- What Counts as a Disability for Social Security Benefits?
- Why Choose Berger and Green for Your Disability Claim in Hudson, Ohio
- What the SSA Reviews When Deciding a Disability Claim
- Talk to a Hudson Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
When a serious injury or illness keeps you from working, applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming. The law firm of Berger and Green can help claimants in Hudson, Ohio, with their Social Security Disability claims.
With more than 40 years of experience handling Social Security Disability (SSD) claims, Berger and Green understands how confusing the process can be and what the Social Security Administration looks for when reviewing applications.
Whether you need to apply for benefits or you’re already facing a denial, you don’t have to manage the next steps on your own. Our team works to make the path forward clearer and to give you the support you need to move forward.
A Hudson, OH Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green is ready to help you pursue the benefits you need. Call now to speak with a member of our team.
What Counts as a Disability for Social Security Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a disability to be a medically documented condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months.
You do not need to already be out of work for a year—only that your condition is expected to keep you from maintaining full-time employment for that long. The focus is on how your symptoms limit your ability to perform work-related tasks, not just on the diagnosis itself.
Many physical and mental health conditions may qualify, including:
- Severe back, neck, or joint problems
- Heart disease or breathing disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Neurological disorders like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
These examples are not a full list of qualifying conditions, but they show how wide a range of health issues can affect someone’s ability to work. The SSA reviews your medical records, your symptoms, and the limitations you face day to day before deciding whether you meet their definition of disability.
A Hudson Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand how the Social Security Administration evaluates your condition and what information may be important as you move forward with a claim.
Understanding SSDI and SSI Benefits
The Social Security Administration offers two disability programs, and each serves a different purpose. Both programs use the same medical definition of disability.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security long enough to earn the required work credits. Most adults need about 20 credits—roughly five years of recent work—to qualify, although this number can vary based on age. SSDI looks at your medical condition and your work history.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who also meet Social Security’s disability standard. It does not require work credits, but the financial rules for income and assets are strict.
It’s not always easy to know which program applies to your situation or what Social Security needs to see from you. Our Hudson Social Security Disability lawyers can walk you through the differences, answer your questions, and help you move forward with an application or appeal.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationWhy Choose Berger and Green for Your Disability Claim in Hudson, Ohio
When you’re unable to work and trying to secure the benefits you need, having a law firm you trust can make the entire process feel more manageable. For more than 40 years, Berger and Green has helped people navigate Social Security Disability claims with steady guidance and a clear focus on their well-being.
If you work with our firm, we can help you apply for Social Security Disability benefits by completing and filing your initial application. We make sure the information you submit is clear, complete, and organized so the SSA has what it needs to evaluate your claim.
And if you’ve already been denied, you still have options. Many people are approved later in the process, and our team is here to help you through those stages, too.
We Represent You in the Social Security Disability Appeals Process
A denial is discouraging, but it does not mean your case is over. Many successful claims are approved during the appeals process, which unfolds in several stages:
- Reconsideration: A new reviewer examines your claim, medical records, and any updated information. Many initial denials are upheld here, so it’s important to continue forward if you qualify.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: This is often the most important stage. Your lawyer represents you and advocates for your case during a hearing held by phone, video, or in person. The ALJ reviews your testimony, medical evidence, and overall limitations.
- Further Appeal: If your claim is not approved after the ALJ hearing, you may still request that the Appeals Council review the decision. The Council looks at whether the judge applied Social Security’s rules correctly and whether another review is warranted. If they do not grant a review, additional appeal options may exist. Your lawyer helps you understand what comes next and whether continuing the appeal is right for you.
No matter where you are in your claim, we work to make each step easier so you can concentrate on your health.
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpWhat the SSA Reviews When Deciding a Disability Claim
When Social Security reviews your application, it looks at more than your diagnosis. The SSA evaluates how your condition affects your ability to work on a consistent basis by reviewing your medical records, treatment history, reported symptoms, past work, and daily limitations.
They also consider whether your condition would prevent you from adjusting to other types of full-time work.
Why So Many Disability Claims Are Denied
Many claims are denied simply because the application doesn’t clearly show how a condition limits full-time work. Denials can also happen when medical records are incomplete or when the SSA believes someone could still perform a different type of job.
A denial can feel discouraging, but it often reflects how complex the system is—not the seriousness of your condition. Many people are approved later in the appeals process.
A Hudson Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand the reason for your denial and what steps you can take next.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationTalk to a Hudson Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
If a medical condition is keeping you from working, you don’t have to face the Social Security Disability process alone. Berger and Green provides steady support for people in Hudson, OH who need to apply for benefits or appeal a denial.
A Hudson Social Security Disability lawyer is ready to help you take the next step—reach out today for a free consultation to get started.
