Hermitage
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Berger and Green Can Help You Fight for Social Security Disability Benefits
2. How the Social Security Disability Appeals Process Works
3. What You Need to Know About SSD’s Benefits Programs
4. Common Reasons for Social Security Disability Denials and How We Help Overcome Them
5. Our Law Firm’s Client-Friendly Fee Structure
6. Call Today for a Free Social Security Disability Consultation

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

October 10, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

At Berger and Green, we understand how confusing and challenging it can be to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. When you turn to our legal team, we’ll offer ongoing guidance and support throughout the application process. We will also help you file an appeal if the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your application.

A Hermitage, PA Social Security Disability lawyer from our team will clarify the information and evidence the application requires. We can also help you apply to the appropriate program using the correct application. During our no-cost, obligation-free consultation, we explain how our legal service and support can streamline the complex application process. Call us today. 

Berger and Green Can Help You Fight for Social Security Disability Benefits

You may wonder whether you need an attorney to file for Social Security Disability benefits. While hiring an attorney is not mandatory, it can be beneficial. 

To ensure you complete your disability claim properly, your Hermitage, Pennsylvania SSD lawyer will:

• Ensure it contains no administrative or technical problems
• Ensure there is no missing information or evidence
• Review your medical evidence 

If we are helping you manage an appeal, we will carefully examine why the SSA denied your claim. Your Social Security Disability attorney serving Hermitage, PA will also explain the appeals process and help you navigate it from start to finish.

How the Social Security Disability Appeals Process Works

Appealing a denied application takes time. The Social Security disability application and appeals process is lengthy, and it is important that you do not miss a deadline.  Your Hermitage SSD attorney will explain each phase of the appeals process.

Reconsideration

If the SSA denies your initial application, we can request a reconsideration. An SSA Disability Determination Services representative not involved in your initial request will review your application, documentation, and evidence. 

ALJ Hearing

If you are again denied at Reconsideration, the next phase is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. As your attorney, we will make sure that you are prepared for this next step. 

Appeals Council Review

If your appeal reaches this phase, we will request an Appeals Council review. They will review the ALJ’s decision and do one of three things: 

• Deny your application
• Ask the ALJ to review it again
• Rule in your favor

Federal Court

This final phase of the appeals process is a lawsuit. If your appeal reaches this phase, we can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf in the appropriate federal district court.

What You Need to Know About SSD’s Benefits Programs

According to the SSA, you can request medical and monthly financial benefits from one or both SSD programs. Each has separate qualifying criteria:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

If you worked and participated in the Social Security insurance program during your employment, you could qualify for SSDI benefits based on your medical condition. You must also have worked long and recently enough. We will help you determine whether this is the right program for you.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you did not work or your work history does not meet the qualification guidelines for SSDI benefits, you could qualify for benefits through the SSI program. It provides financial assistance for disabled individuals with limited or no financial resources. 

You do not have to figure out which application to complete on your own. When you work with Berger and Green, a Social Security Disability lawyer serving Hermitage, PA will ensure you apply for the right program. 

Common Reasons for Social Security Disability Denials and How We Help Overcome Them

Many Social Security Disability applications are denied on the first attempt, which can be frustrating and disheartening. However, a denial does not mean you are ineligible for benefits. At Berger and Green, we understand the common reasons for denials and know how to help you address them.

Some of the most frequent reasons for denials include:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: The SSA requires comprehensive documentation to support your claim. Many applicants are denied because they fail to provide enough evidence proving the severity of their disability. Our team will ensure your application has the necessary information from your healthcare providers to strengthen your case.
• Failure to Meet Deadlines: The application and appeals process is time-sensitive. Missing a deadline can result in a denial or dismissal of your claim. We ensure all paperwork is filed on time and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
• Inaccurate or Incomplete Applications: Even small errors in your application can lead to a denial. We ensure they are completed accurately and include all the necessary information.

By identifying these and other issues early, our Hermitage, PA Social Security Disability lawyers can help improve your chances of a successful claim or appeal. We are committed to fighting for the benefits you deserve.

Our Law Firm’s Client-Friendly Fee Structure

You do not have to let a fear of hefty legal fees keep you from seeking legal support. When our law firm accepts your SSD case, we’ll do so on a contingency-fee basis. This benefits you because:

• You pay nothing upfront or out of your pocket
• We cover every cost related to building your case
• There is only a fee if you win your benefits
• You owe us nothing if you do not receive benefits

Our fee structure is risk-free and ensures you do not have to navigate the complex SSD system on your own. It also means you do not have to add to the financial strain you are currently experiencing. 

Our Reviews Attest to Our Commitment to Outstanding Client Experience

When satisfied SSD clients talk about their experience with our law firm, they leave reviews like the following:

• Tim Deichler: “I cannot thank Berger and Green enough. They helped make my disability hearing easy, they explained everything to me. The staff was there to answer all of my questions, they were very helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend them.”
• Lynn Pape: “I went to Berger and Green to see if I could get disability. Within about 2 months I was notified that I was able to get it. Thank you so much.”

We fight for the SSD benefits our clients are entitled to receive. Read more about our supportive environment and watch video testimonials on our reviews page.

Call Today for a Free Social Security Disability Consultation

If you believe you or someone you love is entitled to disability benefits, a Hermitage, PA Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help. We can file an appeal on your behalf and help you keep fighting for benefits if the SSA denies your initial application.

Call or complete our online contact form. One of our team members can provide you with your free consultation. Get started today and put our 40+ years of experience to work for you.