Martins Ferry Social Security Disability Lawyer

After an injury or illness, disability benefits might be a vital lifeline that enables you to continue supporting yourself and your family. Unfortunately, the application process can be long, complicated, and time-consuming. Our Social Security Disability lawyers in Martins Ferry are prepared to help residents by representing them throughout the claims process.

For a free consultation, call Berger and Green today. Our dedicated team takes a client-first approach by listening carefully to your story and charging nothing up front so you can focus on your health.

Our Martins Ferry Attorneys Handle the Entire Social Security Disability Process

There are multiple stages your case may have to go through before you get benefits. The Martins Ferry Social Security Disability lawyers at Berger and Green can help you navigate them all, including:

Learning About Your Right to Social Security Disability

When a prospective client comes to us, we are happy to provide a free, confidential consultation. This enables you to learn more about the process and the benefits you may qualify for at no risk to you.

Once we take on a client’s case, we stay in frequent communication with that client. They always know what is going on, what we are doing to fight for them, and anything they may need to do to help their case.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Filing your application correctly can save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. Our disability attorneys in Martins Ferry can make sure you:

• Check that your application includes proof of your medical condition and financial situation, including medical records, statements from doctors, employment records, and tax filings
• File the application with the Social Security Administration on your behalf

Appealing an SSD Claim Denial

If the SSA rejects your claim, our Martins Ferry SSD law firm can figure out why. If it was a technical denial, there may have been a mistake in your application or in the SSA’s interpretation of your paperwork. Our team can work quickly to correct these errors.

If the application was denied on medical grounds—in other words, if the SSA genuinely believes that you do not have a condition that prevents you from working—Berger and Green can work with you to appeal their decision.

Asking for a Reconsideration of Your SSD Claim

The first step in your appeal is asking the SSA to reconsider their decision. We can submit additional evidence and point out to them why we believe their ruling was in error.

Per the Social Security Administration (SSA), you only have 60 days to notify them about your reconsideration request. Tell us about a denial immediately so that our Social Security Disability attorneys can file your appeal within the deadline.

Representing You at a Social Security Disability Hearing

Martins Ferry residents fall under the jurisdiction of the SSA office in Wheeling, West Virginia. We can represent you at in-person meetings at this office, as well as at meetings over the phone or the internet.

During the hearing, you will meet with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and have the chance to make your case to them. Berger and Green can prepare you for what to expect at the hearing.

Two Types of Social Security Disability Are Available in Ohio

“Social Security Disability” is not one program but two: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program has its own set of qualifications. These are important for you to understand before applying.

Our Martins Ferry Social Security Disability attorneys can explain more about the details of each program and help you apply for one or both of them, depending on your qualifications.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?

SSDI exists to support workers who are injured or become ill and can no longer work, either temporarily (for at least one year) or permanently. As long as your condition prevents you from working, and as long as you have a certain number of work credits (years on the job), you could potentially qualify for SSDI.

What Is Supplemental Security Income?

SSI is a benefit that anyone with a severe injury or illness can apply for, regardless of work history. The main restriction with SSI, in addition to your medical condition, is your income. According to the SSA, as of 2024, an individual must earn less than $1,971 a month to qualify for benefits. For couples, the maximum amount may be higher.

Berger and Green can assess your work, financial, and medical history and determine what kind of benefits you should apply for. Then our Disability lawyers can file your application on your behalf. Call now for a free consultation to learn more.

What Conditions Are Considered Disabling for SSD Applicants?

The SSA’s definition of “disabled” may differ from the way others use this term. Conditions considered disabling include but are not limited to:

• Many types of cancer
• Respiratory illnesses
• Heart conditions
• Blood disorders
• Certain mental illnesses
• Certain skin conditions
• Disorders of the immune system, including lupus

The most important thing is that your condition must keep you from working for at least a year and/or is expected to result in your death.

Does Your Condition Qualify You for SSD Benefits?

It is vital that you include ample medical evidence in your claim. Without that evidence, the SSA cannot evaluate your application and will issue a denial.

Our Social Security attorneys in Martins Ferry want to help you file the strongest possible application so that you get the benefits you need as quickly as possible. The sooner in the process that you come to us, the sooner we can get to work on your case.

Get a Free Consultation From Our Martins Ferry Social Security Disability Law Firm

With more than 40 years of experience, Berger and Green knows how the SSA works and is ready to help guide clients like you through that process. Call today for a free consultation. Our Martins Ferry Social Security Disability lawyers can fight hard to get you the benefits your family needs.