Greensburg
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Social Security Disability Benefits Are Essential for Many Greensburg Residents
2. Let Our Greensburg Social Security Disability Attorneys Handle Your Case
3. The Social Security Disability Application Process for Greensburg Residents
4. Frequently Asked Questions for Our Greensburg SSDI or SSI Disability Attorneys
5. Our Law Firm Can Help With Your Greensburg Social Security Disability Claim

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

March 03, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Navigating Social Security disability applications and claims can be daunting without guidance. At Berger and Green, we provide personalized legal assistance to residents of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. Our Greensburg Social Security Disability lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals understand their rights and the benefits they may be entitled to.

Whether you’re applying for SSDI, SSI, or both for the first time or facing the challenges of an appeal, our team is here to ensure your case is handled with the care and dedication it deserves. Let us help you navigate the path to receiving the benefits you need and deserve. Call us today to get started.

Social Security Disability Benefits Are Essential for Many Greensburg Residents

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are crucial programs designed to assist those unable to work due to disability. SSDI is accessible to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system, offering financial benefits and eligibility for Medicare after a waiting period.

In contrast, SSI aids individuals with limited income and resources, providing a monthly stipend and Medicaid eligibility, regardless of work history.

The key difference lies in their eligibility criteria: SSDI is based on work credits, while SSI focuses on financial need. Both programs are invaluable, offering a lifeline by supporting basic living expenses and healthcare needs for those who qualify.

With lawyers in Greensburg, you gain a partner committed to securing the best possible outcome for your disability claim.

Eligibility for SSDI Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps individuals who have worked and contributed to the Social Security system but are now unable to continue working due to a disability. To be eligible for SSDI, applicants must:

• Have earned a minimum of 20 work credits, though the exact number of required credits can be lower depending on the applicant’s age at the time they became disabled. This aspect ensures that even younger workers who haven’t had the opportunity to accumulate a lengthy work history may still qualify for benefits.
• Demonstrate that they have a medical condition that is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months or end in death. However, it is important to note that individuals do not need to wait for a year after becoming unable to work to apply for SSDI.
• Have a qualifying medical condition. The SSA lists possible impairments that can help you qualify for benefits, although it is not a complete list.

Applying for SSDI can be quite overwhelming, as you may be unsure if you have enough credits or have worked qualifying jobs. Proving that your disability qualifies can be exhausting, but a Social Security Disability lawyer with our firm can help walk you through the requirements and answer any questions.

Eligibility for SSI Benefits in Greensburg

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial support to individuals who are disabled and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI eligibility is not based on work history but on financial need.

To qualify for SSI benefits, applicants must meet strict income and resource limits, demonstrating that their financial situation is below a certain threshold. This includes considering cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property, with exceptions for a primary residence and one vehicle used for transportation.

Additionally, individuals must have a medical condition that significantly limits their ability to perform basic work activities and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. SSI offers a monthly payment to help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. An SSI disability attorney can help you figure out if you are eligible and help you apply or appeal a decision.

Let Our Greensburg Social Security Disability Attorneys Handle Your Case

A Social Security Disability lawyer plays a pivotal role in navigating the often complex and daunting process of securing SSDI or SSI benefits. With a deep understanding of the SSA procedures and criteria, our lawyers can make this process easier and more straightforward.

From the initial application to potential appeals, a disability lawyer will meticulously prepare and review your documentation, ensuring that all necessary medical evidence and paperwork are submitted accurately and timely. They are adept at articulating the impact of your disability on your ability to work, effectively communicating this to the SSA.

Moreover, if your application faces denial, a Social Security Disability lawyer is invaluable in the appeals process. Our Greensburg Social Security Disability lawyers can represent you at hearings, strategically argue your case before a Judge, and navigate the complexities of legal proceedings. 

The Social Security Disability Application Process for Greensburg Residents

We know how confusing an SSD application can be. Our SSDI and SSI disability attorneys can help you throughout the process and answer any questions. 

While you can do many of your SSA tasks online or by phone, if you need to go into your local office, you can get in touch with them here:

Office Address:

122 West 3rd Street

Greensburg, PA 15601

Phone: 

1-877-748-9768

Top of Form

Submitting Your SSD Application

The initial stage of a disability claim involves submitting an application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This process requires providing detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and how your disability affects your daily life. Accuracy and thorough documentation are crucial, as they significantly impact the outcome.

The SSA reviews your application(s) to determine if you meet the criteria for disability benefits under SSDI or SSI programs, depending on which one you applied for. We can help you complete the application if it is your first time applying, and we can also help if it’s your appeal.

Request for Reconsideration of Your SSD Application

If your initial application is denied, the next step is to file for reconsideration. This is essentially a complete review of your claim by a different SSA examiner who was not involved in the original decision. During reconsideration, you can submit new evidence or information that supports your case. It’s an opportunity to address any gaps or clarify details that might have led to the initial denial.

