Summit County
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Berger and Green Can Help You Manage Your Ohio Disability Claim
2. You Can Pursue Social Security Disability Benefits if You Cannot Work
3. Understanding the Differences Between SSDI and SSI Disability Benefits
4. The Stages of Social Security Disability Appeals in Ohio
5. Berger and Green Can Help You Prove Your Eligibility for Disability Benefits
6. Social Security Disability Frequently Asked Questions

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

April 04, 2022

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

You can pursue Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if your health condition will prevent you from working for a year or more. Our Summit County Social Security Disability lawyers from Berger and Green can assess your options and help you apply or appeal a denial.

We represent clients living in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and other areas of Summit County, Ohio. We understand how important this income is to our clients and their families–and we’ll fight for the benefits you need. You can speak to a team member from Berger and Green about your next steps for free today.

Berger and Green Can Help You Manage Your Ohio Disability Claim

During your free case review, a Summit County personal injury lawyer can discuss our attorney’s fees with you, explaining how the contingency fee process works. You can feel confident that our services are available to everyone in Summit County. We do not charge money upfront. Instead, we are paid from the backpay recovered if you are approved for benefits. We do not get any attorney’s fees unless you are awarded benefits.

We can get started today by filing your initial application to ensure the Social Security Administration (SSA) has the necessary information to make a decision. This is essential to get approved for SSDI or SSI.

We can help you apply for benefits or appeal a denial of your initial claim. We have more than 40 years of experience helping our clients fight for the income they need due to a significant injury or illness. Now, we’re ready to fight for you.

For a free legal consultation with a Social Security Disability lawyer serving Summit County, call us to get started.

You Can Pursue Social Security Disability Benefits if You Cannot Work

You could apply for and receive Social Security Disability if you can prove that your condition keeps you from working. Supporting information can relate to your diagnosis, symptoms, limitations, and treatment. You should also include any medication, surgeries, or hospital stays.

The SSA lists qualifying conditions in a publication known as “the Blue Book.” A representative from Disability Determination Services will evaluate your medical records, work history, and other information to determine if you meet the SSA’s qualifications.

If you do not, or if your condition is not covered, you may still qualify based on an assessment of your residual functional capacity (RFC). This determines the type of work you can do, how long you can work, and how often you can work.

We can explain more about how the SSA reviews applications when you call our team serving Summit County.

Understanding the Differences Between SSDI and SSI Disability Benefits

The SSA offers two programs for individuals living with disabilities who need financial assistance. Those programs include:

SSDI Is a Work Credit-Based System

SSDI supports those who worked and paid into Social Security over the years when their health allowed. Your eligibility will depend on the nature of your disability and how many work credits you have.

As of 2023, for every $1,640 you make, you get one work credit. You generally need a minimum of 20 work credits—five years of work—to qualify. However, younger claimants may qualify with fewer credits.

If you are still working your earned income from a job must also fall below the current substantial gainful activity limit for SSDI. According to the SSA, the 2023 limit is $1,470 per month. If you earn more, the SSA does not consider you “disabled” because you can work and support yourself.

SSI Eligibility Depends on Your Countable Assets and Resources

SSI does not require any work credits or demonstrable work history. Instead, the program requires the entire household to meet strict limits on income and resources. This includes both earned and unearned income.

To qualify for SSI, as an unmarried person, you cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets. Not everything you own counts as a countable asset. For instance, your home is not considered a countable asset. However, if you own more than one vehicle, one of those vehicles could constitute a countable asset.

The Stages of Social Security Disability Appeals in Ohio

After a denial, many Social Security Disability claimants are not sure what to do next. Their denial notice outlines an option to challenge the decision, but they still have questions.

Following a denial, our team helps Summit County residents understand their options, navigate the appeals process, prove their disabilities, and pursue the benefits they need. The appeals process involves these stages:

• Reconsideration
• An Administrative Law Judge hearing
• Appeals Council review
• Federal Court review

Reconsideration is when you request someone who did not initially review your application to look it over. Most claims are denied at the reconsideration level. It is a necessary step to get to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing stage.

Before this hearing, we can submit additional materials to support our client’s claim and ensure the Judge has the evidence they need to understand our client’s disability. These hearings generally occur over the phone, through a video conference call, or in person.

If the ALJ does not approve our client for benefits based on their hearing, we can prepare, request, and represent our client in an Appeals Council or Federal Court review.

Berger and Green Can Help You Prove Your Eligibility for Disability Benefits

Before a Disability Determination Services representative approves your claim for benefits, they must see evidence to show that your condition is so severe that it keeps you from working. To this end, the SSA requires you to furnish certain information, including your lab test results, treatment outcomes, and other information from your care provider.

It is imperative that you receive and continue your medical treatment while the SSA reviews your claim. Your medical records are the primary proof that you qualify for disability benefits, and they need to show you are doing everything possible to get better.

Social Security Disability Frequently Asked Questions

SSDI and SSI can be confusing for the average person, and it can be overwhelming to deal with in general. Our firm has evaluated thousands of disability claims, and we know what it takes to get you the crucial benefits that you deserve. 

Can I Receive SSDI and SSI Benefits at the Same Time?

Yes, it is possible for applicants to be eligible for and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the same time. You must meet the qualifications of both programs, but please note this can impact how much you receive in benefits. 

What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

Substantial gainful activity is what the SSA uses to help determine eligibility for benefits. If you earn over the established threshold, or if you are able to do ” significant physical or mental activities,” you are considered to be engaging in substantial gainful activity. 

Can I Work and Still Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

Yes, plenty of SSD beneficiaries work while receiving Social Security Disability payments. However, if you earn too much income per month, you could lose your benefits. If you do return to work, make sure you inform the Social Security Administration of any changes in your work status and income, in addition to your expenses at work to accommodate for your disability. If you are working, the SSA will reevaluate your condition and your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).

Let a Summit County Social Security Disability Lawyer Help You Today

Berger and Green’s Social Security Disability attorneys help those in Summit County, Ohio, pursue the SSDI or SSI benefits they need. Connect with us at any point during the application or appeals process to learn how we can help. Our initial consultations are always free.