Akron
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. Our Law Firm Guides Akron Residents Through the Disability Claims Process
2. What Akron Residents Need to Know About SSA’s Disability Benefits Programs
3. What to Expect From the Social Security Disability Appeals Process
4. How to Get Help When Seeking Social Security Disability

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working to support yourself, an Akron Social Security Disability lawyer at Berger and Green could help you fight for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

You have to apply separately for each program. Some people qualify for both programs, but only if they meet the different standards for each. Call our legal team today to find out if you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits at no cost to you. We can handle everything over the phone, there is no need to visit our office to get started.

Our Law Firm Guides Akron Residents Through the Disability Claims Process

At Berger and Green, we are very familiar with what it takes to get SSD claims over the finish line. While the Disability attorneys at our law firm cannot make this complicated process go any faster, what we can do is:

• File your application on your behalf, so there is no risk of your providing a wrong answer or using the wrong paperwork
• Check to make sure your application includes all necessary evidence and materials, and tell you where to find these materials
• Stay in touch with both you and the Social Security Administration so that everyone knows what is happening at all times
• File a timely appeal if your case is denied and guide you through the appeals process, no matter how long it takes
• Work on a contingency basis so you pay nothing until we win

What if My SSD Claim Was Already Denied?

Our Akron Disability attorneys can still help, even if you already tried filing a claim on your own. The sooner you tell us about your situation, the sooner Berger and Green can get to work on fighting for the benefits you deserve.

Ohio Social Security Disability benefits are a vital lifeline for many people with disabilities. Our law firm wants to make sure that everyone who needs these benefits can get them.

What Akron Residents Need to Know About SSA’s Disability Benefits Programs

People often confuse the two Disability benefits programs that Social Security runs. In brief:

• The Social Security Administration operates two distinct programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• SSDI is for people who have a severe medical condition that prevents them from working. You can only qualify for SSDI if you accumulated enough work credits for the program. You collect work credits by having a job that pays Social Security taxes.
• SSI has the same medical requirements as SSDI but does not require any work credits. Also, you must have low income and few resources or assets in order to meet SSI requirements and receive benefits.

Assets and Income for SSI Applicants in Akron, Ohio

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the countable assets limit for SSI is currently set at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Not all of your assets count for purposes of SSI eligibility. For example:

• The house where you live and the land it sits on are exempt.
• You can have one vehicle for transportation, your clothing, and household goods.
• Other items are also exempt from counting toward the $2,000/$3,000 resources limit.

In addition to the asset limit, SSI will only provide benefits if you have a very low income. Some types of income are not countable. Your countable income will reduce the amount of your SSI benefit. If you have countable income that is more than the Federal benefit level, you will not qualify for SSI benefits.

Who Can Qualify for SSDI Benefits

SSDI is not an insurance policy in the traditional meaning of the term. However, you can think of the deductions from your salary or wages as similar to insurance premiums. By paying those “premiums,” you can participate in the SSDI benefits program if you lose the ability to work, as long as you also meet all of the additional requirements.

The SSA will evaluate whether your situation meets the SSDI definition of disability using a five-step process:

• The SSA will see how much money you make. If you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount, the SSA will say that you are not disabled, so you do not qualify for SSDI payments. The SGA for 2024 is $1,550 for most applicants.
• Your medical condition must prevent you from performing standard job functions, like standing, walking, thinking, and problem-solving.
• If your illness or injury satisfies the Blue Book severity test, you will be considered disabled if you are not working above the SGA limits. The SSA’s Listing of Impairments⁠ states the detailed parameters for hundreds of medical conditions and covers every system of the body.
• If the SSA determines that you should still be able to perform your current job (or any former position), they will likely deny your application.
• The SSA will explore whether your medical condition prevents you from changing careers.

What You Need to Know About Disability and Work Credits

You can earn up to four work credits a year. You get one work credit for every quarter (three-month block) in which you make enough money at a job that pays Social Security taxes. Your age determines the number of credits you need. Younger workers do not have to build up as many work credits as older employees.

Navigating the Disability Claims Process in Akron

You do not have to go through this challenging process alone. An Akron Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green could help you apply for SSDI or SSI, or appeal the denial of your application. Call today for a free consultation. Know that you will not pay any attorneys’ fees unless we win your case.

What to Expect From the Social Security Disability Appeals Process

Unfortunately, not every claim is accepted immediately. This could happen for several reasons: maybe the SSA did not receive enough evidence to evaluate your claim, or there was a misunderstanding about something in your application. There are four levels of the appeals process that you can navigate if necessary:

• Reconsideration: During this stage, you request that the SSA reconsiders the decision it made.
• Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge: If the SSA upholds its denial, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
• Appeals Council Review: If you do not succeed at the ALJ hearing level, you can ask the Appeals Council to review your case.
• Filing a lawsuit in Federal Court: You can file a lawsuit if the Appeals Council upholds the ALJ’s decision.

Our team can manage this process on your behalf. Clients can always rely on Berger and Green to protect their interests and prepare them for all necessary hearings.

How to Get Help When Seeking Social Security Disability

An Akron Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green can fight your battles for you while you focus on your wellness. Call today for a no-cost consultation. For over 40 years, we have helped Ohioans just like you navigate the claims process, file applications, and fight back against unfair denials.