Shinnston
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits
2. Challenges of the Disability Application Process that Shinnston Applicants Face
3. How a Shinnston Social Security Disability Lawyer Helps
4. Get Started With a Shinnston Social Security Disability Attorney

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

September 09, 2025

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with serious health challenges. The application process is full of strict requirements, deadlines, and paperwork. Unfortunately, even small mistakes can lead to long delays or denials.

For residents of Shinnston, West Virginia, these setbacks can place an even greater strain on families who rely on disability benefits to cover everyday expenses and medical care.

Our Social Security Disability lawyers representing Shinnston understand the legal system and can guide you through every step of the process. Reach out to Berger and Green today for a free consultation to learn more about us.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

When you’re exploring disability benefits, you have two key programs to consider:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is an earned benefit, based on your work history and the taxes you’ve paid into the Social Security system, and provides a monthly income.

Receiving SSDI is contingent on having a qualifying disability. Your condition must be severe enough to prohibit substantial gainful activity (SGA), must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and prevent you from doing past (or other) work considering your age, education, and experience.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a need-based program that doesn’t require prior work history. It’s intended for people who have qualifying disabilities and who have very limited income and resources.

Maximum assets allowed are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. You must meet SSA’s medical definition of disability (same as SSDI), and reside in one of the 50 states, DC, or certain U.S. territories.

In some cases, it is possible to receive both SSDI and SSI if you qualify separately for each.

Understanding the distinctions between SSDI and SSI, from different eligibility pathways to benefit amounts and recent changes, is essential. It helps you or someone you know identify the right path forward—whether that’s leveraging your work history for SSDI, focusing on financial need for SSI, or combining both.

Our attorneys can help you determine which program best suits your needs if you are unsure or having trouble with the eligibility requirements for one or both programs.

Challenges of the Disability Application Process that Shinnston Applicants Face

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is often more difficult than many people expect. In fact, about two-thirds of initial applications are denied nationwide, meaning most people will need to go through appeals before receiving benefits. Some common reasons for denial include:

• Incomplete or Inaccurate Paperwork: Missing forms, wrong information, or failure to provide key details can cause immediate rejection.
• Insufficient Medical Evidence: The SSA requires detailed medical records proving your condition prevents you from working. If treatment notes, test results, or doctor statements are missing, your case may be denied.
• Missed Deadlines: Applicants must respond quickly to SSA requests and appeal decisions within specific time limits (usually 60 days).
• Earning Above the SGA Limit: In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) disqualifies you from benefits, regardless of your health.

The application process is slow, often taking several months just to get an initial decision. During this time, applicants may be unable to work and left without income, leading to financial strain and added stress. For families in Shinnston, these delays can affect everything from paying bills to affording medical treatment.

Although it’s possible to apply without help, navigating medical requirements, SSA rules, and strict deadlines is challenging. Many first-time applicants are denied not because they don’t qualify, but because their claim wasn’t presented effectively. That’s where the Shinnston Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green come in.

How a Shinnston Social Security Disability Lawyer Helps

For many people in Shinnston, applying for disability benefits isn’t just about filling out paperwork—it’s about securing the financial stability needed to cover housing, medical treatment, and daily living expenses.

A disability lawyer can help guide you through the process, offering knowledge, experience, and confidence every step of the way.

Personalized Guidance From the Start

A Social Security Disability lawyer doesn’t just step in after a denial. They can help from day one by:

• Reviewing your work history to determine if you qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both.
• Ensuring that your application includes the medical records, treatment notes, and doctors’ statements that the SSA requires.
• Completing and submitting forms correctly, avoiding errors that often trigger denials.

Representation in Hearings and Appeals

If your initial claim is denied, the process becomes even more complex. Filing a request for reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, meeting appeal deadlines, requesting an additional review from the Appeals Council, and filing a case in federal court are all daunting tasks for the average applicant. Our firm helps you by:

• Managing deadlines for every phase of your case
• Preparing you for testimony before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
• Building a legal argument that highlights how your condition prevents you from working.

No Upfront Costs

Our Social Security Disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front. Instead, the attorney receives a percentage of your backpay award if the claims process is successful.

Get Started With a Shinnston Social Security Disability Attorney

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to face it alone. The rules are strict, the paperwork is detailed, and delays are common.

A Shinnston Social Security Disability lawyer can stand by your side from start to finish, ensuring your claim is presented clearly, deadlines are met, and your rights are fully protected.

If you or a loved one in Shinnston are unable to work due to a serious medical condition, don’t wait to seek help. The sooner you act, the sooner you can pursue the benefits you need to focus on your health and provide for your family.

Connect with the legal team at Berger and Green today. Your initial consultation is free.