Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can make everyday life unpredictable. Fatigue, mobility issues, vision problems, and cognitive changes can come and go, making it difficult to keep up with the demands of a full-time job. If MS symptoms are interfering with your ability to work, you may be wondering how you are supposed to protect your income and your future.
A Canton multiple sclerosis disability lawyer can help you understand whether Social Security Disability benefits may be available. At Berger and Green, we work with people who are struggling to work because of serious, ongoing medical conditions like MS. Whether you are thinking about applying for benefits or appealing a denial, our Canton Social Security Disability lawyers are here to guide you through the process. Call for a free consultation now.
How Berger and Green Supports People Living With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis does not follow a predictable course. Symptoms can fluctuate, worsen without warning, or affect different aspects of daily life at different times. This can make it difficult to explain—on paper—how MS interferes with the ability to work consistently.
At Berger and Green, we focus on how multiple sclerosis affects your real, day-to-day functioning. Our lawyers understand that fatigue, cognitive changes, and flare-ups can be just as limiting as physical symptoms, even when they are harder to describe. We take the time to understand your situation and help present a clear picture of how MS impacts your ability to work.
Because living with MS can make paperwork, deadlines, and stressful communications harder to manage, our firm provides steady guidance and dependable representation from start to finish. We focus on clear communication and practical support so you are not left trying to navigate the disability process on your own.
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Start A Free EvaluationMultiple Sclerosis and Social Security Disability Benefits
When determining if you meet the definition of disabled, the Social Security Administration evaluates whether multiple sclerosis is expected to limit your ability to work for 12 months or longer. The focus is not on how long you have already been unable to work, but on whether ongoing symptoms are likely to prevent you from sustaining full-time employment.
MS affects each person differently, but many people experience symptoms that make steady employment difficult or impossible. These may include:
- Severe or persistent fatigue
- Problems with balance, coordination, or walking
- Muscle weakness or numbness
- Vision changes
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
The SSA looks at how these symptoms affect your ability to perform work tasks reliably, maintain attendance, and keep up with normal job demands. The focus is on functional limitations, not just the diagnosis itself.
SSDI and SSI Benefits for People With MS
Social Security Disability benefits are available through two main programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While the programs differ, both are designed to support people whose medical conditions prevent them from maintaining full-time employment.
- SSDI is based on your work history. Most people need about 20 work credits, which generally equals around five years of work, to qualify. If you have paid into the Social Security system and MS prevents you from sustaining consistent employment, SSDI may be an option.
- SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Work history is less important, but you must still show that MS causes serious, ongoing limitations that interfere with the ability to work.
Understanding how these programs apply to your situation can be difficult, which is why many people with MS choose to seek legal guidance.
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Contact Us Now For HelpApplying for Social Security Disability Benefits for the First Time
The applications for Social Security Disability benefits require detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and how MS limits your ability to work on a consistent basis. Many people are unsure what the Social Security Administration is looking for or how to clearly explain the impact MS has on their daily functioning.
The SSA evaluates MS claims using medical records and related documentation, including treatment notes, symptom descriptions, and evidence showing how MS affects daily activities and work-related tasks. Work history is also reviewed to determine whether full-time employment is possible.
Our lawyers help clients apply for benefits by completing and filing the initial disability application and ensuring the SSA receives clear, accurate information about their condition and work limitations. We handle the paperwork and deadlines, helping make the application process more manageable from the start.
What Happens if Your MS Disability Claim Is Denied
Receiving a denial from the Social Security Administration can be discouraging, especially when multiple sclerosis already affects your daily life. Many people assume a denial means they are not eligible for benefits, but that is often not true. Valid MS disability claims are frequently denied at the early stages.
If your claim is denied, the Social Security Disability appeals process typically follows these steps:
- Reconsideration: This is the first level of appeal. The SSA reviews your claim again after an initial denial. Reconsideration denials are common, especially in MS cases.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you may request a hearing before a Judge. This is often the most important stage of the process. Our lawyers represent clients at ALJ hearings, which may be held by phone, video, or in person.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision for legal or procedural errors.
- Federal Court Review: If the Appeals Council declines review or upholds the denial, the final step is filing a lawsuit in federal court, where a judge reviews whether the SSA followed the law.
Throughout the appeals process, our focus is on clear communication and dependable support. We manage the filings, deadlines, and representation so you do not have to face denials or complex procedures alone. Our Canton multiple sclerosis disability attorneys advocate for you at every stage, explaining what to expect and answering questions along the way.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationTalk to a Canton Multiple Sclerosis Disability Lawyer Today
Living with multiple sclerosis can make the future feel uncertain. If MS symptoms are preventing you from maintaining steady employment, you do not have to face the Social Security Disability process alone.
At Berger and Green, our multiple sclerosis disability lawyers serving have more than 40 years of experience helping people with serious medical conditions pursue the benefits they need. We provide free consultations and personalized support every step of the way, so contact Berger and Green today.