- How Does the Social Security Administration Define a Disability?
- Berger and Green Attorneys Have Evaluated Thousands of Disability Claims
- How Can a Wellsburg, WV, Social Security Disability Lawyer Help If I Receive a Denial Letter?
Disabilities can make supporting yourself and your family challenging. If you have a diagnosed health condition that prevents you from working in Wellsburg, WV, we are here for you. Our Wellsburg Social Security Disability lawyers can help you understand your options, prepare and file your application, and appeal a denial, if necessary.
At Berger and Green, our law firm has been helping clients secure the benefits they need and deserve for over 40 years. We handle both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Does the Social Security Administration Define a Disability?
In general, individuals must provide evidence that their condition is so serious that it keeps them from working and earning a living to qualify for disability benefits under SSDI or SSI. This requires:
- Documentation of medical treatment and a condition that continues to make it impossible to work
- Meeting the evidentiary requirements based on the condition that causes the disability, if it is listed in The Blue Book’s impairment listings
- An inability to earn more than the current substantial gainful activity limit ($1,620 in 2025)
If your condition is not listed in The Blue Book, then you will need to qualify for Social Security Disability based on your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Your RFC is an assessment of your remaining abilities despite your condition. It looks at factors such as whether you can stand for long periods, walk around as necessary for your job, or focus on work-related tasks for a full shift.
To qualify for benefits you need to show that you cannot work your former jobs or others your age, education, and experience might allow you to work.
Should I Apply for SSDI or SSI?
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA will determine your eligibility for benefits. There are two types of benefits, SSDI and SSI. These programs have different eligibility requirements. Rarely, someone might qualify for both. Our team can help you figure out which program best suits your needs and situation.
SSI requires claimants to meet strict limits on their income and available resources. It will require you to submit information about household assets and earnings. SSDI does not have needs-based requirements like SSI. However, you must have enough work credits and recent enough work credits to get approval for benefits. You earn these work credits by working and paying into Social Security through your taxes. We can help you determine if you have the necessary work credits.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationBerger and Green Attorneys Have Evaluated Thousands of Disability Claims
Over the last 40+ years, the Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green have helped thousands of clients apply for disability benefits and appeal denials. We know how this process works and how to most effectively navigate it. You can use our experience and knowledge to your benefit by letting our team take care of your claim.
Our attorneys can help you no matter where you are in the claims process. This could include:
- Weighing options for SSDI, SSI, or both
- Determining if you may qualify for disability benefits
- Preparing and filing your application
- Answering your questions about this process
- Challenging a denial
- Representing your best interests throughout this process
We understand the most common reasons why denials occur and can help you avoid incomplete or incorrect claims. We will also ensure your paperwork includes the appropriate information for your doctors so that Disability Determination Services has access to your medical records, which are critical to your claim.
We work based on contingency. You will not need to worry about paying upfront fees. We know living with a condition that is disabling can cause significant financial stress. We do not want your lawyer fees to add to that. We only get paid from the back pay you receive if and when we get your claim approved.
Why Should I Consider Working With a Social Security Disability Attorney From Berger and Green?
Choosing Berger and Green is about more than just filling out forms — it’s about having experienced lawyers on your side. Our team takes the stress of the Social Security Disability system off your shoulders, keeping your claim on track while you focus on your health.
You’re not navigating the process alone. We know the rules, the deadlines, and the obstacles — and we use that knowledge to give you the best chance at approval without unnecessary delays.
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpHow Can a Wellsburg, WV, Social Security Disability Lawyer Help If I Receive a Denial Letter?
If you receive a denial letter, you have a short window to appeal. You should act quickly to ensure we can file a request for reconsideration—the first step in the appeals process—before the 60-day deadline approaches. Missing this deadline would mean restarting the claims process and resetting the timeline for your claim, which could cause you to lose out financially.
Our team handles appeals regularly and can build a strong case for your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). We want the SSA to approve your claim on appeal.
Appeals follow a multistep process:
- Reconsideration
- ALJ hearing, in person, over the phone, or via video call
- Appeals Council, if they agree to review it
- Federal lawsuit
When you trust our team with your claim for benefits, you get a team experienced with filing appeals and preparing you for your hearing.
Discuss Your Wellsburg, WV, Social Security Disability Case With Us for Free
Berger and Green offers free consultations for those who are sick or hurt and cannot work in Wellsburg, WV. You can get answers to your questions and learn how our Wellsburg Social Security Disability lawyer can help you. Contact us today to get started.
