Whitehall Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you are trying to pursue compensation through your Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the paperwork and the need to “prove” your disability to the government. You may be even more overwhelmed if you have been recently denied.

We understand that you may need benefits to cover all of your bills and manage your everyday expenses. Unfortunately, because of the complexity of the process, it is not uncommon to be denied when you initially apply. You are not alone, though.

The team at Berger and Green helps clients through the process of pursuing their SSD benefits and are proud of the work we have done. We understand what it takes to qualify for SSD benefits, and we can help you at any point in the process.

For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact our team today at (412) 661-1400.

Establishing Whether You Qualify

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a step-by-step process for determining whether someone qualifies for SSD benefits that involve five questions. They are:

• Are you currently working, and if so, were your earnings more than $1,260 per month?
• Does your condition significantly limit your ability to perform basic work, such as sitting, walking, standing, lifting or concentrating for at least 12 months?
• Is your condition included in the list of disabling conditions?
• Does your condition prevent you from doing work that you did in the past?
• Does your condition prevent you from doing other kinds of work?

Some of the most common conditions that are included in the list of disabling conditions include:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Mental disorders
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Nervous system disorders
• Respiratory disorders

It is also important to note that there are special rules for people who have low vision or who are blind.

In some cases, people who do not qualify under an impairment may need to rely on residual functional capacity (RFC) to be approved for benefits. The RFC defines your ability to work in spite of your mental or physical limitations.

There are three ways that they may evaluate your residual functional capacity:

• They will request that a physician evaluates your medical records to assess your ability to work
• They will ask your current doctor to evaluate your ability to work
• They will schedule and ask you to attend a consultation with another physician, who will assess your ability to wok

If the physician who performs the evaluation or who reviews your case determines that you cannot work the job you previously held and that you are incapable of doing any other type of work, you likely qualify for SSD benefits.

Types of Disability Benefits

There are two types of Social Security Disability benefit programs.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This provides compensation to the beneficiary and certain family members if the person has spent enough years paying Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This SSD program provides payments to people based on their financial need. It is intended for people who have never worked. These individuals receive cash payments to provide for their basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

When you apply for either the SSDI or SSI programs, the SSA will collect information about your medical history as well as other information to determine whether you meet their definition of disabled.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the process you’re facing with the SSA, you are not alone. For a free review of your case, contact us now at (412) 661-1400.

Reasons Why an Appeal May Be Denied

There are a number of reasons why the SSA may deny a claim for SSD benefits. They include:

• Applications that have not been correctly filled out
• The necessary information about providers has not been provided and SSA cannot order the records
• You have not provided the necessary information about medical exams, such as CT scans, MRIs, and x-rays and SSA cannot order the records
• Your monthly income exceeds the limits, disqualifying you from SSD benefits
• You do not provide adequate proof of your disability

If your request has been denied, you are not automatically out of luck. Depending on the circumstances of your denial, you may be able to submit an appeal.

A Whitehall, OH Social Security Disability lawyer will be able to help evaluate the SSA’s response and help you determine what your next course of action is. In fact, at Berger and Green, we can help you at any point in the process, taking the burden off your shoulders.

How a Whitehall, OH Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

Our team is here to provide guidance through the process of pursuing benefits for people with disabilities, taking the unnecessary stress and burden off your shoulders. Some specific ways we can help are:

Filing Your Claim

We are here to make sure that all of the information on your application is filled out accurately and completely and that you have included the necessary information about your medical providers and test so SSA can order the records.

Explaining the Qualifications and Criteria

We understand that the forms provided by the SSA are confusing and complex. We can review them with you and help you determine whether your condition meets the SSA’s definition of a qualifying disability. We can also help you determine your SSDI or SSI eligibility.