Jeromesville
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. The Services We Provide
2. How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for Social Security Disability?
3. SSDI or SSI?
4. What Should I Do If My Application Is Denied?
5. Our Jeromesville Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

April 04, 2022

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Disabilities can prevent you from joining or re-entering the workforce. Without a consistent income, you may struggle to pay bills or support your family. If you are living with a physical or mental disability disabled person, you could qualify for Social Security disability insurance. These monthly payments can make all the difference.

At Berger and Green, our Social Security Disability lawyers serving Jeromesville can help. We can determine which benefits you qualify for, file your application for benefits, and provide representation as you appeal your denial.

The Services We Provide

A Jeromesville Social Security disability lawyer can provide you with a suite of helpful legal services. Our team has 40 years of legal experience, and we can:

• Complete your application for benefits
• Help you initiate an appeal or reconsideration of your case if it gets denied
• Ensure you do not miss any deadline
• Prepare supporting documents for your claim for benefits
• Represent you before an Administrative Law Judge
• Analyze your application and determine why it was rejected 

Compassion is at the core of the services we provide. We care about our clients, and if you sign on with us, we’ll care about your case. We want to help you navigate your disability case in Jeromesville. 

Testimonials

This commitment to care has prompted many of our clients to leave positive reviews. They appreciate our work ethic and that we’re capable of attending to their individual needs:

• “My first contact with them was brief, but I was impressed by how professional they were and how they showed empathy toward my situation. They were swift in reviewing my particular situation and made sure my questions were answered before I hung up the phone.” – Bruce A.
• “They are great!! They were able to get me approved for disability, and you would think that was it, but they offer a free service to their clients to help with medicare. I highly recommend Berger and Green!” – Diana R.
• “These are the best attorneys for SSDI. They did everything for me! I would highly recommend this law firm. They constantly keep you informed and explain the entire process to you.” – Colleen W. 

Hassle-Free Pricing

When it comes to pricing, we like to keep it simple. Our team will review your case free of cost. Similarly, we use a contingency fee pricing plan. This means we work on contingency. Our services will cost you nothing up front, and we won’t get paid unless you win your Social Security disability case.

How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for Social Security Disability?

If you cannot work due to your disability, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. However, this process isn’t necessarily straightforward. Typically, you must demonstrate that you’re unable to work via one of two metrics the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine eligibility:

The Blue Book

The SSA maintains a ledger of listed disabilities called the Blue Book. These disabilities include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Respiratory disorders
• Cardiovascular system disorders or heart problems
• Mental disorders, like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Immune system disorders

This isn’t the Blue Book’s list in totality. Many other disabilities may qualify under its guidelines. The qualification process for Blue Book disabilities necessitates the submission of medical records, which may include:

• X-rays
• Statements from physicians
• Scans, like an MRI or CAT scan
• Medical documentation
• Laboratory results

You won’t need to gather this documentation on your own. Part of the process entails including the contact information for your doctors and any hospitals you have visited in your application for benefits. The Social Security Administration will then gather your medical records from your providers.  This is why it is so important that your application is completed properly. At Berger and Green we have experience completing applications for SSD benefits. 

Residual Functional Capacity

Your medical condition may not be included in the Blue Book or you may not meet the standards listed. Residual functional capacity, which is a testing metric designed to gauge an applicant’s ability to work, can also be used to qualify for Social Security disability insurance.

During this testing process, they may ask you questions like:

• How do you handle changes to your information?
• Can you communicate well with others?
• Are you able to kneel or bend down?
• Can you lift objects, heavy or otherwise?
• Are you able to type?

SSDI or SSI?

The SSA provides two forms of disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each is designed to address different types of needs and meet the SSA’s definition of disabled.

Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI functions like any other insurance program. To qualify, you need to be “insured”, meaning you must have worked a certain number of hours prior to your application. The taxes you pay on these earnings are effectively a ‘buy-in’ into the program.

During the application process, these hours worked are considered credits. Qualification typically requires 20 credits or five years of work. Your age may impact the number of credits you need. 

Supplemental Security Income

SSI is designed for those with a low income and few assets. The application process involves documenting your earnings, possessions, and valuables. You don’t need to have worked to qualify for SSI.

In some cases, you can qualify for both SSDI and SSI. Our team can advise you on your next steps.

What Should I Do If My Application Is Denied?

There are typically four steps to the appeals process if your application is denied. Crucially, you must submit a reconsideration within 60 days of your denial to avoid re-filing:

• Reconsideration: This stage is simple enough. Along with a request for reconsideration, you can submit additional evidence to bolster your case.
• Hearing: An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review your case during this stage. This step has the highest success rate. 
• Appeals council: This step involves an additional review by an appeals council. They can deny your claim, approve your claim, or make the ALJ take a second look at your claim.
• Federal court: If you receive a denial at every step, you can file civil action in the United States District Court. 

We Can Defend Your Claim

The appeals process can get complicated. It is highly recommended that you have an attorney represent you during the Social Security Disability appeal process, a missed deadline could cost you your benefits

Our Jeromesville Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help

If your case has already been denied, don’t wait to get in touch with our team. Time may be of the essence. We can provide you with legal assistance at every step. We’re eager to represent clients in the Jeromesville area.