Maggie Sayles, Disability Advocate in Burlington, Vermont.

Maggie Sayles

Disability Attorney

Representing People with Disabilities Since 2004.
Hundreds of Successful Claims.
No Fee Unless You Win.

Maggie makes it easy.

Maggie makes is easy to contact and hire her. Often, we obtain the necessary information, forms and other documents from you by telephone, mail or electronically. There is usually no need to travel to her office. Maggie is available to meet with clients in Burlington, St. Johnsbury and Plattsburgh.

Dedicated to your case.

She will be there for you. Maggie will not give up on your case if you get a denial. She will continue to represent you and appeal your case as long as she thinks you are entitled to benefits. What happens here stays here. Unlike some of the other organizations that represent people with disabilities, your case will stay with Ms. Sayles and she will represent you throughout the proceedings.

Work with Maggie

She will handle your claims, hearing, appeals and denials at the administrative level. She will help you collect the SSDI and SSI you deserve.

Local Representation - Representing people with Disabilities since 2004

Call Maggie Sayles, Disability Attorney (802) 448-0905
She will help you collect the disability benefits you deserve. No Fees Unless You Win!

Take Note

Once you're denied benefits, the clock starts ticking. Don't wait too long. You can miss the deadline to appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire an disability representative for my disability case?

We do not charge you any fees unless you win your case. We also offer a FREE Consultation of your Disability claim, so you have nothing to lose. When we win you benefits, disability representative s are typically allowed to charge up to 25 percent of your past due award, with a maximum fee currently set at $6,000. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about fees.

Can I collect Social Security Disability benefits while I work?

Yes, as long as you don’t earn too much. According to Social Security rules, you can collect Social Security disability benefits if your income represents less than you could earn through Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The exact amount changes annually, and it depends on your disability, but in 2020, the maximum before taxes monthly income was $1260 for most people, and $2110 for the blind. The formulas can be complicated, however, so talk to a disability representative before your start working. If your income is too high, your benefits could be denied altogether. It's best that you contact us for an evaluation of your situation, free of charge.

How can I find out if my medical condition qualifies for disability benefits?

Give us a call (1-802-448-0905). We’ll arrange a FREE evaluation of your disability claim to find out whether you qualify for benefits.

If I applied but was denied, what should I do?

Give us a call. If you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits but your application was denied, we’ll help you identify the reasons and craft a legal strategy to win your appeal.

If I need to apply, what should I do?

Applying for disability benefits is a complicated process, and most people are denied the first time. But Maggie Sayles, will walk you through the application process to help avoid costly errors. These errors may be difficult to correct later on, so it’s important to get professional legal help from the start.

If I received notice that I will have a hearing, what should I do?

Contact Our Office. The issues involved in an appeals hearing are far more complex than your initial filing. This is one of the most important moments in your benefits claim, so it’s critical that both you and your evidence are prepared for the hearing. We can help.

I’m interested in talking with Maggie Sayles. What should I do next?

Call or email today. She’ll arrange a FREE consultation to determine whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. If you do, she’ll help you start the proceedings for the best chance to win. Let our experience help you.

Am I eligible for disability benefits from Social Security?

Under Social Security rules, you’re only considered disabled (and eligible for benefits) if a medical condition or injury is expected to keep you from working for at least 12 months. The disability can be a physical condition, a mental condition, or a combination of both. Social Security determines whether you’re disabled by reviewing your medical and employer records. A good disability representative can help you collect, organize and evaluate these records to maximize your chances of winning Social Security Disability benefits.

Social Security said that I should be able to return to work within a year. Should I wait to see if my health improves or should I appeal?

The answer depends on your case. If you’re confident you’ll be able to return to your regular line of work within a year, you might decide to hold off on an appeal. But if there’s any doubt in your mind, you should probably contact a disability attorney. You only have 60 days to file, and if you don’t, you’ll have to start the application process over again after a year. That could mean serious financial hardship while you wait for your benefits.

Are mental illnesses eligible for disability benefits?

Yes. If a mental or emotional problem is expected to keep you from working for 12 months, and the condition can be documented, you should qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You may also qualify if the mental condition is only part of the problem.

What is the difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Social Security Disability benefits are typically paid to disabled people who have worked in the past and, therefore, have paid social security taxes from their paychecks. Basically, Social Security Disability is an insurance program that people purchase as they work. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are for disabled people with little income and few resources. For SSI, it doesn't matter whether you’ve worked in the past. Benefits are paid according to financial need.

What are the important deadlines I need to watch?

INITIAL FILING

‍The first deadline is a long one, but you shouldn’t wait. You need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits within a certain timeframe (usually five years) after you’re unable to work. If you wait longer than that to apply, you may not qualify. We strongly recommend that you apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as you are unable to work.

APPEAL

The next important deadline is the appeal. If your initial claim is denied (and most are), you’ll have 60 days from the date of your decision letter to file an appeal with the Social Security office. If you don’t file an appeal within that time frame, you give up your rights to the appeal process and you’ll have to start the application process all over again. We strongly recommend you engage an disability representative to help you file your appeal.

FEDERAL APPEAL

If your claim qualifies for benefits, but has been denied on appeal, it can still be appealed outside the Social Security framework in federal court. You must file your appeal within 60 days of the date you received your Appeals Council denial.

Why do I need a professional representative?

Strictly speaking, you don’t need a disability representative to file your initial claim. But if you make a mistake filling out the paperwork, it may be difficult to correct later on. The most cost-effective approach is often to hire a good disability representative to walk you through the initial claim, so you can win the benefits you deserve the first time, without delays and hassles.

Why should I hire Maggie Sayles?

Social Security is a large government bureaucracy that operates by its own rules. You should have a disability representative who understands those rules thoroughly and can use them to win benefits. Maggie Sayles has been representing people with disabilities for more than 15 years. Her long experience with the Social Security system assures you of the best professional representation available.

Social Security Disability Advocacy

Maggie Sayles

Maggie makes it easy.

Dedicated to your case.

Work with Maggie

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Me