Mifflin Township
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help
2. Understanding SSDI and SSI Requirements
3. Our Social Security Disability Attorneys Fight Denials Through Appeals
4. Call Berger and Green for Help

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Social Security Disability (SSD) is a program that provides payments for people who are disabled and are unable to work. It includes both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unfortunately, not everyone who becomes disabled is approved for benefits, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) has stringent requirements as to what they consider being unable to work means (and it denied over 50 percent of all applicants in the 2010s).

While it is possible to appeal this decision and have a hearing to reconsider your case, knowing what arguments to make and what information to present is not easy. You have the right to enlist the help of a lawyer who knows the system and can build your case.

A Mifflin Township, OH Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help you handle the intricacies of applying for SSD from the start, as well as all appeals and hearings should your claim be denied. We have over 40 years of experience, helping thousands of injured and disabled people fight for benefits they deserve.

We offer a free and confidential consultation to discuss the details of your case and show you how we can help. Call us today to get started at (412) 661-1400.

How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

The process of applying for SSD involves knowing the requirements and the system, filing confusing paperwork correctly, and providing required documentation to prove your case. At this difficult time, when you are dealing with your illness and disability, a Social Security Disability lawyer can help guide you through the entire process. A Berger and Green attorney can take the burden off you by:

• Evaluating your situation to see if you meet SSD requirements
• Showing how your disability impacts your life and ability to work
• Filling out and filing all required paperwork correctly
• Filing an appeal if your initial claim is denied
• Attending to and fighting for your rights at any required hearings

Securing SSD benefits can mean that you will receive income for the rest of your life, and that is too important to risk. Retain a Mifflin Township, OH Social Security Disability attorney today. Call Berger and Green at (412) 661-1400.

Understanding SSDI and SSI Requirements

SSDI and SSI both provide monthly payments to people unable to work. The difference is as follows:

• SSDI is generally for workers who have paid into the Social Security system through working in at least 20 of the last 40 quarters. The number of credits you need also depends on your age.
• SSI is for adults or children who have little or no income and are disabled, regardless of whether they have worked in the past. The program is designed for disabled or blind adults and children and those over 65.

Both programs require proof of a disability. To qualify for SSI, you must have a low enough income and less than $2,000 per individual ($3,000 for couples) in assets.

To qualify for SSDI or SSI, you must prove that you are totally disabled and cannot do any job as a result. This means:

• You have physical and/or mental impairments severe enough to keep you from doing the work that you did prior to your injury—or from adjusting to another type of work
• Your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death

Our Social Security Disability Attorneys Fight Denials Through Appeals

Having your initial Social Security Disability claim denied is unfortunately quite common. Some reasons the SSA may deny claims and appeals include that:

• You did not provide enough evidence to prove that you are unable to work for at least a year.
• You did not show that you could not do another job.
• You did not follow your doctor’s advice or medical treatment plan.
• Your disability is based on substance abuse or a criminal conviction.
• You did not file appeal paperwork on time or follow directions properly.

A Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green will make sure everything is done correctly on your initial application and that all documentation and evidence is provided. If you have already had a claim denied, we will handle your appeal by:

• Filing an appeal within 60 days of the day you receive your denial notice, if time allows
• Requesting a hearing (if there is sufficient time to do so) with an impartial Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)—in Pennsylvania there is a reconsideration stage so that you must wait until you receive a decision on your reconsideration request before you can go to the hearing stage
• Preparing your case and arguing for you at your ALJ hearing
• Taking your case to Federal Court if you still do not receive a favorable decision

The arguments we make for you during the appeals process are extremely important.

Our disability lawyers will handle all stages of your case, from proving your disability is valid to handling the steps of the appeals process—if necessary.

Call Berger and Green for Help

Berger and Green had successfully fought for benefits for many clients throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. We know the system and how it works, and we understand how having disabilities that keep you from being able to work can negatively affect your life. We care about our clients and will fight for you.

We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you do not have to pay us anything unless and until a Mifflin Township, OH Social Security Disability lawyer wins your case for you. Do not delay. Call us today at (412) 661-1400.