Butler
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Let a Butler SSD Attorney Fight for You
2. Ways to Qualify for Social Security Disability
3. Examples of Medical Conditions that Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
4. Understanding the Difference Between SSD and SSI
5. Frequency of Social Security Disability Claim Denials
6. A Butler Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Let a Butler SSD Attorney Fight for You

If you suffer from any kind of injury or illness, you likely have a substantial amount of medical bills as well as pain and suffering. To complicate matters, you may be unable to return to work because of your injuries or illness. If you remain unable to return to any kind of meaningful work or to obtain gainful employment for a year or longer, you may have the legal right to file a Social Security Disability claim.

However, most Social Security Disability claims are denied. If you are in Butler, you can hire a Butler Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green. Call (412) 661-1400 for your free consultation. A member of our team can touch on the disability claim process with you.

Ways to Qualify for Social Security Disability

The federal government operates the Social Security Administration, which determines which people have a legal right to receive compensation as a result of their disability. The application process is complex and difficult, and it is often challenging to actually receive a favorable result. There are two ways to qualify for Social Security Disability, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both these types of Social Security Disability claims are different. However, to qualify for either, a person must meet the following three criteria:

• The disability prevents a person from performing their own job
• The disability prevents them from obtaining any kind of other gainful employment
• The disability is expected to last one year or longer

Examples of Medical Conditions that Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits

While everyone will have their own unique set of facts and circumstances, some of the examples of serious medical conditions that often qualify for Social Security Disability claim approvals include the following:

• Cancer
• Spinal cord injuries (paralysis)
• Fibromyalgia
• Crohn’s disease
• Blindness
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Hearing loss or impairment

It is important to understand that this list is not exhaustive, and you still have the legal right to apply for Social Security Disability if your medical issue is not listed above. Every case will receive an independent evaluation to determine if the individual has the legal right to receive compensation under the Social Security Disability program.

Understanding the Difference Between SSD and SSI

As indicated above, there are two different types of Social Security Disability claims that a person may file. Understanding the differences between SSD and SSI can help you better determine which type of Social Security Disability claim you should file.

Social Security Disability Insurance

If you are a worker in the United States who paid into the Social Security system, you may have the ability to file a Social Security Disability claim under Social Security Disability Insurance, also known as SSD or SSDI. In order to qualify and receive compensation under SSD or SSDI, an individual must meet the criteria listed above, as well as have paid into the Social Security system for a minimum of 20 of the past 40 quarters. Younger people require fewer quarters.

Additionally, it is important to note that in certain circumstances, Social Security Disability under SSD or SSDI will also pay compensation to family members. A Butler Social Security Disability lawyer at Berger and Green can help you and your family determine if you have the foundation upon which to build a strong case for this type of a Social Security Disability claim. Call for your free consultation today at (412) 661-1400.

Supplemental Security Income

The second type of Social Security Disability claim is not related to past employment, but rather related to the fact that a disabled person is in critical and serious financial need. Along with the medical criteria listed above, for an individual to have the ability to receive Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI, they must also have substantial financial needs. Additionally, this type of Social Security Disability claim will not have the ability for family members to claim any type of compensation and is only for the disabled person. The standards to meet these criteria are strict, and speaking with a lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights.

Frequency of Social Security Disability Claim Denials

The statistics regarding Social Security Disability claims are harrowing. Nearly two-thirds of all Social Security Disability claims are denied. The process to file a Social Security Disability claim can prove to be overwhelming, time-consuming, and emotionally trying. The process takes a considerable amount of time and involves a great deal of preparation and documentation. A person attempting to apply for a Social Security Disability claim must provide a full and complete medical history regarding the disability, as well as full and complete supplemental documentation.

Even with a great deal of information, claims are often denied if the applicant makes too much money, does not have a permanent disability, did not follow the doctor’s orders perfectly, filled out the paperwork incorrectly, did not provide enough evidence, or if the claim relates to a criminal conviction or alcohol/drug abuse. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you through the entire process and help you understand your next steps if you have received a Social Security Disability claim denial.

A Butler Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

The entire process to file a Social Security Disability claim can prove to be overwhelming. With a majority of claims getting denied, many applicants lose hope that they will have the ability to ever receive Social Security Disability compensation. However, do not let a Social Security Disability claim denial prevent you from continuing to try to receive Social Security Disability. Work with a Butler Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green. Call (412) 661-1400 for your free case review with a member of our team.