- A Denial Doesn't Have to be the end of Your SSD Claim
- The Requirements to Receive Social Security Disability
- The Steps of Appealing Your Social Security Disability (SSD) Denial
- Our Team Can Also Handle Your Injury Case
- Call (412) 661-1400 Today for Your Free Social Security Disability Case Evaluation
A Denial Doesn’t Have to be the end of Your SSD Claim
Facing a disability benefits denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can leave you feeling helpless and alone, especially because the appeals process can be lengthy and complex. However, our team is by your side. A Galion, OH Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer from Berger and Green can help you file an appeal. We have decades of experience fighting and winning claims on appeal, and we want to put our knowledge and resources to work for you.
At your free initial case evaluation, we will review your claim and help you devise a plan to appeal. We are so confident in our ability to help you win benefits that, if we agree to represent you, you never pay us a fee until you start collecting disability.
Call us today at (412) 661-1400 to learn more.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationThe Requirements to Receive Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability has strict qualification requirements. You must meet the program’s medical and non-medical standards. The medical requirements are the same regardless of whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but the two programs have different non-medical requirements.
Medical Requirements
To be approved for SSDI or SSI, you must be totally disabled, which means you cannot sustain meaningful gainful employment. We have had clients get approved despite having menial, part-time, or seasonal jobs. But if the SSA thinks you are capable of full-time employment, it will almost always deny your application.
Non-Medical Requirements
The non-medical requirements differ greatly between SSDI and SSI. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a sufficient number of work credits. Each person in the workforce receives a certain number of credits per year. Your age determines how many credits you must have to qualify for SSDI. If you do not have the required number of credits, you may be denied.
SSI has no work history requirements, as it is a benefit program for the needy. To qualify on a non-medical basis, you must have a demonstrated financial need, typically shown by having an income and assets that fall below a certain threshold. This amount can change each year but is very low.
Most disabled workers qualify for at least one of these two programs on a non-medical basis. Some applicants qualify for both.
At your free initial case evaluation, a Social Security Disability (SSD) attorney in Galion, OH, from Berger and Green will go over your situation and determine which of these two programs, or both, you are most likely to qualify for on a non-medical basis. To speak with a member of our team today, call us at (412) 661-1400.
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpThe Steps of Appealing Your Social Security Disability (SSD) Denial
After you are denied Social Security Disability benefits, you can appeal the SSA’s decision. Following a denial, it is critical to take action right away and get started on your appeal. There are strict filing deadlines you must meet or you risk losing your right to fight for benefits.
Requesting Reconsideration
The first step of filing a Social Security Disability appeal is to submit a request for reconsideration. This is a formal request asking the SSA to take another look at your disability claim and reconsider its decision to deny you.
You may submit additional evidence to bolster your claim. This process must be undertaken within 60 days of the receipt of your denial letter, or you will likely be time-barred from filing an appeal. If you recently received your denial, it is never too soon to get started. A Galion, OH Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer from Berger and Green can get to work for you right away.
If you file a reconsideration request and receive another denial, you may move to the second stage, which is to request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Presenting Your Case to an ALJ
An ALJ is a Judge the SSA appointed to hear disability appeals. After claimants get denied at the reconsideration stage, they have the right to argue their case in front of an ALJ. Statistically, the highest percentage of claimants receive approvals at this stage, so it is something you certainly want to pursue and for which you should be adequately prepared.
A Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer in Galion, OH, from Berger and Green can help you with that preparation, and we will also appear with you at the hearing and argue your case on your behalf.
Submitting to the Appeals Council
If the ALJ’s decision on your appeal is not favorable, the third stage of the process is to submit it to a deliberative body known as the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council may decide to uphold the ALJ’s decision, reverse it, or ask the ALJ to review the claim again.
Taking Your Case to Federal Court
Finally, if the first three steps fail to produce a positive outcome, you can take your disability appeal to Federal Court.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationOur Team Can Also Handle Your Injury Case
If your disabling medical condition or injury resulted from another party’s negligence or a work injury, we can help you file a workers’ compensation or personal injury case. Let us help you recover the compensation and benefits to which you are entitled.
We can address all the legal hurdles that may be keeping you from getting a fair settlement.
Speak To An Attorney TodayCall (412) 661-1400 Today for Your Free Social Security Disability Case Evaluation
The Galion, OH Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyers at Berger and Green are eager to get to work on your appeal today. If you were denied benefits and believe you should not have been, we can help. Our job is to connect deserving people with the disability benefits to which they are entitled. We do not get paid until you get approved so there is no risk to you.
For your free, no-obligation case evaluation, call us at (412) 661-1400.
