Social Security Disability Lawyer in Niles

Disabilities can present significant hurdles in earning a living and providing for your family in Ohio. Our Niles Social Security disability lawyer is prepared to guide you through the complicated Social Security Disability benefits system to help you seek income and benefits from one of their two disability benefits programs – Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Berger and Green are ready to put over 40 years of experience handling disability claims to provide you with a hassle-free application and appeals process.

SSDI or SSI: A Niles Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Verify Which Program Suits Your Situation

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages two programs through which it provides disability benefits to those unable to work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least a year or result in death.

The two main disability programs that SSA operates are:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI offers monthly payments to those under retirement age with qualifying disabilities and work credits from holding qualified employment for a certain period.

Benefits depend on the worker’s earnings and Social Security tax contributions to the Disability Insurance program.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

This is a needs-based financial assistance program aimed at individuals who make less than a certain income limit, have few assets, and have a qualifying disability that prevents them from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) that is expected to last at least a year or result in death.

If you are a low-income earner and have trouble making ends meet, we can help verify your eligibility for SSI.

What Is a Qualifying Disability?

To qualify for SSA disability benefits, you must meet its strict definition of disability which is established by the following criteria:

Inability to engage in any SGA due to physical or mental impairment. SGA, in this context, refers to any activity that produces an income that’s more than a specific monthly amount, which is $1,350 for 2022.
The impairment must last 12 months minimum or must be expected to cause death.

SSA uses the Blue Book, also known as Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, a medical document that lists impairments that the administration considers severe enough to hinder the affected individual’s ability to work. The Blue Book details the symptoms, test results, and other data that must be present to demonstrate the acuteness of the condition.

Note that you may still receive SSDI or SSI even if your condition is not present in the Blue Book if the examiner determines that your impairment equals the ones found in the book in its severity and impedes your ability to work.

A Niles Social Security Disability Attorney Can Request an Appeal for Your Denied Claim

If your SSI or SSDI application is denied, we can assist with filing an appeal. Since most initial applications are denied, applicants have to undergo at least one appeals process before getting approved for benefits.

Benefits are retroactive if you do get approved after winning an appeal. We can explain how this applies to your case. Note that if you do not file for an appeal within a deadline of 60 days from the date you receive the denial letter, you will have to file a new application.

Here is an overview of the SSDI and SSI appeals process that we can help you navigate if your application is denied:

Reconsideration: Disability Determination Services (DDS) evaluates your medical eligibility for benefits. If the DDS examiner rejects your claim, we will file a request for reconsideration where a new examiner takes a fresh look at your claim.
Hearing before an ALJ: If your application is denied even after the new DDS examiner’s review, we will request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The Judge will review your case and listen to your testimony about your disability and how it has impacted your life. We will prepare you for the hearing, so you do not feel intimidated before the Judge.
Appeals Council: If the Judge denies your claim, we can request a review by SSA’s Appeals Council. Its members will assess the Judge’s decision and the evidence and may choose to uphold or reverse the ALJ’s decision, or remand the case to a new ALJ to hold another hearing.
Federal court: If the Appeals Council rejects the claim again, we may file a civil suit in the federal district court and represent you through all proceedings.

Remember, there are strict timelines to follow for filing appeals. Contact us immediately if your claim is denied, so we can file the appropriate forms and formally appeal SSA’s decision.

How Berger and Green Can Help You with a Niles Social Security Disability Claim

Although not mandatory, you have the right to retain the experience and expertise of a Niles Social Security disability lawyer to make the process of applying for benefits and appealing any denials easier.

Here are some ways we assist our clients who are looking to seek disability benefits in Ohio:

Filing SSDI or SSI applications
Double-checking applications to verify the accuracy of the entered details
Ensuring all deadlines are met
Corresponding with the Social Security Administration
Preparing you for ALJ hearings
Filing appeals on time

We are here to undertake the entire technical and legal legwork in seeking benefits. Our team will offer you guidance every step of the way, so you never feel confused or overwhelmed about your options or application status.

Schedule a Free Consultation to Learn About Your Options

A Berger and Green Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you with your Niles, Ohio SSD or SSI claim for benefits. Our attorneys are familiar with the common mistakes that cause claims to be denied or delayed. We can ensure that those mistakes do not happen to you.

The team at Berger and Green would be honored to hear your story and use our more than 40 years of experience to go after the Social Security benefits that you need. Call us today for a free consultation with our team members to learn about your options and rights.