Bridgeville
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Social Security Disability Benefits: The Difference Between SSI and SSDI
2. Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?
3. Why the SSA May Deny Your Bridgeville, Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Claim
4. How a Bridgeville, PA Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help You

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

October 10, 2022

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you or a loved one suffers from a  physical or mental disability, whether from a recent injury or long-term health condition, you may qualify for financial assistance through a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim. 

A Bridgeville Social Security Disability lawyer with Berger and Green can help you determine if you qualify for SSD benefits and file your application for benefits. If the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your claim, our Social Security team can file your appeal.

Social Security Disability Benefits: The Difference Between SSI and SSDI

The SSA offers benefits for disabled Americans under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Programs. While similar, these programs have important differences that can significantly affect your eligibility and application process. 

Supplemental Security Income

SSI provides financial assistance to disabled individuals with limited income or resources. The current income and resources of the applicant will determine their eligibility for benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance

The SSDI program offers benefits to workers who paid into the Social Security trust fund and are now disabled. To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to earn the required number of work credits. 

It is possible to receive both SSDI and SSI benefits, but the requirements for coverage differ, and you must apply for each program separately. A Social Security Disability attorney serving Bridgeville, PA can help you understand the differences between SSI and SSDI and determine whether you qualify for one or both programs.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Eligibility for SSDI and SSI benefits is determined by:

1. Whether you have a qualifying disability
2. Your condition prevents you from working for a minimum of one year or will result in death
3. How much you contributed to the Social Security Disability trust fund (for SSDI)
4. Whether you meet income and resource limit requirements (for SSI)

What Is a Qualifying Disability for SSDI or SSI?

To meet the requirements for SSDI, you must prove that your disability prevents you from conducting substantial gainful activity (SGA). Per the SSA, SGA refers to work that can be performed for income. Your disability can be either mental or physical. To qualify, the disability must be terminal or expected to last for at least 12 continuous months. 

The SSA has established a comprehensive listing of qualifying conditions for adult Social Security Disability applicants in its “Blue Book.” Some conditions that could qualify you for SSDI benefits include: 

• Cancer
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Sense and speech disorders
• Cardiovascular and blood disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Mental disorders
• Endocrine, digestive, and genitourinary disorders

How Much Work History Do You Need to Be Eligible for SSDI Benefits?

SSDI requires you to have a history of paying Social Security taxes, similar to paying an insurance premium for private health insurance. The SSA uses a credit system to determine eligibility for SSDI benefits, and the value of these credits varies each year. According to the SSA, in 2022, you can earn one Social Security work credit for every $1,510 of income. You may receive up to four credits per year. 

Most workers filing for SSDI must have earned at least 20 work credits to qualify. However, these conditions can vary based on the worker’s age and other circumstances. 

What Are the Income Limits for SSI Benefits?

To qualify for SSI benefits, you must prove that you make less than the maximum allotted amount for SGA. There are strict resource limits in place to be eligible for SSI and the SSA will require information regarding all property, bank accounts, and resources. 

Your Social Security Disability attorney serving Bridgeville, PA can help determine whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. 

Why the SSA May Deny Your Bridgeville, Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Claim

The stringent requirements for Social Security Disability claims make denials common. Sometimes a simple oversight on application paperwork could result in a denial.

Although the SSA may request additional information, sometimes it simply denies applications if there is missing or incomplete information. Fortunately, a denial does not necessarily signal the end of your claim. You can appeal your denial and we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. An attorney from our office can help you file your appeal. 

Some reasons the SSA may deny your claim include:

• Missing information on application forms
• Insufficient documentation of disability
• Your disability does not meet eligibility requirements
• Your SGA income is too high for SSI coverage
• You have insufficient work credits for SSDI benefits
• Insufficient documentation showing your inability to work
• An inconsistent timeline for illness or injury progression

A Bridgeville Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help you determine why the SSA denied your application and assist you with compiling the necessary information to appeal.

How a Bridgeville, PA Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help You

Whether you are working on a Social Security Disability claim for the first time or appealing a denial, it may be in your best interests to work with a Social Security Disability lawyer serving Bridgeville, PA who has experience handling such claims. Our Social Security attorneys at Berger and Green can assist you throughout the process.

We understand your frustration when dealing with the complex application process and detailed documentation requirements. We help claimants obtain the SSD benefits they need to for financial security and physical and mental well-being. 

Get Help from a Social Security Disability Attorney Serving Bridgeville, PA Today

If you or a loved one is applying for SSDI or SSI, or if you received a denial letter for a previous application, our Bridgeville Social Security Disability lawyers are here to help you throughout the process. Our legal team at Berger and Green will help you file your application or appeal paperwork. 

If the SSA requests additional information for your claim, we are here to help you cut through the red tape, so you clearly understand the process and your available next steps. No matter how complex your case is, we have the knowledge and resources to help you seek the SSDI benefits you need. 

Contact our office today to discuss your SSDI claim in a free consultation.