Retaining the knowledge and experience of an attorney to lead your disability benefits claim can help you thoroughly know your rights and legal options. The Social Security disability lawyers at Berger and Green know what mistakes lead to application denials and delays and will do everything possible to prevent such errors from impacting your claim’s outcome.
A Steubenville Social Security Disability Lawyer from our firm is ready to advocate for the disability benefits you are entitled to. Reach out to us to discuss your case over a free consultation. We can help you in every step of the process, from filing applications to appealing denials.
Eligibility for SSDI or SSI
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disabled citizens monthly financial assistance to help make ends meet. It runs two main disability benefits programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI: This program provides a modest monthly payment to workers unable to rejoin the workforce to perform Substantial Gainful Activity (any job that generates more than $1,350) after sustaining severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to last for at least a year or result in death. To be eligible for SSDI, the applicant must have worked long enough and accrued sufficient work credits (20 credits minimum-in most circumstances) to apply. The applicant must also have a medical condition that meets SSA’s strict definition of disability.
SSI: This program aims to provide financial assistance to individuals who are disabled and who have not worked and paid taxes to qualify for SSDI. The applicants must meet strict financial requirements, including income caps and little to no assets. SSDI recipients can apply for SSI benefits.
Our Steubenville social security disability lawyers are here to answer any questions you may have pertaining to disability benefits programs. Do not assume that you are automatically disqualified for disability benefits if you don’t have enough work experience. We would love to thoroughly review the facts of your case to see your claim’s potential.
For a free legal consultation with a Social Security Disability lawyer serving Steubenville, call 412-661-1400
How a Social Security Disability Attorney Is a Valuable Ally for Your Claim
Filing for disability benefits and getting the claim approved is neither a straightforward process nor is it quick. From time limits to accuracy and thoroughness of information submitted, many variables can influence whether your application gets denied or delayed.
Berger and Green have handled hundreds of SSDI and SSI applications over the last 40 years. We are well-versed in the mistakes that deny applications and are ready to file any appeals in a timely manner. When we work together, you can rest assured that we will approach every facet of the application process diligently.
Our team has the resources to manage the entire application filing through the appeals process, so we will relentlessly work toward getting your claim a strong chance of getting approved. Here are some ways we may assist your case:
- Completing your SSDI and SSI disability applications.
- Filing your claim on time and ensuring the accuracy of the information before it gets submitted.
- Make sure you have all the medical documentation and other evidence needed it.
- We are in contact with the Social Security Administration every step of the way.
- Filing all the appeals promptly and preparing you for the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.
- We are with you every step of the way.
While the path to successfully receiving disability benefits is inherently challenging, this doesn’t have to be the case for you. Berger and Green will take the stress of legalities surrounding the application process off your shoulders so you can focus fully on getting back on your feet.
Steubenville Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me 412-661-1400
Appeal the Denial Before Time Runs Out
If you have already applied to SSI or SSDI and have received a decision letter that notified you of your claim being denied, you may be wondering what to do next. You have the right to appeal the SSA’s decision but this needs to be done within 60 days of receiving the decision letter, or you will have to start the application process all over again.
The SSDI and SSI Appeal Process are divided into four stages. Here is an overview of the appeals process that our social security disability attorneys can help you navigate:
- Reconsideration: This is an in-depth review of your case, where a new Determination Disability Services (DDS) examiner evaluates the evidence provided during the first determination and any new evidence you submit.
- ALJ Hearing: If the DDS examiner denies your claim again, your attorney will request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. We will thoroughly prepare you to answer all the questions the Judge may pose to learn more about your medical condition.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies the claim, we can request a review from SSA’s Appeals Council, a group of ALJs, appeals officers, and support personnel. If the council agrees to a review, they may choose to uphold, change, or reverse the ALJ’s decision. Or they may return the claim to the ALJ for further evaluation.
- Federal Court Review: If the Appeals Council denies your claim or does not grant a review, we can then file a civil lawsuit against SSA in the federal district court.
A denial does not have to mean the end of the story— we are here to appeal the denial within the Social Security system.
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Retain Our Legal Expertise for Your Disability Benefits Claim
If you are considering filing social security disability benefits claim or had your already submitted application denied, contact Berger and Green immediately. We can use our more than 40 years of experience filing and appealing hundreds of disability benefits claims to get your application for benefits started.
From filing and appealing to representing you in hearings and other proceedings, our team will be with you every step of the way. We will answer any questions you may have and better explain how we can help. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your options and learn your rights regarding disability benefits.
Call or text 412-661-1400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
