Plum
Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyer

On This Page

1. Get Your Social Security Benefits Approved
2. Qualifying for Social Security Disability
3. Ways to Aid Your Plum Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyer Before Meeting with Them
4. Medical Conditions that Qualify for SSDI
5. Support When You Need It Most

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Get Your Social Security Benefits Approved

The process for applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated and lengthy—especially so if you need to appeal any decisions about your eligibility. If this sounds like your situation and your application has been refused, it is important to remember that you have the right to appeal a decision made by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Approval for social security benefits requires you to meet stringent criteria. An application needs to be backed up with significant medical and other supporting documents. This is so that you can prove that your disability impairs or prevents you from earning an income so you can receive the financial support you are legally entitled to have.

Many applications are initially refused. The dedicated lawyers at Berger and Green understand how deflating this can be, especially if you are worried about meeting your financial obligations at the same time.

We can help you with your initial application, ensuring all of the necessary information and documents are gathered and presented in a highly detailed way. If your application is denied, we can offer extensive support and legal assistance should you need to make an appeal. Contact Berger and Green today at (412) 661-1400 for a free case review.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability

Becoming disabled can be a harrowing experience, leading to added pressures about paying medical bills and worries about how you will continue to meet your financial obligations if you cannot return to work.

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits (SSD), you will need to demonstrate that you have a permanent (expected to last for at least a year) or terminal disability. Other considerations that can affect your eligibility to qualify include proving to the SSA that your condition has a significant impact on your ability to perform everyday activities or ability to work.

It is important to be organized with your paperwork and to keep both medical and other supporting documents up to date, as they will be required during the application process.

Two federally funded programs are available to provide benefits for those in need. They are:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSDI is funded through social security taxes and SSI through general tax revenues. In order to qualify for SSDI, you will need to have made enough contributions from your employment to be eligible. For those who do not meet the criteria, applications can be made for SSI.

There are many other factors that will discern your eligibility to make an application for benefits, as everyone’s circumstances are unique. A Plum Social Security Disability Insurance lawyer will be able to look at your particular case in detail and tell you what your options are regarding proceeding with an application.

Ways to Aid Your Plum Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyer Before Meeting with Them

Along with assisting you with any appeals, there are many other benefits to seeking advice from a Plum Social Security Disability insurance lawyer. They can help you gather and analyze evidence and more, including:

• Gathering accurate medical and other supporting documents
• Establishing which documents you will need to ensure your application is complete
• Updating you about the status of your claim
• Complying with timeframes that can affect your claim
• Advising you of the importance of following all your treatment recommendations

The approval rate for SSDI may vary depending on where you are in the process and your personal circumstances. The SSA determines the initial approval status of the appeal in the first review (the first level of the process). After you receive a decision on your reconsideration request, an administrative law judge (ALJ) will preside over an appeal hearing.

Typically, appeals at the hearing level have a 67% rate of approval, according to a recent study published in the journal Psychological Testing in the Service of Disability Determination.

If you have questions about your SSDI application or have been denied and wish to appeal, the lawyers at Berger and Green can help. If you are eligible to receive benefits, we will be able to inform you of your options, protect your rights, and fight for any payments you are owed. Call a Plum Social Security Disability Insurance lawyer at Berger and Green today at (412) 661-1400 for a free case evaluation.

Medical Conditions that Qualify for SSDI

There is an SSA manual (also referred to as the ‘blue book’) that provides disability evaluation under Social Security and lists a variety of impairments that qualify a person for SSDI and SSI, provided they meet the specified criteria. The SSA has categorized conditions into the following systems and disorders:

• Musculoskeletal
• Special senses and speech
• Respiratory
• Cardiovascular
• Digestive
• Genitourinary
• Hematological
• Skin disorders
• Endocrine
• Congenital disorders
• Neurological
• Mental
• Immune system
• Cancer

Even if your medical condition is not included in the list of impairments, you could still qualify for SSDI or SSI. A Plum Social Security Disability Insurance lawyer will be able to advise you and help you explore your legal options.

Support When You Need It Most

At Berger and Green, we understand that the effects of long term or terminal disabilities can put an enormous strain on both you and your family. Applying for financial help can be a frustrating, complicated, and lengthy process.

We are passionate about protecting the rights of each of our clients. We will work hard to support your progress through the Social Security Disability benefits (or appeals) process by:

• Supporting your needs from start to finish
• Helping you to prove the validity of your disability
• Taking you through the appeal process, if necessary

If your application is refused, it can seem overwhelming. However, you should know that you do have options and that you are not alone. We are here to help. Call Berger and Green for a free case evaluation at (412) 661-1400 today.