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Social Security Disability · SSDI & SSI

Experience you can trust for when you need it most.

Sick, disabled, and unable to work? When Social Security says no, attorney Robert Fortunate fights to get you the benefits you've earned — and you owe no fee unless we win.

  • No fee unless you win
  • Free in-home or office consultations
  • We come to you
No Fee Unless You WinYou pay nothing up front
Free ConsultationsIn your home or our office
Decades of ExperienceFocused on disability law
How we help

Focused on Social Security Disability

It's all we do. From your first application to a hearing before a judge, we know what Social Security looks for — and how to win the benefits you depend on.

Social Security Disability (SSD/SSDI)

If you've worked, paid into Social Security, and can no longer hold a job because of a serious illness or injury, you've earned the right to disability benefits. When the government says no, we step in.

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI helps people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 and older. The rules are strict and denials are common — we know how to get them overturned.

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Hearings & Appeals

Most disability claims are won on appeal, not on the first try. We handle every stage — reconsideration, the hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, the Appeals Council, and federal court.

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Robert H. Fortunate, Social Security Disability attorney
Meet your attorney

Robert H. Fortunate, Attorney at Law

When you can't work, the bills don't stop and the stress doesn't either. You shouldn't have to navigate Social Security's maze alone. I've built my practice around one thing: standing up for disabled people who've been told no.

  • Member, National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR)
  • Member, State Bar of Michigan — Social Security Section
What to expect

A clear path — and you're never alone

The process can feel overwhelming. Our job is to make it simple, keep you informed, and carry the legal fight so you can focus on your health.

01

Free consultation

Call us and tell us what's going on. We'll listen, answer your questions, and tell you honestly whether you have a case — at no cost, in your home or our office.

02

We build your case

We gather your medical records, work history, and the right evidence, and we deal with Social Security so you don't have to. You focus on your health.

03

We fight your denial

If you've been denied, we file your appeal on time and prepare you for every step — including your hearing before a judge. You won't walk in alone.

04

You get your benefits

Our goal is the benefits you're owed, including any past-due back pay. And remember — there's no fee unless we win.

Why families across Metro Detroit trust us

The right experience, on your side

We do one thing

Social Security Disability is our focus, not a sideline. We know how the system thinks and where claims fall apart.

No fee unless you win

You never pay out of pocket. Our fee comes only from back pay we recover, and only if your claim succeeds — the amount is capped by federal law.

We come to you

Too sick to travel? Consultations are free and we'll meet in your home or at our Grosse Pointe Woods office — whatever is easier for you.

A real person, every time

You work directly with an experienced attorney who knows your case — not a call-center or a rotating cast of strangers.

Common questions

Answers to what people ask us most

Social Security is confusing by design. Here are quick answers to a few of the questions we hear every week — see the full list for more.

Read all FAQs

What's the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to be 'insured.' SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is need-based — it's for disabled, blind, or older people with very limited income and resources, whether or not they've worked. Some people qualify for both. We'll figure out which programs fit your situation.

How do I know if I qualify for disability?

In general, you may qualify if you have a medically documented physical or mental condition that keeps you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months (or is terminal). It's not about a diagnosis alone — it's about how your condition limits what you can do. The best way to find out is a free consultation where we look at your specific facts.

My claim was denied. Is it over?

Not at all. Most claims are denied the first time — even strong ones — and many are won on appeal. A denial is the beginning of the process, not the end. The important thing is to act quickly, because you have a limited time to appeal.

How long do I have to appeal a denial?

Usually 60 days from the date you receive the denial notice (Social Security assumes you got it 5 days after the date on the letter). Miss that window and you may have to start over. If you've just been denied, call us right away so we can protect your deadline.

Free Consultation

Sick? Disabled? Can't work?

Don't face Social Security alone. Tell us what's going on — the consultation is free, and you owe no fee unless we win your case.