- How Berger and Green Can Help You With Your Disability Claim
- Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?
- Get a Free Consultation With a Berger and Green Team Member Today
A Holmes County Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green may be able to manage your application or appeal if you are seeking benefits based on your medical condition. If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you could qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Berger and Green serves Ohio Amish Country, including Millersburg, Walnut Creek, Berlin, Charm, Sugarcreek, and elsewhere in Holmes County. We offer free case reviews and will discuss your options, application, denial, and the appeals process with you at no cost to your family. We may be able to help you fight for the benefits you need.
How Berger and Green Can Help You With Your Disability Claim
Berger and Green’s Social Security Disability attorneys have more than four decades of experience helping clients get the money they need and deserve. We may be able to help you file your application for SSDI or SSI, appeal a denial, or take other steps to secure benefits.
We Help Clients Apply for Disability Benefits
If you are considering whether you should apply or are ready to file, Berger and Green can help. We will discuss your options and review your initial applications as a part of helping you apply for SSDI, SSI, or both. This can increase your chances of approval because we can ensure you did not leave anything blank or put an answer in the wrong place.
In addition, we ensure the Social Security Administration (SSA) will have the accurate and complete information necessary to contact your medical care providers. This is how they will get the proof needed to understand your disabling condition and approve you for benefits.
We May Be Able to Appeal Your Denial
If you receive SSA notification that they ruled to deny your claim, a Holmes County disability lawyer from Berger and Green can discuss your options for fighting this decision with you. We know how to navigate the appeals process and help you join the many others who have to challenge the initial determination in their case.
There are several steps possible to appeal a Social Security Disability denial:
Reconsideration
Initially, we have a limited time after your denial notice to request reconsideration. This step requests a representative from Disability Determination Services reconsider your application and related materials.
Meetings with Administrative Law Judges
If the reconsideration does not lead to an approval of benefits, we can ask for an Administrative Law Judge hearing. These hearings are generally done by phone, video conference, or in person. We can represent our clients during these hearings.
Appeals Council Review
If the Administrative Law Judge does not overturn a denial, we can ask the Appeals Council to review the case and determine if you qualify for benefits.
Federal Court Review
The final—and relatively rare—step in the appeals process is asking the Federal Court to review and approve you for SSDI or SSI benefits.
At Berger and Green, our attorney’s fees come from the backpay we recover for our clients as a part of their SSDI or SSI approval. This makes it possible for anyone to afford our services. If you do not get approved for benefits, we do not get any fee.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationWho Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability claimants must prove that their condition is so severe that it keeps them from working in order to get approval and benefits. Their medical treatment, records, and doctor’s opinions must reflect an injury, illness, or symptoms that prevent them from earning a living in their previous job or any job they might qualify to work. This is true for both programs, SSDI and SSI.
Other Criteria Depends on the Program
Because Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income have different purposes, they also have different qualifications.
The Social Security Administration offers SSDI to help workers who have long-term or permanent disabilities. For this reason, this program requires them to have a minimum of 20 work credits, which equates to about five years of work. Younger workers may need less than 20 credits.
There are no income requirements for SSDI, although they must make less than the substantial gainful activity limit through working, or they will not qualify as having a condition that is disabling.
SSI is an income-based program. There are strict limits for household resources, earned and unearned income, and more. There are no work requirements for SSI, however.
Proving Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits
The Disability Determination Services representative who assesses your application for SSDI or SSI will not approve you for benefits unless there is proof that you meet the eligibility requirements, primarily having a condition that prevents you from working and earning enough money to support yourself.
They will obtain your medical records and other information from your doctors to learn about your diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, prognosis, and more. They use the evidentiary requirements included under the related heading in the Social Security Administration Blue Book. This often includes medical imaging, laboratory testing, clinical findings, and more. Alternatively, they may utilize a residual functional capacity assessment to determine your ability to work.
If you are missing any of the necessary evidence during the appeals process, Berger and Green may be able to recommend undergoing certain tests or getting an evaluation that helps document your condition and prove you meet the criteria for benefits.
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpGet a Free Consultation With a Berger and Green Team Member Today
You can speak with a team member from Berger and Green today for free. Our Social Security Disability attorneys represent clients who are applying for benefits, appealing a denial, or facing other concerns after getting approved for SSDI or SSI. We are here to help you get the benefits you need and deserve, and we represent clients with no upfront costs. Contact us today to learn more.
