Erie
Long Term Disability Applications Lawyer

On This Page

1. Understanding the Differences Between SSI and SSDI
2. Berger and Green Represents Clients Facing a Disability Denial
3. What is a Long-Term Disability, and how Does it Work?
4. What if They Cut Off Your Long-Term Disability Benefits?
5. How to Prove Eligibility and how Berger and Green Can Help You
6. Speak with a Long-Term Disability Team Member Serving Erie, PA, Today

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you are unable to work due to your long-term disability, you might be able to secure Social Security Disability (SSD). Berger and Green can help you apply for these benefits or fight the denial of your claim. When you call us, we can answer your questions about your long-term disability insurance, check your application, or help you identify problems and challenge a denial.

We provide free consultations so you can learn more about our services.

Understanding the Differences Between SSI and SSDI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) don’t use the same application, because they address different needs. However, you may be eligible for both benefits, depending on your situation.

SSI is for people who have become disabled and have limited their finances and assets.

On the other hand, SSDI is for people who have become disabled and have acquired work credits by paying into the Social Security system.

Berger and Green Represents Clients Facing a Disability Denial

If an insurer denied your Erie, Pennsylvania, application for long-term disability, or there are other issues getting the disability benefits you need, Berger and Green could discuss your options with you.

You may be able to appeal the denial or take other steps to pursue your benefits. We have the experience to handle this process for you, navigating the steps and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our disability insurance attorneys can help with:

• Appealing a long-term disability denial
• Negotiating long-term disability settlements
• Challenging retracted benefits
• Filing Social Security Disability claims
• Appealing denials of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Our team understands how vital these income benefits are to you and your family. If you cannot work and earn a living, disability benefits may be one of the only ways to make ends meet. We know how stressful and frustrating a long-term disability application denial must be—with the possibility of short-term benefits running out.

You can speak with a member of our team serving Erie, Pennsylvania, today. We can explain your options in clear, easy-to-understand language.

What is a Long-Term Disability, and how Does it Work?

Long-term disability is a benefit available for qualifying policyholders of long-term disability insurance. These benefits provide income to cover part of your previous pay if you cannot work for an extended period. Your employer may provide this coverage, or you may opt to pay for it yourself through a private insurance provider.

According to USA.gov, long-term disability insurance pays you if you cannot work due to an illness or injury. This coverage usually begins after a worker misses six months to a year of wages.

Many workers receive short-term disability for the period they miss at work before long-term disability is available. Still, it can be difficult to convince the insurer you have a qualifying impairment that prevents you from working. To this end, our team may be able to:

• Document your disability
• Gather medical records
• Challenge a denial and present evidence
• Secure your benefits or negotiate a settlement

Long-Term Disability and Social Security Disability

Some long-term disability policies work alongside SSDI. Others may even require you to apply for Social Security Disability before they approve your benefits. If you live with a condition covered in the Social Security Blue Book of impairment listings or another disabling issue, you might receive SSDI benefits, as well.

Policies usually allow the long-term disability insurer to reduce your benefits in accordance with their policies.

We Can Take on Your SSD Claim

Berger and Green’s Erie disability attorneys may be able to help with your Social Security Disability claim, as well. This includes navigating the appeals process following a denial.

This process requires you to:

• File an application
• Request reconsideration
• Have a hearing

Our team manages appeals regularly for clients throughout our service area, including Erie County. We may be able to help you, too.

What if They Cut Off Your Long-Term Disability Benefits?

Getting approved for and keeping long-term disability requires responding to the insurer’s requests for your medical information and showing you qualify for benefits.

If they do not receive your information and determine you no longer qualify, your payments could stop.

The “Own Occupation” Period and Your Case

Most long-term disability policies have an initial period known as the “own occupation” period. During this time, you receive benefits if you cannot perform the tasks of your own job because of your illness or injury.

After this period passes, you will need to show that you cannot perform “any occupation.” This category includes any job that your knowledge, training, education, or experience would allow you to work.

Not proving you are unable to work during this evaluation could mean losing your benefits. We may be able to help you fight the retraction of your income benefits.

How to Prove Eligibility and how Berger and Green Can Help You

Eligibility for long-term disability depends on the specifics of the policy, but it often requires you to show:

• You have a diagnosed injury or illness.
• You are undergoing treatment or seeing a doctor for your condition.
• Your condition prevents you from working.

It is important to note that this generally does not need to be a work-related injury or illness. Even a pre-existing condition could qualify you depending on the policy’s wording and when your condition led to a disability.

If you were not approved for long-term disability, the insurer cancels your benefits, or you have other concerns about your claim, the attorneys from Berger and Green may be able to help. We know how long-term disability insurance works and what to do when you are denied benefits.

Speak with a Long-Term Disability Team Member Serving Erie, PA, Today

You can speak with a representative from Berger and Green about your long-term disability or Social Security Disability claim today. If you received a denial or have other concerns, our disability lawyers may be able to help.

Call (412) 661-1400 to discuss your benefits with a team member for free today.