Am I disabled enough to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
What programs does Social Security offer for disabled people?
When should I call Berger and Green?
What are the biggest mistakes people make when trying to get Social Security Disability benefits?
What information does Social Security use to decide if I am disabled?
What if my application is denied?
How much does Berger and Green charge?
Am I disabled enough to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you are unable to work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has established a number of programs that will provide you with a monthly income and medical benefits, even if you are not old enough to retire. All of these programs require that a person be disabled (which the SSA defines as being unable to work due to a physical or mental condition for at least 12 consecutive months).
What programs does Social Security offer for disabled people?
The main programs for disabled people are Social Security Disability (SSD), Widows' or Widowers' Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security Disability is awarded to disabled individuals who have a recent work record and have paid Social Security taxes from their wages. Widows' or Widowers' disability is available to disabled people between the ages of 50 and 60 whose deceased spouse worked and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income is awarded to disabled individuals who have not worked for a sufficient period of time to qualify for other programs but who meet certain low-income requirements.
When should I call Berger and Green?
You should call Berger and Green if you decide that you want to apply for social security benefits. Our firm will talk to anyone who cannot work and has questions about any type of social security disability benefits. We will talk to you for free. We charge a fee only if we win your case. We have over 30 years of experience in this area of law. Our lawyers have worked as staff attorneys for social security judges and in private practice, helping disabled people with their social security claims.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when trying to get Social Security Disability benefits?
Failing to appeal. More than half of those who are initially denied fail to file appeals.
If you do not appeal, you have to start all over again, and you will lose back benefits. It is important to appeal all denials immediately, so that your case will move through the system faster. Another big mistake is failing to keep regular doctor's appointments and seek medical care. Many people become discouraged, and stop seeing their doctor or miss appointments. If you are ill, you need medical treatment. Medical evidence is needed from a doctor who sees you regularly in order to prove to Social Security that you are disabled. It is very important that you continue treatment with your doctor and follow through with your doctor's advice.
What information does Social Security use to decide if I am disabled?
Social Security requests current medical information from your doctors about your condition and sometimes requests that you be examined by a consulting doctor at their expense. Patients can have various symptoms related to their disability. Social Security will look at how your symptoms affect your ability to perform daily activities. If your symptoms affect your ability to do any of your daily activities, talk about it with your doctor so that he or she can confirm these difficulties in a report to Social Security.
What if my application is denied?
Often, your application will be denied by Social Security. This denial does not necessarily mean that your doctor wrote a letter that failed to support your case. Social Security makes its own decision about whether or not you are disabled, and often claims are denied once or even twice. You should appeal within 60 days of the denial. You may:
- Go to the Social Security Office to file an appeal, or
- Call (877) 456-4251 and the appeal forms will be sent to you.
This process can be very discouraging. However, if you cannot work, you should continue to appeal your case to a hearing before a Social Security Administrative Law Judge. At your hearing, you will have a chance to explain in your own words why you are disabled.
How much does Berger and Green charge?
We charge a "contingent fee," which is paid only if we win your case. The fee is 25% of back benefits only. We also pay the charges for obtaining the medical records required by Social Security, which you must pay back to us if you win.
Any last advice?
First, give Social Security all the information it asks for in a straightforward way. Be honest about how much your disability affects your ability to do even a simple, everyday task. Second, call Berger and Green if you have any questions about whether or not you qualify for Social Security Benefits. Third, do not be discouraged if you are denied. Fourth, appeal all denials immediately. Finally, continue to get medical treatment, and follow the advice of your physicians.
Berger and Green represents the disabled in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio.
