -
"Do Yourself a Favor and Hire Mr. Ficek"
I fought for myself for 3 years, with well documented severe Rheumatoid arthritis, being turned down each time.
- Theresa Y. -
"I Felt Very Confident Going In!"
Very attentive to details that helped win the case.
- Ahlam S. -
"We Had a Positive Decision Even at the Appeals Level"
The whole procedure from application process and time line for applying for Social Security benefits was as Mr Ficek had explained to me and my wife.
- Ronnie N.