Truro Township Social Security Disability Lawyer

A long-term disability can prevent you from working and earning a living. Your concerns about your income are not limited to paying medical expenses. You may also worry about providing food for your family, paying the mortgage, or buying the necessities of life.

Take comfort in knowing that you have options. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two programs that can help you with monthly cash benefits: Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). It is crucial that your application for benefits meet SSA’s criteria to receive disability.

The Truro Township Social Security Disability (SSD) attorneys at Berger and Green can help you. Our team of disability attorneys can file an application for benefits on your behalf. We can also help you appeal a claim that was previously denied.

Call Berger and Green today for a free case review evaluation at (412) 661-1400.

Social Security Disability Requirements

The purpose of the SSA’s disability program is to provide financial assistance to people who suffer from a disabling condition that prevents them from earning a living. The SSA has strict requirements for what constitutes a disability.

When you apply for disability benefits, you will need to provide proof—beyond a medical diagnosis—that your particular condition is so severe, it does not allow you to work.

The Blue Book Test

The SSA will refer to the “Blue Book,” a publication that documents the requirements for obtaining benefits for a wide range of medical conditions. You will have to back up your claim for your condition with medical evidence, such as imaging scans, lab test results, and so on, that correspond with the criteria outlined in the Blue Book.

If You Fail the Blue Book Test

If your level of impairment does not satisfy Blue Book requirements, you may still be eligible for benefits. The SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine what type of work you can do, how long, and how often you can perform the task.

You will need to also meet the SSA’s technical requirements regarding your income, work history, and personal assets.

Social Security Disability Criteria

In order to be eligible for SSI benefits, you must meet the following technical criteria:

• Your household income must register below the annual Federal Benefit Rate.
• You have $2,000 or less in resources ($3,000 or less for a couple).

Technical Qualifications for SSDI Benefits

To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you will need to prove that you worked for a set amount of time and paid Social Security taxes.

Specifically, you must:

• Show that your medical condition prevents you from being able to work
• Prove that you have a monthly income below the Substantial Gainful Activity limit
• Have a certain number of work credits earned, as established by your work history and your age

Work Credits for Social Security Disability Income

SSA maintains a chart that tells you how many work Social Security credits you need based on your age to receive SSDI benefits. You earn work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes.

How a Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help

It is not uncommon for people to try to file their own Social Security Disability benefits claims and appeals without the help of a lawyer or advocate. Although the process may seem straightforward, it can be challenging to present the required documentation in a way that satisfies the SSA’s strict criteria.

You may want to consider having an SSD benefits attorney read over your application or hearing request. An SSD benefits attorney can also evaluate the SSA’s rules before you submit your application for consideration.

What Our Social Security Disability Lawyers Will Do for You

Berger and Green can help you throughout your application process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Here is a quick summary of what we can do to facilitate this process for you. We can help you get the benefits you need.

• Get your case on the Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) docket
• Decipher why the SSA denied your claim
• Prepare a convincing case for your ALJ hearing
• Represent you at your hearing
• Fight for the benefits you deserve
• Fight for complete backpay
• Handle your appeal from beginning to end

Call a Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer in Truro Township, OH at Berger and Green for a free case review evaluation today at (412) 661-1400.

What to Do When SSA Denies Your Social Security Disability Claim

Many people file their initial claims for SSD benefits only to receive a denial letter from SSA. If this happens to you, call Berger and Green. Our Truro Township Social Security Disability Lawyers will go over your claim and advise you as to what steps we can take to get you the benefits you deserve.

The SSA requires that you respond to their denial letter within 60 days with a request for reconsideration. Once the deadline passes, you will need to restart your application process from the beginning.

Understanding the ALJ Hearing for Disability Benefits

During the reconsideration stage, the SSA will look over your claim again. The approval rate for reconsideration is not very high. If the SSA upheld its decision to deny your benefits, your next step is to request an ALJ hearing.

This hearing involves you, the judge, your Truro Township Social Security Disability Lawyer, someone who records the proceedings, and sometimes an expert witness. The ALJ will ask you questions about how you feel and what you are able to do. Your attorney will prepare you to answer the questions and may also ask questions of you and any experts. The witness will offer their input on the severity of your disability.

Call the Social Security Disability Lawyers at Berger and Green in Truro Township

A Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer in Truro Township, OH from Berger and Green will help you work through the complex process of applying and appealing for Social Security Disability benefits. We can help you understand your legal options while protecting your rights.

Call Berger and Green today for a free case review evaluation at (412) 661-1400.