Oil City
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
2. Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
3. Applying for Social Security Disability
4. Requests for Reconsideration
5. Administrative Law Judge Hearings
6. We Are Here to Help

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Whether you suffer a severe injury or develop a disease or other medical condition, you might find yourself in a situation where you can no longer do the work you did before. When this happens, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Depending on various factors, you could qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a combination of both. Learn more about the steps that you need to take to apply for these benefits with the help of an Oil City Social Security Disability lawyer.

The process of applying for and receiving Social Security Disability benefits for Pennsylvania residents can be long, complex, and frustrating. However, the lawyers at Berger and Green can also help you navigate the appeals process if your benefits claim is denied. Contact us at (412) 661-1400 today to begin the process of securing Social Security Disability benefits.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI benefits are for working individuals who have become disabled to the extent that they can no longer work in their usual jobs. Their disabilities are expected to last at least one year or result in death, and they are so severe that they also prevent people from adapting to other forms of work.

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you typically must have earned 20 work credits. A work credit is worth a specific amount of earnings that changes each year. You can earn up to four credits each calendar year. Additionally, you must have earned 20 of your credits in the past 10 years.

Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income benefits are usually for people with disabilities who do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. In some cases, people who have enough work credits to qualify for a small amount of SSDI can qualify for SSI if they meet the other eligibility requirements. People eligible for SSI also must have no or very low income and limited resources or property.

You also must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability to receive SSI benefits. You qualify for SSI only if your medical condition is so serious that you cannot engage in substantial gainful work activity. Your doctor must also expect your disability to last at least one continuous year or end in death.

Applying for Social Security Disability

The first step to applying for Social Security Disability is to complete applications for SSI and/or SSDI benefits. You will need quite a bit of information to successfully fill out the necessary applications, including information about your work history and medical conditions that contribute to your disability.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides an Adult Disability Checklist that can be useful in gathering the information you need to apply for benefits.

Once you have submitted your applications, you must wait to receive a decision on your claim. Some people with severe medical conditions receive approval following the initial application process, while others receive a denial of their applications.

Requests for Reconsideration

If you receive a denial of your application for Social Security Disability benefits, you have the right to appeal that decision. The first step of the appeals process is to ask the SSA to review your application again. This is the “reconsideration” stage of the process. An Oil City Social Security Disability lawyer can help you properly submit your request for reconsideration and any evidence you have to support your application for disability benefits.

During the reconsideration of your claim, a person who works for the SSA will review your application, evidence that you previously submitted, and new evidence that you submitted along with your request for reconsideration. The person who performs your reconsideration is a different person from the one who reviewed your initial application.

Once the reconsideration is complete, you will receive a notice from the SSA that either grants or denies your request for benefits.

Berger and Green can review your Social Security Disability benefits request to see how we can help you. Call us today at (412) 661-1400 to learn more.

Administrative Law Judge Hearings

If you receive a second denial of your application following a request for reconsideration, you can again appeal the denial. At this level of appeal, you are asking to have a hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). This judge will review your application and all evidence that you previously submitted to the SSA. The ALJ can review new evidence you have to submit and hear your testimony about your disability. After the hearing, the ALJ will issue a written decision granting or denying your claim for Social Security Disability.

We Are Here to Help

When you are facing a disability that has left you unable to work, you likely have many financial concerns. Applying and qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits could result in you getting the financial support that you need during this challenging time in your life.

Your Oil City Social Security Disability lawyer is here to help and support you throughout the claims process, answer your questions, and address your concerns.

The attorneys at Berger and Green can evaluate your situation and explain how you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. We can help ensure that your initial application and any subsequent appeals are complete and contain as much supporting evidence as possible.

We will advocate for your interests in working toward a successful award of Social Security Disability benefits. Call (412) 661-1400 and learn more about whether you might qualify for these benefits based on your disability.