Austintown Social Security Disability Lawyer

Berger and Green deeply understands how critical Social Security disability benefits are for individuals unable to work due to severe physical or mental impairment. While medical bills and other expenses are piling up, government assistance in the form of disability benefits is a life-changing avenue of financial resources for those in need. 

Our Austintown Social Security Disability Lawyers can determine eligibility for SSDI or SSI, file the relevant applications, and request appeals as necessary if your initial claim is denied. We will use our more than 40 years of experience to strive to bring your claim to a successful outcome. 

Our Social Security Disability Attorney in Austintown Can Assess Your Eligibility

SSA provides disability benefits to individuals who have sustained debilitating and long-term physical and mental impairment via two programs — Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each has unique eligibility requirements that our attorney would be happy to review with you and see how it fits your current circumstances. 

• SSDI: This program provides monthly cash payments for individuals now facing a severe disability that prevents them from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (any job that makes above $1,350). Applicants must have worked long enough, accumulated a certain number of work credits (depending on your age, this can be as few as 20 credits), and contributed to the Social Security trust fund by paying social security taxes on their earnings. Further, your medical condition must also meet SSA’s strict definition of disability. 
• SSI: This program offers a monthly cash payment to disabled individuals who have a limited income and own very few assets. 

Note that SSDI recipients may also be eligible for SSI. Our attorney can explain further about the programs and verify if you meet the requirements. 

Why a Berger and Green Austintown Social Security Disability Lawyer Is the Best Partner in Helping You Seek Benefits

The Social Security Disability system is surrounded by strict laws and regulations that ensure that the benefits only go to individuals who need them. But, sometimes, these laws prevent even the most qualified applicants from accessing disability payments. Our Austintown Social Security Disability attorney is here to help.

Our attorney and legal team will handle all the key areas that fall between filing strong benefits claims and winning approval through multiple appeals levels, if necessary. Here are some ways you can expect us to help you: 

• Prepare and file your initial SSDI or SSI application after verifying the accuracy of all information 
• Communicate with the SSA representative or DDS examiner in case any additional information is required 
• Appeal any denials promptly within 60 days of receiving a decision letter 
• Prepare you for the ALJ hearing and present a strong case before the Judge
• Offer you guidance throughout the process to ensure you’re making informed decisions every step of the way

We are here to provide assistance at every stage of the process. Whether you’re just considering applying or have received a denial, we can help you take the next best step towards achieving approval. 

Did SSA Deny Your Claim? Our Austintown Social Security Disability Attorney Can File an Appeal

No matter how much effort and time you pour into that initial application, there’s a good chance that it may get denied, which is the case with about 65 percent of initial applications.

Thankfully, SSA provides SSDI and SSI applicants with four stages of appeals to get their denied claims re-evaluated for approval.  As you proceed through each stage, you will have 60 days from receiving the decision letter to request an appeal and advance to the next stage. 

Your Austintown Social Security disability attorney can handle the lengthy appeals process for you. Here’s what to expect at each stage:

• Reconsideration: Your claim undergoes a fresh review, this time in the hands of another Disability Determination evaluator who was not involved in the initial determination. They will also consider any new evidence while forming a decision. 
• ALJ hearing: If your claim is denied again at the reconsideration stage, we will request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge who will evaluate your file and ask questions about your medical condition and how it impacts your employment and other facets of your life. The Judge may interview other experts, such as medical professionals, to learn about your disability. We will fully prepare you for this hearing. 
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies the claim, we will request a review by SSA’s Appeals Council. They may grant or reject the request. If the review is permitted, the Council may agree with the ALJ’s decision, declare a new decision, or send the claim back to the ALJ for more evaluation. 
• Federal Court: If the Council denies the review request or does not provide approval the next step is a civil lawsuit against SSA through the federal district court. 

Our goal is always to get your claim a favorable verdict in the SSDI and SSI appeals process. We will file for appeals through the stages and submit any required evidence when the officials ask. 

Let Our Austintown Social Security Disability Lawyer Fight for Your Disability Benefits Claim

Berger and Green have over 40 years of experience helping disabled residents throughout Ohio receive disability benefits. We want to use that experience and knowledge to strengthen your application. 

Whether you’re a first-time applicant, facing a claim denial, or are wondering if you would be a good candidate for obtaining disability benefits, our Austintown Social Security disability attorneys are here to help.

Contact us for a confidential and free consultation with our team members. Once we assess your claim, we can answer all your questions, verify your eligibility, and explain your options regarding seeking financial assistance for your disability.