Blair County Social Security Disability Lawyer

Social Security benefits provide a much-needed lifeline for people who cannot work or have limited ability to work due to a disability. Our Blair County Social Security disability lawyers can help if the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) denied your claim for benefits. 

To start, we can help gather and submit supplemental information during the reconsideration phase. From there, we can help navigate the rest of the steps in the appeals process if needed, including representing you in a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). 

What Are the Different Types of Social Security Disability Benefits?

When applying for Social Security disability, it is important to know the difference between Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is available for people who have earned enough credits through full or part-time employment, while SSI provides essential financial assistance for people with limited income or resources. Below, we take a look at each benefit in more detail:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Eligibility for SSDI benefits is based on your disability and sufficient work credits through your own or family employment. If the SSA approves your claim, you should begin receiving benefits on the sixth full calendar month from the date the SSA determines your disability began. 

You can use the SSA’s Benefits Calculator to see how much you may receive in SSDI benefits per month. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI benefits are often supplemented with other state programs. To be eligible for benefits you must meet the SSA’s definitions of disabled and have limited financial resources. You will qualify for Medicaid upon receipt of SSI.

There are many other details of Social Security Disability benefits that you should know, especially if you face the disappointment of a denied claim. In this event, we want you to know that you have legal rights and do not have to tackle this alone. Our Blair County Social Security Disability attorneys can help determine how much in benefits you can receive from which program. 

Which Disabilities and Health Conditions Qualify for Social Security Benefits?

To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must prove you have a qualifying condition according to the SSA’s requirements. You must also be unable to perform any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to the qualifying physical or mental impairment. 

Additionally, this condition must be expected to result in your death or last continually for at least 12 months if it has not already. 

Tips and Resources for Making Your Application for Benefits

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed about making an application for benefits, the information below can help. However, please be aware this is general guidance, and your unique situation will be the basis of any decisions you receive from the SSA about your benefits. 

• Check the government’s Benefits Finder to see which of the two benefits is most suitable for your circumstances, as most people qualify for one or the other. 
• Check that your disability or illness meets the medical criteria the SSA uses to evaluate social security disability claims, also known as ‘The Blue Book.’
• Gather the evidence you will need to complete your application. 
• Complete and submit your application online, by phone, or in person. If you need assistance, with your application we can help.

If your Disability benefits claim is denied, our social security disability attorneys in Blair County, PA, can help you navigate the appeals process, starting with submitting supplemental documents to help prove your condition. 

The SSA Denied My Claim—What Can I Do?

If your initial application was denied, the majority of applications are denied. You have the right to appeal your denial with the Social Security Administration. 

There are four stages in the appeals process. These are:

• Reconsideration
• A hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• A review by the Appeals Council
• Federal Court Review

We help our clients to navigate the appeals process by:

• Helping you to understand why your claim was denied
• Checking for missing information in your initial application and gathering the evidence to prove the validity of your disability as required by the SSA
• Identifying and resolving any other reasons that may have resulted in your claim being denied, such as technical reasons or clerical errors
• Filing the necessary paperwork in the reconsideration or hearing stage of the appeal process
• Representing you at ALJ hearings
• Taking your case further when necessary, which could include a hearing with the Appeals Council or the Federal Court

Remember that after receiving a denial letter, you have just 60 days to appeal; otherwise, you will need to start a new application, which can take even longer. 

Contact Berger and Green for Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim

With over 40 years of experience, the lawyers at Berger and Green work hard to get you the monthly income you need. We treat our clients as we would our own family and take the time to understand every way your disability affects what you can and cannot do. Then, we fight for the benefits you deserve. 

Get a free consultation and learn about how our Social Security Disability lawyers in Blair County, PA, can help. Call us today!