Hearing with a Judge

Should your claim be denied after reconsideration, you have the right to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This stage offers a critical chance to present your case in person or via video conference. 

You can testify about your disability, and your Social Security Disability lawyer can cross-examine witnesses and submit new evidence. The ALJ will ask questions to understand your disability and how it impacts your ability to work. This stage often presents the best opportunity for your claim to be approved.

Appealing the ALJ’s Decision

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeal Council reviews your case, focusing on any legal errors or oversight in the application of Social Security laws. If the Appeals Council decides not to review your case or if it reviews but still denies your claim, the final step is to file a lawsuit in federal district court.

Frequently Asked Questions for Our Greensburg SSDI or SSI Disability Attorneys

Can I Receive Both SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?

Yes, it is possible to receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) simultaneously, a situation known as concurrent benefits. This can occur if your SSDI payments are low due to a limited work history. SSI can supplement your income if you meet the financial eligibility requirements​.

Can I Receive SSD If My Spouse Is Getting SSD?

Yes, you can receive SSDI even if your spouse is also receiving SSDI. Each person’s eligibility for SSDI is based on their own work history and contributions to Social Security. Therefore, your spouse’s benefits do not impact your eligibility for SSDI. 

However, household income can affect eligibility for the needs-based program, SSI. In cases where both spouses are receiving SSI, the benefit amounts may be adjusted to reflect the combined income of the household​.

Can Disability Benefits Be Paid Retroactively?

Yes, SSDI benefits can be paid retroactively for up to 12 months before your application date, provided you were disabled during that time. Retroactive benefits are based on your established onset date of disability. 

However, there is a five-month waiting period after this date before benefits begin. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, on the other hand, are not typically paid retroactively, although exceptions exist.

Can I Get Workers’ Compensation and SSD Benefits at the Same Time?

Yes, you can receive both workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits simultaneously. However, there is an offset rule: the combined amount of workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits cannot exceed 80% of your average current earnings before you became disabled. 

If the total exceeds this limit, your SSDI benefits will be reduced accordingly. This rule ensures that your combined benefits don’t exceed your prior earnings. You may be able to get workers’ compensation and SSI at the same time, depending on how much you receive for your work injury payments.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Medical conditions that qualify for Social Security disability benefits include a wide range of physical and mental impairments. The Social Security Administration outlines these in their “Blue Book.”

Common qualifying conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular issues, and mental disorders. Some conditions, like ALS and certain cancers, may automatically qualify due to their severity​.

What Documents and Evidence Do I Need to Provide With My SSD Application?

You need to provide comprehensive medical evidence, including diagnosis reports, clinical findings, treatment records, and test results. Key documents include doctor’s notes detailing your condition, lab results, imaging studies, and any relevant hospital records. 

You should also submit documentation of how your condition affects your daily activities and ability to work. The SSA may require specific tests to confirm the severity of your condition​. When you work with our SSDI and SSI disability attorneys they can review your application to see if you are missing any key forms of proof.

How Long Does the Application Process Typically Take?

The Social Security disability application process can take several months to over a year. On average, it takes about six to eight months to receive an initial decision. If your application is denied and you need to appeal, the process can extend by another several months, especially if it progresses to a hearing stage. 

In some cases, where conditions are severe, the SSA might expedite the process through programs like Compassionate Allowances.

Can I Reapply for Social Security Disability Benefits After a Denial?

Yes, you can reapply for benefits after a denial. To improve your chances, it’s crucial to address the reasons for the initial denial, which may involve:

• Providing additional or updated medical evidence
• Ensuring all documentation meets SSA requirements
• Possibly obtaining a medical opinion that clearly outlines your limitations. 

Our SSDI and SSI disability attorneys can help you appeal your rejected application.

Will Working a Full- or Part-Time Job Affect My Disability Benefits?

Yes, working part-time or taking a temporary job can affect your disability benefits. The SSA allows some work under the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470 per month in 2024 for non-blind individuals. 

Earning above this limit can lead to a reduction or termination of benefits. However, the SSA has programs like the “Ticket to Work” that allow beneficiaries to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits​.

What Happens if My Medical Condition Improves? Will My Benefits Stop?

If your medical condition improves and you can return to work, your disability benefits may stop after a trial work period. The SSA periodically reviews cases through a process called Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). If the SSA determines that you are no longer disabled, your benefits may cease. However, you may be eligible for a grace period during which benefits continue as you transition back to work​. 

How Often Will the SSA Review My Case and What Does the Review Involve?

The SSA typically reviews disability cases every three to seven years, depending on the likelihood of improvement in your condition. The CDR process involves submitting updated medical records and possibly undergoing further medical evaluations. If the SSA determines that your condition has improved and you can work, your benefits may be discontinued.

Our Law Firm Can Help With Your Greensburg Social Security Disability Claim

We know just how overwhelming this process can be, but our Greensburg Social Security Disability lawyers have the experience you need. We want to get you the benefits you need, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today.