Union City
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Eligibility for Disability Benefits
2. Stages of Your Disability Claim
3. How Berger and Green Can Help You

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

The federal government offers help to individuals with disabilities who need financial assistance because of their condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the two Social Security Disability (SSD) programs that can provide you with monthly payments if you qualify.

The disability claim stages might be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the application process to enroll in benefits. A Union City Social Security disability lawyer can help you apply for benefits from either or both SSD programs.

The team at Berger and Green can also assist you if the SSA denied your application. We can be your representative throughout the entire process, from beginning to end. Give us a call at (412) 661-1400 to speak with us about your condition and getting disability benefits.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration runs two programs that provide benefits to eligible individuals with disabilities. You may be eligible for one or both programs, depending on your work experience and financial situation.

While each program has different eligibility requirements, both programs are open to people with disabilities. There is a federal definition of disability, and this can apply to many different conditions. The Social Security Administration defines disabled as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”

To prove your condition qualifies you for benefits, you will need to include medical documents with your application. Each program has a different application and additional eligibility requirements.

A Union City Social Security disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help you apply for Social Security benefits for disabilities. Our Pennsylvania team can ensure the Social Security Administration has the appropriate information about your condition and medical providers. If you would like help with applying for your Social Security benefits, call us today at (412) 661-1400.

Social Security Disability Insurance

You can receive monthly assistance from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if SSA considers you insured. To be insured, you must have worked, paid taxes, and accumulated work credits with the SSA. The SSA sets the guidelines for earning credits and the amount that you have to make to earn credit changes annually. The credits required for SSD eligibility can vary based on your age. Older workers need more credits than younger applicants.

Questions used by the SSA to determine your disability center around the severity of your illness or conditions, and your ability to work your previous job or a different job.

Supplemental Security Income

You may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unlike SSDI, your eligibility is not based on past factors, like work credits earned. Instead, the SSA looks at your current situation to see if you meet the income and resources guidelines to receive SSI You must also be disabled to qualify for SSI.

To qualify for SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will need to list all your income and resources, including cash, investments, property, vehicles, and other items of value on the application. Listing the different types of income may sound difficult, but a lawyer with our firm can review your application to make sure you do not miss any important information.

Stages of Your Disability Claim

The process to collect Social Security disability benefits can have up to four stages, which are as follows:

• Application – You must complete and send either an SSDI or SSI application to the SSA. You will also need to submit medical records and other documents that prove your eligibility. You would receive a letter telling you if the SSA approved or denied your application.
• Appeal – You can request an appeal if the government denies your application. The Social Security Administration requires you to send your appeal request within 60 days of the denial. Your appeal should include the reason you believe the denial is a mistake, along with any additional documents that support your claim, such as current information about your condition. These documents may include test results, doctor visits, and diagnosis.
• Reconsideration – Someone who did not look at your application will review your appeal and additional evidence. This representative may be from the PA Disability Determination Services. Again, the government will mail you a decision letter.
• Hearing – You can request a hearing after your appeal is denied if there is sufficient time. You cannot request a hearing before receiving your appeal denial notification. The agency may request more documents before your hearing date. At the hearing, an administrative law judge (ALJ) will look over your claim and evidence. They may have questions about your situation. You can have an attorney represent you.

You will receive a copy of the ALJ’s decision in the mail. If you still need to appeal this decision, you can take your case to higher levels and go to an Appeals Council and then a Federal Court.

How Berger and Green Can Help You

As a Union City, Pennsylvania resident, we can help you apply for Social Security benefits for disabilities. Our team can ensure the Social Security Administration has the appropriate information about your condition and medical providers. We can act as a liaison between you and the local Social Security office and look out for you and your best interests.

If the SSA denies your application, your Union City Social Security disability lawyer can help you through the disability claim stages. Our team can handle the hard parts of the process, so contact our team at Berger and Green today by calling (412) 661-1400.