Let a Franklin Disability Benefits Attorney Take Action On Your Claim
Two federal programs can help you pay your bills each month if you are disabled and in financial need. Each Social Security Disability (SSD) program has different eligibility requirements, but both provide monthly payments.
A Franklin Social Security disability lawyer at Berger and Green can help you apply for benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires certain paperwork, and we can ensure they receive the appropriate information about your medical providers.
We can also help you challenge an SSD denial. The SSA will deny applications if they do not have the required information. You can request an appeal or a hearing in these cases. Call us at (412) 661-1400 and speak to our team about your SSD benefits claim.
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Franklin, call 412-661-1400
About Social Security Disability Benefits
You might meet the eligibility requirements for federal benefits if you are disabled and need help financially. In some cases, disabled Franklin, PA residents qualify for assistance from both the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance offers monthly payments if you have a disabling condition and cannot work to earn an income. The SSDI program is only available if you have a disability and have paid into the program through Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income is available if you are disabled, are a senior, or are blind. You must also have little to no income. SSI assistance helps with covering the cost of food, shelter, clothing, and other basic needs.
When applying to either of these programs, you will need to provide information about your condition and finances. While each has a separate application, the needed documents are similar. Some examples of paperwork you might need to include are:
- Medical records about your disability
- Bank statements
- A list of past jobs
- Your birth, marriage, or divorce certificate
- Military documents, if applicable
Depending on your situation, you might also need to show workers’ compensation agreements, settlements, lawsuit statements, and award letters. This information helps the SSA determine your eligibility for benefits. If you do not include all the needed information, you can delay your claim approval or receive a denial for lack of evidence.
How to Be Eligible for SSD Benefits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one in four adults have a disability. Of those, 13 percent have mobility issues, nearly 11 percent have a cognitive disability, and almost 7 percent cannot live alone because of their disability.
Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income have different requirements. However, to apply under a disability, you must have a condition the SSA considers a disability. The SSA considers you disabled if you have an impairment that prevents you from substantial gainful activity and:
- Is terminal
- Has lasted for 12 months
- Or, will last for at least 12 months
For SSDI benefits, you must be an “insured” worker. You are an insured worker once you meet the minimum Social Security credit requirement, which is 40 for most people. If you are 25 years old or younger, you might still be eligible.
Funding for the SSI program does not come from Social Security taxes, so you do not need to be an insured worker to qualify. SSI eligibility is solely based on need. SSA must consider you to have limited resources, such as a low income and no savings.
SSDI considers your past income to determine your benefit payment. The more you earn, the higher your monthly benefit will be since you paid more in taxes throughout your life.
SSI, on the other hand, considers your current earnings for your benefit amount. The SSA will subtract your monthly wage from the Federal benefit rate to establish your payment.
A Franklin Social Security disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help you apply for SSD benefits from either program. We can ensure that your application has the needed documentation. Call a team member today at (412) 661-1400.
Franklin Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me 412-661-1400
Stages of Social Security Disability Claims
You may be subject to one to four stages when seeking SSD benefits. You must go through each stage as they come and cannot skip ahead. The SSD claim stages include the following:
- Applying for benefits: You will need to submit the appropriate application and include documents that confirm your eligibility. The SSA will contact you if they have questions or need additional paperwork. Once they make a decision, they will send you a notification letter in the mail.
- Appealing a denial: You can request an appeal if the SSA denied your application for SSD benefits. Within 60 days of receiving your denial letter, you must send a written request if you wish to appeal the decision. Your appeal request should include additional information about why you feel the denial is incorrect. For example, if the SSA denied you for lack of a medical condition, you can send current information about your condition, such as medical records detailing your test results and treatments.
- Reconsideration: A new representative who had no part in your first denial will review your claim and any additional information. The SSA will mail you a letter with the new determination. You cannot request a hearing until after you receive a second denial.
- Requesting a hearing: If the SSA denies you in the reconsideration stage, you can request a hearing provided there is sufficient time. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) reviews any new evidence along with your claim. Your Franklin Social Security disability lawyer can explain your case and answer any question the ALJ asks. The SSA will send you the ALJ’s decision via mail.
You might find it easier to have a representative if your disability inhibits your ability to move or speak. At Berger and Green, we can help you apply for disability benefits and represent you in a hearing. No matter where you are in the process, give us a call at (412) 661-1400.
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