Chillicothe Social Security Disability Lawyer

Filing a disability claim can quickly become overwhelming for you and your family due to the extent of the paperwork and strict guidelines set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Gathering all the appropriate information to support your disability claim can be time-consuming. Traveling to and from multiple doctor’s appointments can become a burden. If the application process is causing unnecessary stress for you and your family members, you have options.

The team at Berger and Green have over 40 years of combined experience representing clients with claims for personal injury and Social Security Disability. We are proud of the results we achieve for our clients. Get the assistance you need with your claim by calling (412) 661-1400.

Types of Available Social Security Disability Benefits in Chillicothe, OH

Social Security Disability (SSD) includes both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both types of disability programs have stipulations that must be met by the applicant before benefits are granted.

Social Security Disability Insurance

The “insured” individual must meet the following qualifications to receive compensation from the SSA and the Ohio OOD Division of Disability Determination (DDD) under the SSDI program.

• You must meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
• You must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security.

Other important facts about SSDI:

• SSDI does not consider your income from other sources, such as investments, to be qualified.
• You must not earn more than the current substantial gainful activity limit from employment.
• You can collect SSDI until you reach the age for Social Security retirement. At which time the benefits will switch automatically.

Supplemental Security Income

The SSI benefits pay cash to the benefactor for:

• Food and groceries
• Clothing and shoes
• Shelter, such as rent or mortgage

SSI differs from SSDI for a couple of reasons that are important to note.

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) will take into account all forms of income before qualifying you for benefits.
• Your work history does not affect your eligibility for SSI benefits.

A Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer in Chillicothe, OH may be able to help you claim important benefits you need. Call (412) 661-1400 to speak to an attorney today. Berger and Green offers a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your claim to SSD benefits.

Qualifying Disabilities in Chillicothe, OH

If you cannot return to work or your occupation due to mental or physical impairment, you may fit the SSA’s definition of disabled. Unlike workers’ compensation or veterans disability benefits, the SSA has no partial disability. Some considerations to be qualified for benefits are:

• The mental or physical impairment must significantly reduce your ability to perform essential work functions, such as sitting, walking, standing, and lifting, as well as your cognitive abilities, such as recalling information or concentrating.
• If you average more income than $1,220 a month from employment in 2019, you may not be qualified.
• You have a listed medical condition that affects a major body system severely enough to prevent you from substantial gainful activity.
• It must be concluded that you cannot return to your previous work activity.
• You cannot perform a different type of occupational activity.
• Your disability must last or be expected to last longer than a year.

You may qualify for SSI benefits if a medical diagnosis and records prove that you meet the following requirements specifically for this disability program.

• Application: Must file an application specifically for SSI
• Blindness: Meeting the SSA’s definition of vision impairment
• Disability: The SSA has a strict definition for being declared disabled
• Limited Income: Income from any outside source; benefits, friends and family, worker’s compensation, and employment are all considered
• Limited Resources: Any cash, assets, property, and other possessions with the exclusion of your residence, cars, and some other necessities.

There are many rules and regulations set by the SSA that govern the disbursement of SSD benefits. By calling (412) 610-1400, a Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer in Chillicothe, OH at Berger and Green can provide an explanation, answer questions, and offer guidance.

Filing an Appeal After Being Denied Benefits

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the SSA to deny benefits to individuals who are qualified.

After receiving your letter, you have 60 days to file a request for reconsideration or request a hearing. If you miss the 60-day deadline for filing an appeal, you must start over with a new application. By doing this though, you may be unable to collect the back pay to which you may be entitled.

If we can secure a hearing, we will be able to present evidence supporting your claim to an impartial Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who will then rule on your case.

Contact a Chillicothe, OH Social Security Disability Lawyer

We understand how upsetting it can be to families when you become disabled. You may be worried about covering the cost of supporting your family, not to mention the medical bills that may be piling up.

But you do not have to go it alone. Our team will be there with you from start to finish, helping you navigate the process of filing your claim and pursuing back pay in an appeal if necessary.

Some of the other ways we can help you are:

• We can handle the enormous amounts of paperwork that accompany the appeals process, saving you time, money, and headaches
• We can explain the status of your claim to you in clear, simple terms, without the confusing terminology or the need to decipher SSA rules
• We can review your case and identify any problems that may have caused the SSA to deny the claim
• We take on the burden of meeting filing deadlines and scheduling hearings on your behalf

A Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer in Chillicothe, OH is here and ready to help. If you are prepared to get started right away or if you would prefer to have a member of our team evaluate your claim, contact us today at (412) 661-1400.