Ellwood City
Social Security Disability Lawyer

A physical or mental disability may mean that it is challenging for you or a loved one to maintain gainful employment in Ellwood City, PA. You may be able to receive Social Security Disability benefits that can help you pay your household expenses and other financial obligations. An Ellwood City Social Security Disability lawyer with Berger and Green can complete and file your initial benefits claim and lead your appeal if you want to challenge a claim denial from the Social Security Association (SSA).

The claims and appeals processes are complex, so you may feel more comfortable knowing someone can answer your questions and determine the next best steps for your situation. Our disability benefits lawyers can help you at various stages of the process. You don’t have to handle all this alone. We want to help you get your deserved benefits. To get started, call us today for a free, confidential consultation. 

Why Hire Our Disability Benefits Lawyer for an Ellwood City, PA, SSD Claim?

An Ellwood City personal injury attorney from Berger and Green will look at your situation’s specific details and:

• Explain how to apply for disability benefits and which benefits you could qualify for (You could qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both.)
• Answer any questions that you have about Social Security Disability benefits
• File your application for benefits
• Ensure your appeal meets the SSA’s filing deadlines
• Gather evidence to support your claim for benefits
• Represent you at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

We Can Work on Your Ellwood Social Security Disability Claim at No Charge

Another benefit to hiring one of our disability attorneys in Ellwood City, PA, is that it will cost you nothing up front. We know our clients may already have financial worries, so we make our services more affordable by:

• We will charge no attorney’s fees if you are not awarded benefits.
• We accept a percentage of your awarded benefits as payment instead of expecting you to pay out of pocket. (You can learn more here about how the pay scale works for a Social Security Disability attorney.)

We strive to make the disability application process as stress-free as possible for our clients. We encourage clients to come to us with any problem or request so we can address it as quickly as possible.

For a free legal consultation with a Social Security Disability lawyer serving Ellwood City, call us today.

Who Qualifies for Disability Benefits in Ellwood City, PA?

SSA has two programs that provide benefits to disabled individuals. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can help you pay for basic living costs. If you need financial assistance and qualify for one or both programs, the team at Berger and Green can complete your benefits application or appeal a denial of benefits.

Most individuals qualify for one of the programs, SSDI or SSI.  A very limited number of people will qualify for both. Each program has different requirements to enroll, but you must meet the SSA’s definition of disabled.

What Is a Disability?

The Code of Federal Regulations § 404.1505 defines disability for adults as being unable to substantially earn, work, or perform duties of a job for at least 12 months. Additionally, the SSA defines in its Blue Book listing of impairments the health conditions it considers severe enough that a person cannot earn a living.

If you are still working but earning below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) guidelines, you may still be eligible for benefits, so do not let this deter you from consulting with us.

The disability must have lasted at least 12 months (a year), or medical professionals must expect the condition to last for a minimum of 12 continuous months. The SSA also counts conditions that can lead to death. Examples of conditions that count as a disability for SSA purposes include:

• Cancer
• Heart failure or disease
• Severe injury to a limb
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Respiratory ailments
• Kidney failure or disease
• Osteoarthritis and other kinds of arthritis

We Will Document and Prove Your Disability and How It Affects Your Ability to Work

Evaluating disabilities involves many factors, so you must provide certain evidence so that SSA can evaluate your disability and determine if you have a valid benefits claim. The SSA makes determinations based on claimants’ medical paperwork, examinations, and application details. We will ensure the SSA has the appropriate information about your medical providers and your medical condition. 

Although both programs are available to applicants with disabilities, the SSDI and SSI programs require claimants to meet different eligibility criteria. You can contact Berger and Green’s law office when you are ready to begin or have questions.

Work and Financial History

Requirements regarding your work history and financial status depend on what type of benefits you apply for. This is discussed in greater detail below.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) works very similarly to Social Security retirement benefits. You must meet the work requirements to be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Work Credits and SSDI

After you earn a certain amount, you gain one work credit with the SSA. This amount increases each year to keep up with inflation. In 2022, for instance, you earn a credit for each $1,510 you make, up to four credits a year, as outlined by the SSA.

At 20 credits—or after approximately five years—you are eligible for disability insurance benefits. However, you might still be eligible for benefits with fewer work credits, depending on your age. For example, you can qualify for SSDI payments if you are younger than 24 years old and earned six credits in the three years before becoming disabled.

The federal government can deny or delay your claim if you do not submit the information that proves you are eligible or if your information is incorrect or incomplete. An Ellwood City Social Security Disability lawyer at Berger and Green can help you appeal a previous denial of benefits.  We can correct any errors and ensure your application is complete. We are ready and willing to help you when you need it.

Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income

You do not have to be an insured worker to be eligible for benefits from the Supplemental Security Income program, and you do not need a specific number of credits to obtain payments.

The SSA offers SSI payments if you:

• Have financial need
• Are blind
• Are 65 years of age or older, or
• Have a qualifying disability

You must meet strict income guidelines to qualify and meet the SSA’s definition of disabled.

Since your finances play a huge part in determining your eligibility, you must provide information about your earnings and other assets. Resources that the SSA counts include cash, bank funds, investments, property, and vehicles. The SSA accepts applicants with less than $2,000 in total resources if you are single or $3,000 if you are married.

Social Security Disability Claim Stages

To get the benefits you need in Ellwood City, PA, you must apply for Social Security Disability benefits and prove you are eligible to receive them. If SSA denies your application, you may have to complete multiple stages in the process. Our legal team can handle all phases of this process, making sure you stay on track to recover benefits.

Initial Application for SSDI or SSI Benefits

You can apply for SSD benefits as soon as you become disabled. In addition to the application, you will need to submit medical information and other documents that prove you have a qualifying disability and a financial need. After the SSA reviews your claim, they will mail you a notification of their decision if you are approved for benefits or if your application is rejected. At Berger and Green, we can help you file your application.

Appealing a Denial of SSD Benefits

If the SSA denies your claim for benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision. You must request an appeal within 60 days of your claim denial. In your appeal, you can present additional evidence you did not include with your application. The appeal process can unfold over the following steps:

• Reconsideration: A representative from the PA Disability Determination Services will review your appeal request. This person is someone who did not look at your initial application. They will decide based on your initial and updated claim information and mail you a letter.
• Hearing: If your appeal is denied, you can request a hearing. You may submit additional evidence, or the agency may request more information before the hearing. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review your claim at the disability hearing and may ask questions about your condition and work history. You can have an attorney represent you at the hearing or any stage of your case. The Judge will send you a written decision on your case.
• Appeals Council: This step occurs after the hearing if you do not agree with the ALJ’s decision. 
• Federal Court: This phase involving a federal district court is the final level of appeals. It involves filing a lawsuit against the SSA.

Having an attorney to protect your rights and represent your interests is important at each stage of the Social Security Disability process. The appeal process requires you to meet strict guidelines. An attorney from Berger and Green can ensure that your paperwork is filed correctly and on time.

Receipt of Benefits

If you are awarded benefits at any stage, you will be notified by Social Security. At Berger and Green, we are here to answer any questions that arise after our clients are awarded benefits.

Our Ellwood City, PA, Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help – Call Today

An Ellwood City Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green can ensure the SSA has the appropriate documents and information about your disability and medical providers. You do not have to stress about handling this process all by yourself. This process is complex and time-consuming, so having legal representation can help you stay the course and manage your expectations.

Call our team at Berger and Green to speak to someone about applying for Social Security Disability benefits or appealing an SSA claim denial. We are ready to help you start on your claims so that you can get the financial relief you need.