Dormont
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Berger and Green Can Help With Your Social Security Disability Case
2. Social Security Disability Insurance Versus Supplemental Security Income
3. Navigate the Phases of Your Social Security Disability Claim
4. Get the Legal Guidance You Need for Your Social Security Disability Case at No Upfront Cost
5. Call Our Social Security Disability Team for Your Free Case Review

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

September 09, 2022

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you are diagnosed with an illness or disability that prevents you from working, you could qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. However, the application or appeals process can be time-consuming and requires a wide range of personal, professional, and medical documentation. 

You do not have to navigate the SSD system on your own. At Berger and Green, our legal service and support starts with a free review of your SSD case. When we accept your case, your Dormont Social Security Disability lawyer can explain which of SSD’s two benefits programs you qualify for and the documentation your application requires. 

Berger and Green Can Help With Your Social Security Disability Case

Successfully applying for benefits without legal guidance and support is not easy. The amount of medical evidence and documentation the application requests can be daunting. While you are coping with the limitations of a condition of disability, it can be overwhelming. 

When our  law firm oversees your application and walks you through the process, we will: 

• Help determine which benefits you qualify for 
• File your application for benefits
• Ensure you do not miss an important deadline
• Appeal any denial if necessary

We understand how an application for benefits should be completed and what information must be included.  We are available to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.  If you have questions about your eligibility for benefits or how to apply for Social Security Disability benefits we can help. 

Eligibility for SSD Benefits When You Are Unable to Work

Your eligibility for SSD benefits will depend on the extent and severity of the injury or illness that caused your disability. Your Social Security Disability lawyer serving Dormont, PA will explain what conditions the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers sufficient for disability benefits. 

For you to qualify, your disability must be expected to last for a minimum of 12 months. The Disability Determination Services representative from the SSA might look for your specific diagnosis on its listing of impairments. 

Your residual functional capacity (RFC) may also affect your eligibility. The SSA will evaluate your RFC based on:

• Your medical records and evidence 
• An evaluation from your physician
• The results of an SSA consultative exam 

Your Dormont, Pennsylvania SSD lawyer can review your medical evidence and supporting documentation to ensure it appropriately identifies your current condition and its impact on your life.

Social Security Disability Insurance Versus Supplemental Security Income

According to the SSA, SSD benefits are available to injured individuals via two programs. One is based on your work history, while the other is need-based. We’ll ensure you use the appropriate application and apply to the program that best meets your needs. 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

You can apply for SSDI if you have a sufficient work history and have accumulated enough work credits. The SSDI program offers benefits to disabled workers who participated in the Social Security insurance program during their employment.  

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You can apply for SSI if your request is based on a demonstrable financial need. The SSI program offers benefits to disabled individuals who do not have access to sufficient income or assets.

Your Social Security Disability attorney serving Dormont can explain which program is right for you and what circumstances may allow you to receive concurrent benefits from SSDI and SSI. 

Navigate the Phases of Your Social Security Disability Claim

During the application phase, it is important that you provide all of the information that the Social Security Administration requests.  The attorneys at Berger and Green can make sure that your application is complete and answer any questions you have while you wait for a decision.

We’ll stay by your side and keep you updated on your case from start to finish. We can also walk you through each phase of the appeals process if the SSA denies your application.

The Reconsideration Phase

If the SSA denies your application, we will first file a request for reconsideration within 60 days. A new decision maker not previously involved in your claim will review your application and evidence and decide whether the initial denial was justified.

The Hearing Phase

If we are unsuccessful in the reconsideration phase, we can ask an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) not previously involved in your case to review your application and evidence. At your hearing, which can be held online, via phone, or in person, you and other witnesses can testify on your behalf.

The Appeals Council Phase

If the ALJ rejects your claim, an Appeals Council will review your application and the ALJ’s decision. They will either agree with the ALJ, ask the ALJ to look at your case again or make a new decision based on your evidence. 

The Federal Court Phase

If the Appeals Council rejects your application, we can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf in the appropriate federal district court. This is the final phase of the appeals process. 

Get the Legal Guidance You Need for Your Social Security Disability Case at No Upfront Cost

At Berger and Green, we don’t want to add to the financial pressure you are already under, so we do not request hourly fees or upfront retainers. 

Instead, our Dormont SSD attorneys offer risk-free representation by working with you on a contingency-fee-basis. We will absorb all the costs of preparing your case and representing you until your case is closed. We accept a percentage of your compensation as our fee. If your claim does not result in SSD benefits, you owe us nothing. 

At Berger and Green, We Make Every Client a Priority

Our client support team works hard to provide an outstanding client experience and earn five-star reviews like the following:

• Terri Anderson: “Berger and Green helped me through a difficult process. They were with me all the way. They were very professional and always returned my call in a timely manner. I highly recommend them to anyone going through the disability process.”
• MaryAnn Moyer: “My injury case was handled professionally from start to finish!  The whole process went very smoothly. Attorney Peck was very knowledgeable and… also represented me in a successful appeal for disability. I highly recommend this law firm!”

See why previous clients recommend our legal service and support by reading additional testimonials on our reviews page.

Call Our Social Security Disability Team for Your Free Case Review

Is the Social Security Disability application or appeals process frustrating you? A Dormont Social Security Disability lawyer at Berger and Green can help. Contact our case review team to learn how we go the extra mile to take the anxiety out of the application process or help you file an appeal if the SSA denies your request.