- About Social Security Disability Benefits
- How We Help During the Disability Claim Stages
A disability or condition that makes it difficult or impossible to earn money could make you eligible for disability benefits from the government. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers monetary assistance for individuals who need financial assistance. The SSA has two programs that provide monthly payments, and you may qualify based on medical reasons or financial need.
A Seven Fields Social Security disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help you apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Your application will require multiple documents so that the SSA can confirm your eligibility. The SSA can deny your application if they do not receive the right information or if it feels like the information is inadequate.
Our legal team can assist you during this process by helping with application preparation, application review, and representing you during the appeals process. Contact us at (412) 661-1400 for more information about how our Seven Fields, PA lawyers can benefit you.
About Social Security Disability Benefits
The SSA oversees two benefits programs that provide monthly payments to qualified applicants. Each program has different eligibility requirements. You may qualify for one or both, but they have separate forms, and we can help you prepare these applications. The two programs are:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Although each has different requirements, you can qualify, in part, by having a disability. The disability must be permanent, have lasted at least 12 months, or medical professionals expect it to last for at least 12 continuous months. Conditions that can cause death are also qualifying disabilities.
Disabling conditions can include physical impairments, like mobility issues and amputation. You can also qualify with cognitive disorders, such as traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Mental and psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia and depression, can also make you eligible if they interfere with your ability to earn a living. You can also qualify with certain diseases, like:
- Immune deficiency
- Cancer
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic heart failure
- Bone marrow failure
According to the SSA, your condition must make you unable to work for at least a year or earn only a small amount. You can still have a job and still qualify for benefits, provided your earnings are not substantial.
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Start A Free EvaluationSocial Security Disability Insurance Eligibility
Like Social Security retirement benefits, the SSA must consider you as “insured” to receive Social Security Disability Insurance payments. This is based on your work history and qualifying employment. Not all jobs contribute to work credits.
The SSA considers most people insured once they reach 20 work credits, but this is not always the case. If you become disabled at a young age, such as before 30 years old, the SSA may still consider you eligible with less than 20 credits. You are an insured worker if:
- You are younger than 24 years old and earned six credits within the three years before.
- You are between 24 and 31 years old and have half the number of credits for the years you have worked after 21 years old. For example, at 27 years old, you would need to earn at least 12 credits (three years) in the six years.
- You are older than 31 years old and have 20 credits earned in the last ten years.
Current and former spouses and certain dependents are eligible if their husband, wife, or parents qualify. These SSDI payments are family benefits. However, family members typically receive less than the primary benefit amount.
Your family benefits application will require additional documentation, such as birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates. Your Seven Fields Social Security disability lawyer can ensure your application has the needed information. Contact Berger and Green about applying for SSDI benefits for you and your family at (412) 661-1400.
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Contact Us Now For HelpSupplemental Security Income Eligibility
The Supplemental Security Income program does not use work credits to determine your eligibility. Whereas SSDI benefits are dependent on your past earnings, SSI only looks at your current financial situation. In addition to having a disabling condition, you must demonstrate a financial need.
As part of your SSI application, you will need to provide the SSA with financial information about your income and assets. Assets include cash in hand, funds in bank accounts, stocks and investments, and property, such as secondary homes and vehicles.
It is important to make sure the SSA has all the information it needs for your application. Having insufficient documentation can lead to the SSA denying your claim.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationHow We Help During the Disability Claim Stages
Your Seven Fields Social Security disability lawyer can help you apply for SSD benefits by ensuring the SSA has documents about your condition and medical providers. We can manage your case and work with the Social Security office so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your family.
The SSA may deny your application if you do not prove you qualify for monthly payments. If the SSA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal the decision. You must submit an appeal request within 60 days of your denial. During the appeal stage, you may submit more information or evidence of why you believe the denial is incorrect.
A PA Disability Determination Services representative will review your appeal request in the reconsideration stage. They will then mail you the updated decision.
Should the agency deny your appeal, you can request a hearing if there is enough time. We can act as your representative during the hearing and respond to the Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) questions. If the ALJ stage is not successful, you can still continue your appeal by taking your case to the Appeals Council and then a federal court.
Contact our team at Berger and Green about seeking SSD benefits no matter what stage of your disability claim you are dealing with by calling (412) 661-1400. Our team can take details about your case and discuss questions you may have. Our Seven Fields, Pennsylvania lawyers are ready to represent you.
