Akron Lupus Disability Lawyer

If you have received a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematous, the chronic autoimmune disease may have derailed your ability to work. If so, you could collect benefits from Social Security for a disability. Our Akron lupus lawyers can explain the qualifications for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and help you file and represent you through the appeals process.

Getting benefits is sometimes a long road, but it’s easier to travel when you have an attorney helping you along the way. Berger and Green is here to lighten the load by clarifying legal language, helping you meet deadlines, and advocating for you.

We Make Sure You Know What to Expect in Your Lupus SSD Claim

Lupus means your body is at war with itself, making it hard to function or even think. Knowing that, our Social Security Disability lawyers go out of their way to make the benefits claims process as easy to understand as possible.

When you hire Berger and Green to handle your case, we:

• Offer free consultations so that you get information quickly and easily
• Stay available to answer questions throughout the claims process
• Ensure you understand what’s expected of you as an applicant
• Connect you to resources you may need for your claim
• File your initial application for SSD benefits
• Explain each step and what happens next to your claim
• Help you file an appeal if your claim is denied

We always remain compassionate and patient, knowing that lupus can make daily tasks and logistics a struggle. We listen to your feedback so that we can support you in ways you need.

We Have Decades of Experience

Our firm has over 40 years of experience in helping people with disabilities. We’re proud of our positive reviews from past SSD clients since it means we supported people when they needed it most.

• “From the very first phone call, they helped me through every question that I was asked. All you had to do is be honest and upfront, and they took it away from there.” 

How to Know If Lupus Qualifies You for Social Security Benefits

If your lupus symptoms interfere with your life and will prevent you from working for at least a year, you can file for Social Security benefits. However, your condition must meet the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s definition of a disability:

• Does your lupus affect your work? Are you unable to work at your previous job or a different job? Can you not engage in substantial gainful activity? 
• Is your lupus severe? Do you have difficulty with mobility, cognition, or basic activities?
• Will your lupus symptoms last? Do you expect your condition to prevent you from working for at least a year or ultimately result in death?

If you answered yes, you could meet the SSA’s definition of a disability and start an application.

Qualifying for Lupus

The SSA Blue Book outlines the specific ways lupus qualifies for benefits. You can potentially apply if either of the following is true:

• Involvement of two or more organs or body systems, with one having at least moderate severity. You also must have at least two constitutional symptoms like severe fatigue or weight loss.
• Repeated manifestations of lupus, with at least two constitutional symptoms as well as limitations in your daily life, social functions, or in completing tasks promptly.

Evidence of lupus should generally meet the criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology. However, the SSA acknowledges that isn’t always true. If you have questions about how your symptoms fit the criteria, you can talk to Akron lupus lawyers at Bergen and Green.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance

If you are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you need to meet work-specific requirements. Like other insurance, SSDI provides benefits to people who paid into insurance. In your case, if you have worked the required amount and paid your taxes, you have paid into SSDI and can potentially receive disability benefits.

Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has the same medical requirements as SSDI but is based on income and resources. Each year, the program has a different income and resource limit for applicants. To make sure you qualify, we can provide you with the most recent information and help you determine your income and resource level.

How Our Lawyers Assist With the Steps of Your Lupus Disability Case in Akron

The first step of a lupus disability claim involves compiling any necessary documentation to show you meet the eligibility requirements. That includes your Social Security information, employment records, educational background, and medical records. We can help make sure the SSA has the necessary information about your healthcare provider.

The SSA provides an Adult Disability Checklist for your application. Additionally, our Akron SSD attorneys can answer questions you might have about what is needed. Once your application is complete, we can file it for you.

Once Your Application Is Filed

The SSA will review your application and verify that you meet the requirements. They confirm your work history, current working ability, and medical evidence. They might ask you questions or request additional documentation.

Once the SSA has processed your application, they forward it to Ohio’s Disability Determination Services. This agency then decides whether to approve your claim.

If Your Application Is Denied

According to the SSA’s 2020 Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, about 67 percent of claims are denied. However, given the high percentage of rejections, it’s not uncommon for SSD applicants to appeal.

What you include in your appeal depends on the reason for your denial. For instance, you may need to provide additional evidence or correct paperwork mistakes. The team at Berger and Green can oversee this process.

We Can Represent You at Hearings and Meetings

Having your claim denied is frustrating, but we can do the hard work of going through the appeals process. Our attorneys:

• Determine and explain why SSA denied your claim 
• Help gather additional evidence that can support your appeal
• Meet filing deadlines so you don’t miss your chance to appeal
• Explain what to expect from an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Represent you in hearings and meetings 

Get Answers About Lupus Disability Benefits in Akron Today – Call Us

We offer a free consultation and a guarantee that you don’t pay unless you obtain benefits. If you have questions about how your autoimmune condition qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits, reach out to our Akron lupus lawyers now. Don’t navigate the SSD labyrinth without a guide. Berger and Green can help you. Call today.