Westerville
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Get Social Security Disability Help in Westerville
2. Helping You Complete an Application for Disability Benefits
3. Qualifying for SSDI or SSI
4. Appealing an SSDI or SSI Claim Decision
5. Contact Berger and Green for a Free Case Evaluation Today

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Get Social Security Disability Help in Westerville

Social Security Disability benefits are used when a person is unable to work due to a long-term health condition or injury, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The application process can be lengthy and complicated, requiring you to demonstrate that your physical or mental disability matches an impairment described in the SSA’s list of qualifying conditions, also known as the “Blue Book.” Working with a Westerville Social Security Disability lawyer can help ensure an application is complete and includes all supporting medical and treatment reports.

For a free case review, reach out to a team member at Berger and Green today at (412) 661-1400. You could be eligible to apply for benefits to help ease the financial pressures from losing an income. We could also assist you through the appeals process if the SSA has denied your claim.

Helping You Complete an Application for Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits are a vital safety net, providing financial support for those in need. To qualify for benefit payments, you will need to complete multiple forms and provide supporting medical and treatment records to prove:

• Your health condition prevents you from being able to work for at least 12 twelve months.
• Your disability matches, or is equivalent to, one of those listed in the Blue Book.

Each case is unique, and you could qualify for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, depending on your employment history and circumstances. A Westerville Social Security Disability lawyer can help you determine the benefits you may be eligible to receive and which program you should file your application for.

Additionally, your lawyer can guide you through the issues that arise throughout the application process, and further support your claim by:

• Reviewing supporting medical records.
• Ensuring all relevant information is included with your initial application.
• Communicating with the SSA on your behalf.
• Completing administrative tasks within deadlines and other formalities set by the SSA.
• Assisting you with the appeals process when necessary.
• Representing you and protecting your rights at disability hearings when needed.

No matter where you are on your journey to secure financial support with the SSA, the team at Berger and Green is here to support you. Call us today for a free case evaluation at (412) 661-1400.

Qualifying for SSDI or SSI

The qualifications differ depending on the program for which you are applying. In addition to establishing that you are disabled, to qualify for SSDI, you must have enough work credits. People who work at jobs that pay into Social Security can earn up to four credits per year. The amount of credits the SSA requires depends on your age.

If you do not have the required number of work credits, you will likely not qualify for SSDI. However, SSI does not require any number of work credits. In fact, it does not require a work history at all. It does, however, have both income and asset limits, which can change from year to year. These limits are very low.

Appealing an SSDI or SSI Claim Decision

The SSA can deny applications for many reasons, such as insufficient, inaccurate, or missing information during the initial stage of the application process. Working with a Westerville Social Security Disability lawyer can help you avoid these mistakes.

If your claim is denied, you may appeal the SSA’s decision, but you will need to act within a specified time frame to move forward. The appeals process consists of the following stages:

Reconsideration

If the SSA refuses your initial application, you will need to request a second review of your file by a claims examiner as part of the appeals process. You will receive a denial notice that explains why your claim was denied and how long you have to appeal the decision. If you do not act within this timeframe, you will need to start the claims process again from scratch. It may be beneficial to seek legal assistance at this stage to review why your application has been refused and to provide further information to help your claim.

Hearing

If the second review of your file is also denied, you have the right to request a hearing if there is sufficient time to do so before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Before the hearing, your lawyer may help you prepare for questioning and make sure the ALJ has complete medical records. There are two other levels of the appeals process our team can help you navigate.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or if your claim has been turned down by the SSA, it may be a helpful first step to discuss your eligibility in a free case review with Berger and Green. A Westerville Social Security Disability lawyer can offer guidance throughout the entire claims process.

Contact Berger and Green for a Free Case Evaluation Today

At Berger and Green, we can help you with a new application or with the appeals process if you have received a decision concerning:

• SSDI
• SSI

We welcome any questions or concerns you may have about making an application for disability benefits, or we can provide further support if your claim was refused by the SSA. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you pay no fees upfront. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get started. Get help from a Westerville Social Security Disability lawyer by contacting our team today at (412) 661-1400.