Monroe Social Security Disability Lawyer

When an illness, disability, or impairment prevents you from working, you might be able to receive government benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are two different types of Social Security Disability benefits available:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The government does not make it easy to get benefits and has strict requirements as to what it considers to be “unable to work.” Many applicants initially receive denials to their claims before qualifying for benefits later.

If you are about to file a claim for SSDI or SSI benefits, or if you have received a denial of your application, a lawyer familiar with the disability benefits system can help you. We can help you apply for benefits and guide you through the appeals process should you get denied. If you are unsuccessful at the first level of the appeals process, there are multiple levels of appeal to continue fighting for your benefits.

The Monroe Social Security Disability lawyers at Berger and Green can handle all stages of the disability application process on your behalf if you choose. We have helped countless clients living with disabilities obtain the benefits they need.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your individual situation and show you how we can move forward in helping you apply for your benefits. Call us today at (412) 661-1400.

Know the Requirements for Proving Eligibility for SSDI and SSI

While both SSDI and SSI programs require that you be either mentally or physically disabled and unable to work, they serve different purposes and have different requirements.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is an insurance program that you pay into while working. You might be eligible for SSDI if you have an illness or injury that keeps you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. To get benefits, you would have to meet medical and work requirements.

According to the SSA, work requirements depend on your age, as follows:

• Under 24: You must have six credits from the last three years.
• Between 24 and 31: You must have worked three of the last six years.
• 31 or older: You need 20 out of 40 credits.

To determine if you are eligible for benefits, the SSA will:

• Review your medical condition to see if it interferes with basic work-related activities by contacting your doctors and obtaining medical records
• Look into other jobs that you may be able to handle even with your conditions (if the SSA determines you are able to perform another job, you will likely be ineligible for benefits)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a program designed for adults living with disabilities or blindness and people over 65 who have low income and limited assets. The SSA typically changes maximum Federal SSI benefits annually. Effective January 1, 2020, individuals may receive up to $783 while couples may receive up to $1,175.

You must also meet the criteria for being disabled and unable to work, but there are no work requirements. Instead, you must have very low income and few assets.

For both SSDI and SSI, the Social Security Administration will examine your situation to look at various aspects of your illness, injury, or other conditions to determine your disability. If it is found that you are unable to perform your previous job or any other job because of your medical condition, you will be awarded benefits.

Get a Social Security Disability Lawyer to Help Your Application

Because the SSA has such stringent requirements and the chances of having your application denied are so great, you might want a lawyer on your side right from the start. If your application is denied, your Monroe Social Security Disability lawyer can take you through the appeals process, standing by your side throughout any of the following stages:

• Requesting reconsideration
• Presenting your case in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Requesting an Appeals Council review
• Requesting a Federal Court review

Our Monroe Social Security Disability lawyers at Berger and Green can assist you by:

• Determining if you meet all requirements for the specific program before filing
• Helping you fill out the initial application
• Looking for administrative, technical, or other reasons for the SSA’s denial and rectifying problems if your claim is denied
• Assisting with the appeals process and making sure everything is filed in a timely manner
• Representing you and presenting evidence to the Administrative Law Judge to support your claim
• Taking your case to further appeals if you still do not receive a favorable decision

Our attorneys are ready to help you throughout all stages of the process. Call us today at (412) 661-1400.

Disability Benefits You May Receive

Amounts of SSD benefits you may be awarded vary depending on the factors involved. Factors include:

• The amount of money you earned and the employment taxes you paid before you became disabled
• Other members of your family who may also be eligible for benefits (e.g., your children, or or a spouse caring for your child who is younger than 16 years of age or is disabled)

After you have received disability benefits for two years, you will automatically become eligible for Medicare health insurance coverage.

Get Help from Our Monroe Social Security Disability Lawyers

Whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI for the first time or appealing a denial, the Monroe Social Security Disability lawyers at Berger and Green can help. We have been handling Social Security Disability claims for clients throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and surrounding areas. We know how to work within the system to fight for the SSDI and SSI benefits you need.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay an attorney’s fee until we win your case. If you do not recover benefits, you do not pay us for our time. There is no risk when you enlist our help. Call us today at (412) 661-1400 to get started.