Lancaster
Social Security Disability Lawyer

Filing for Social Security benefits while dealing with physical or mental health conditions can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’ve already been denied benefits. A Lancaster Social Security Disability lawyer at Berger and Green can help relieve the burden so you can focus on your well-being.

The team at Berger and Green can help make the process less frustrating by explaining what action to take from the very beginning. If you have been denied by the Social Security Administration, we can help you with filing an appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Call our office today to receive a free, no-risk consultation. 

Types of Social Security Disability Benefits in Lancaster, OH

There are two main federal programs that provide disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each has different eligibility requirements.

SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security. To qualify, you must:

• Have a medical condition that prevents you from working
• Have earned enough work credits in recent years
• Earn less than the current substantial gainful activity limit

Your assets or investment income won’t affect SSDI eligibility, and once you reach retirement age, the benefit automatically converts to Social Security retirement.

SSI is for individuals with limited income and few financial resources, regardless of work history. To qualify, you must:

• Have a disability that prevents you from working
• Meet strict income and asset limits set by the SSA

Unlike SSDI, SSI considers all income sources, including support from friends or family.

The team at Berger and Green can evaluate your situation, guide you through the application process, and help you understand if one or both programs are right for you.

Qualifying Disabilities in Lancaster, OH

If you suffer from a disability that keeps you from working, you may qualify for benefits. However, you must be able to provide medical documentation that supports your claim.

These documents can include:

• Medical scans such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT 
• Laboratory test results
• Results from clinical testing
• Treatments and outcomes

SSA and the Ohio OOD Division of Disability Determination (DDD) consider an individual disabled if they meet the following criteria:

• Unable to return to past occupation;
• Unable to adjust to a new occupation, and
• Disability remains or is expected to last longer than one year or may result in death.

For SSI benefits, the SSA publishes very specific requirements about who is eligible.

• Blind: If you have a visual impairment that meets the qualification
• Disabled: You have a medically diagnosable mental or physical condition that diminishes your ability to do work
• Limited Resources: Things that an individual owns, such as cash and property
• Limited Income: Any money from any source that you receive

When applying for disability benefits from the SSA, your capacity to stand, walk, lift, sit, and remember will be evaluated by a designated medical professional before they will qualify you as disabled.

If you are having trouble understanding or applying for Social Security Disability, a social security disability (SSD) lawyer serving Lancaster, OH, at Berger and Green can help with the process.

Understanding the SSD Application and Appeals Process

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits isn’t always straightforward. The process involves several steps, and many applicants face initial denials—even if they meet the SSA’s criteria. Below is a clear look at each phase, including how our legal team can help you navigate it successfully.

Initial Application

The process begins by submitting an application to the SSA, which includes your medical records, employment history, and proof of your disabling condition. Unfortunately, many first-time applicants are denied due to incomplete information or a lack of strong medical evidence. We help improve your odds by:

• Gathering complete and relevant medical documentation
• Ensuring the application is accurate and compliant with SSA requirements
• Avoiding common filing mistakes that trigger delays or denials

Reconsideration

If your initial application is denied, you have 60 days to request a reconsideration. At this stage, the SSA assigns a different reviewer to evaluate your claim, but approval rates remain low. To strengthen your case, we can:

• Provide up to date medical documentation
• Clarify past application details that may have been incorrect
• Ensure deadlines are not missed

Disability Hearing

Should reconsideration result in another denial, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is often the best opportunity to explain your situation in detail and provide supporting testimony. Our legal team can:

• Prepare you for the judge’s questions and help you articulate your limitations clearly
• Present medical evidence, employment records, and legal arguments on your behalf
• Cross-examine vocational or medical experts brought in by the SSA

Appeals Council and Federal Court

If the ALJ still denies your claim, you can request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council. If that fails, you have the option of filing a lawsuit in federal court. These stages are highly technical and procedural and include:

• Drafting formal appeals, legal briefs, and court filings
• Managing strict deadlines and documentation rules
• Litigation if necessary

Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, Berger and Green can stand by your side through the entire process. We know the rules, the timelines, and how to present your case effectively, so you can focus on your health and future.

Filing an Appeal After Being Denied Benefits

If your initial application and reconsideration are denied, the next step is to request a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing is a critical point in the appeals process and often where many applicants succeed in having their benefits approved, but preparation is essential.

Once your request for a hearing is filed, it may take several months to receive a hearing date. During this time, the SSA will notify you of when and where your hearing will take place. It may be held in person, via video conference, or over the phone.

At the hearing:

• You will testify under oath about your medical conditions, symptoms, work history, and how your disability affects your daily life.
• The judge may ask you questions directly and may also hear from a vocational expert (VE) who will offer an opinion about whether your condition allows you to perform any type of work.
• You may submit updated medical evidence and written statements in support of your claim.

Because this is a formal legal proceeding, it’s highly recommended to have legal representation to help present your case effectively and cross-examine witnesses.

How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Helps You Manage the Process

Handling the Social Security Disability system involves more than just filling out forms. A skilled SSD lawyer plays a hands-on role in nearly every stage of your case, from application to appeals and hearings. Here’s how our team can help:

• Determine Your Eligibility: We evaluate your work history, medical condition, and financial circumstances to determine which benefits you’re eligible for (SSDI or SSI).
• Help You Apply Correctly: Most first-time applications are denied due to missing or inaccurate information. We make sure your application is complete, medically supported, and properly submitted.
• Gather Strong Medical Evidence: We make sure the Social Security Administration has your medical records. 
• Meet Deadlines and SSA Requirements: We manage important dates, forms, and communication with the SSA so you don’t have to worry about missing a deadline or making a procedural error.
• Represent You at Hearings: If your case proceeds to a hearing, your lawyer prepares you for testimony, questions witnesses, and presents legal arguments before the judge.

When you work with Berger and Green, you get more than administrative support—you get an experienced advocate who understands the complex SSD system and is committed to helping you succeed.

Contact a Lancaster, OH Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you’re struggling with a disability application or appeal, the team at Berger and Green is here to help. Our Lancaster Social Security Disability lawyers can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation and learn how we can support your claim from start to finish.