Upper Arlington Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you are living with a disability in Ohio but have not yet been granted your Social Security Disability benefits, you may be feeling frustrated and stressed. Living with a disability often limits or prevents you from working, which can make it impossible to earn an income.

If you are struggling with the process of filing for disability benefits or if you have been turned down for your benefits and want to appeal, you are not alone.

At Berger and Green, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming the process of filing for disability benefits can be. We understand what it takes to be eligible for disability benefits and can help you at any point in the process.

For a free review of your case, get in contact with an Upper Arlington, OH Social Security disability lawyer from Berger and Green today at (412) 661-1400.

Disabilities That Could Qualify You for Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability differently than other programs. Social Security Disability benefits are only paid for total disability. No benefits are paid for short-term or partial disability. In addition to a strict definition for what a disability is, the SSA also has a step-by-step method for qualifying disability.

The questions they consider to determine whether you qualify include:

• Are you working and do you have earnings of over $1,260 per month?
• Does your condition prevent you from doing basic work for at least 12 months?
• Is your condition found in a list of disabling conditions?
• Are you able to do the same work you did in the past?
• Are you able to work, even if it is not what you did in the past?

Some of the common functions that employees are required to do during the course of their employment include:

• Walking
• Sitting
• Standing
• Using cognitive functions, such as remembering

If your ability to perform this basic work is limited in these ways for at least 12 months, you may qualify.

Residual Functional Capacity

The SSA requires that anyone who is applying for disability benefits meet eligibility requirements within disability demographics. One way they evaluate the claim is through residual functional capacity. Residual function capacity (RFC) defines your ability to engage in activities despite your physical or mental limitations.

The SSA will assign a medical professional who will evaluate your RFC based on your case. Some things they may consider include:

• Whether you can see, speak, or hear
• How well you are able to concentrate
• How effectively you can carry out tasks
• How you can cope with changes to your environment
• How long you can perform physical activities like sitting, walking, or standing
• Whether you can maintain your balance or reach for large objects

It can be difficult to know definitively whether you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. An Upper Arlington, OH Social Security Disability lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand your rights. Contact Berger and Green at (412) 661-1400 for a free consultation today.

Understanding Disability Benefit Options

There are two SSD programs available if you are eligible: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This is a program for people who have developed an incapacitating disability. These benefits are paid to you or specific members of your family if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program provides cash payments for necessities like food, shelter, and clothing for people who have severe disabilities who have never worked.

The medical requirements are generally the same for both programs, and the SSA determines disability using the same process. If you are suffering from a severe condition such as some forms of cancer, you may qualify for Compassionate Allowances (CAL) when your diagnosis has been confirmed.

While you may be able to earn income from sources other than work–such as investment–and still receive your SSD benefits, all sources of income are considered when determining whether you qualify for SSI. You must show that you have:

• Limited income: Income includes not only income from your work, but also compensation from your friends and family.
• Limited resources: Resources include things like cash, land, life insurance, or anything else that could be exchanged for cash to use for food or shelter.

How an Upper Arlington, OH Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

If you are just beginning the process of filing your claim or if you have been denied, you may be feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. However, you are not alone. Our dedicated team is here to help work on your case and pursue your social security benefits on your behalf if you are eligible.

Here are a few specific ways we can help:

File a Disability Application

We have over 40 years of experience and have helped many clients with the SSD benefits process. We are proud of the results we have achieved in those cases. We can make sure all the information on your application is completed fully and accurately.

Appeal a Denied Claim

Because of the complexity of the process, it is not uncommon that claims are denied. If your claim has been denied when you meet the eligibility for SSD benefits, you are not out of luck. Our team can take steps to help you file a disability appeal.