Tuscarawas County Social Security Disability Lawyer

A Tuscarawas County Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help you apply for benefits or appeal a benefits denial. We assist those who cannot work because of a condition that is disabling. This could include people hoping to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Berger and Green’s lawyers serve clients in Tuscarawas County and several adjacent counties of Ohio, including residents of New Philadelphia and Dover, Ohio. Our team starts each case with a free consultation where we can learn about your needs, disability, and goals. We’re ready to listen to your story now. 

How a Social Security Disability Attorney from Berger and Green Can Help You

The Tuscarawas County Social Security Disability Lawyers at Berger and Green have more than 40 years of experience representing clients’ best interests and fighting for the money they need. In Social Security Disability cases, our team can: 

Help You Apply for Benefits

If you are just at the start of your SSDI or SSI application or are not sure if you even qualify, our team can help. We are also here if you have your initial application ready to submit but don’t feel confident about it. 

We can ensure the Disability Determination Services representative reviewing your claim has the necessary information about your medical providers to assess your application and make a fair judgment. 

Fight a Denial

The SSA notes that about 67 percent of disability applications are denied when they’re initially submitted. If your application was denied, our team can explain your options, provide an overview of the process, and represent you each step of the way. We know how to appeal Social Security Disability decisions and fight for the benefits our clients need.

Represent You Based on Contingency

We do not charge our clients any money upfront. Our attorney’s fees are based on contingency. We only receive fees from the backpay recovered during the appeals process. 

When approved for benefits, you may receive one or more lump-sum payments to cover the income you missed while your application was pending. This is known as “backpay.” We do not get paid if you are not approved for SSDI or SSI.

Social Security Disability Helps Those Who Cannot Work

Social Security Disability provides assistance to disabled individuals who cannot financially support themselves. To get approved for SSDI or SSI, you must prove that your disability is so severe that you cannot work. Your medical records must contain strong enough evidence to convince the Disability Determination Services representative assessing your application that you meet this qualification.

The SSA publishes “the Blue Book,” a list of qualifying impairments and their evidentiary requirements. This could include a wide range of evidence from your medical records, such as:

• Your diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes
• Your prognosis
• Medical imaging scans 
• Clinical and laboratory tests

Our law firm can determine what other information can support your application. 

Who Is Each Program Designed to Help?

While both SSDI and SSI require you to prove you cannot work because of a severe, long-term medical condition, these two programs are actually quite different. Here’s what you need to know: 

• SSDI is a work credit-based program. SSDI is for workers who suffer a condition that is disabling and cannot return to their jobs. They must have the required number of work credits earned by paying into Social Security. There are no household income limits or maximums placed on the claimant’s unearned income. However, they cannot earn more than the current substantial gainful activity limit by working. According to the SSA, the limit for 2022 is $1,350.
• SSI depends on your countable resources. SSI, on the other hand, does not require work credits or ever having a job. This program helps those who struggle with few financial resources and who have a very low household income. Right now, as an unmarried individual, you cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets to qualify for SSI.  

Appealing a Disability Denial in Tuscarawas County, Ohio

When a Disability Determination Services representative reviews an application for SSDI or SSI, they analyze the claimant’s medical records and other information from their care providers. They look to see if the evidentiary requirements are met to show they qualify for benefits.

Most cases do not get approval based on their initial applications. Often, a claimant has to navigate the appeals process until they’re approved. At Berger and Green, our Tuscarawas County Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you with these steps, representing your best interests and fighting for the benefits you need.

What Does the Appeals Process Entail?

The SSA notes that you generally have 60 days to appeal a denial of your disability claim. The appeals process involves four stages–although your application can be approved at any time during the process. 

These stages include: 

• Reconsideration: The initial step in the appeals process requires a Disability Determination Services representative to take another look at your claim. Many times, this still results in a denial and requires that you proceed with the next phase. 
• Meeting with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): This is a vital step in the process. The ALJ will look at your application and determine if they can approve you for benefits. These hearings may be in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.
• Review by an Appeals Council: The Appeals Council will review the ALJ’s decision. The Appeals Council may either approve your claim or send it back to the ALJ for review. 
• Federal Court review: The final option for fighting a denial is taking the case to Federal Court for review.

Talk to an SSD Team Member from Berger and Green for Free Today in Tuscarawas County

You can discuss your application, denial, appeal, and other details of your Social Security Disability case with Berger and Green today. 

We represent clients in Tuscarawas County, helping them apply for SSDI or SSI, appeal denials, or take other steps to protect their benefits. Reach out to our attorneys today to learn how we can pursue the benefits you need.