Judge Martin C. Carlson on the quality of Mr. Chermol’s advocacy in Diaz v. Saul, 1:18-CV-1896 (M.D. Pa. 2019):

“While we reach this result, we close by commending all counsel for the skill of their advocacy. In particular, for plaintiff’s counsel, this litigation has been a testament to both persistence and passionate advocacy, qualities that mark the highest ideals of our profession.”

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Social Security Disability Lawyer in Philadelphia

A large percentage of Americans face disability issues every year, rendering them unable to perform their jobs or even their daily chores. Individuals who are disabled and their families can face serious consequences as a result of their inability to work, including extensive emotional and financial distress. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has listed numerous conditions and diseases for which you can seek disability benefits. If you are disabled for more than 12 months and are unable to work, you may be entitled to disability benefits.

Disability benefits are designed to provide monetary benefits to people who are disabled and their dependents. But to qualify, applicants must show sufficient documentation to prove they have a long-term disability. Our disability lawyers in Philadelphia have decades of experience and are well-versed in helping people with the disability benefits application process. We can accurately evaluate the strength of your claim and advise you on the likelihood that you will be approved for benefits. We can provide legal help through every step of the disability benefits process. 

David F. Chermol is a founder and lead partner of Chermol & Fishman, LLC, with more than 20 years of experience as a Social Security disability lawyer in Philadelphia. He represents Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants across the United States, both at the administrative level and in federal court. One of the most important highlights of his experience is his prior position as Assistant Regional Counsel for the SSA’s Office of the General Counsel in Philadelphia from 1997 to 2007. 

Social Security disability benefits are in place to support people who would otherwise face financial crisis. The SSDI and SSI programs have equal importance and are among the most substantial federal programs to help disabled people.

• The SSA oversees these programs and determines who qualifies for benefits on a case-by-case basis. Disabled applicants who meet the criteria for either of these two programs can, in some cases, get approval very quickly.
• Disability benefits can be received by the applicant as well as some family members. If you have worked long enough and have paid taxes into the system, you can apply for SSDI benefits, whereas SSI depends largely on the applicant’s financial needs.
• The application process for Social Security disability benefits requires meticulous attention to detail. Even a small error can cause the SSA to deny your application. To avoid any delays in receiving the benefits you need, you can enlist the help of an experienced Social Security disability lawyer in Philadelphia to ensure your application is completed properly.

A seasoned lawyer can explain the intricate details of the application and approval process. In addition, a legal professional can assist you with gathering sufficient documentation to prove your eligibility.

Who Can Apply for Disability Benefits in Philadelphia?

Before you apply for disability benefits, it is important to understand the steps of the application process, eligibility criteria, and how to appeal in the event of a denial. Knowing all of the details in advance can improve the chances of your application being approved.

Applying online can be one of the easiest ways to apply for Social Security disability benefits. The SSA’s Philadelphia office closely monitors all applications and uses stringent standards when determining which applicants to approve for benefits.

A person can apply online for Social Security disability benefits if they satisfy all of the following criteria:

• They are 18 to 65 years of age
• They are unable to perform work due to the disability, and the disability has persisted for 12 months or longer
• The disability is expected to get worse or result in death
• They have not faced a denial for disability benefits in the past two months
• They are a citizen of the United States

After completing the online application process, an SSA representative will contact the applicant either via phone or email.

The disability attorney Philadelphia trusts can also assist you in completing your online application both quickly and accurately. Experienced Philadelphia Social Security Disability Lawyers know all the common mistakes that applicants make and work to help their clients avoid those errors.

So, if you or anyone you know plans to apply for Social Security disability benefits, consulting an experienced attorney can improve one’s chances of approval.

SSD Application Process

Many disability applicants face denial because they fail to provide sufficient information when they file with the SSA. Experienced Social Security lawyers in Philadelphia can help applicants avoid this common mistake.

The SSA requests a lot of specific information, and applicants must provide the necessary details accurately and fully. It is best to have all of the supporting documents ready before applying for SSD benefits. This can save applicants time and make the process much smoother.

Some Information You Will Need to Provide Includes:

• Applicant’s date and place of birth
• Applicant’s Social Security Number
• Details relating to current or former spouse, such as name, date of birth, place of birth, date of marriage, divorce date or date of death (if applicable), and Social Security Number
• Social Security Number and date of birth of minor children
• Contact information for people who can explain your medical condition and diagnoses
• Detailed supporting documents that prove your disabling medical condition or injury
• Names of any medications that you take and dosages 
• Contact information for doctors, hospitals, or other medical professionals from which you are receiving treatment for your disabling condition
• Income information
• Employer information
• Social Security statement
• List of jobs that you have performed in the past 15 years

List of Documents You Must Present

• Birth certificate or other valid proof of birth
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Prior year’s tax return
• Medical documentation, such as test reports, medical records, and X-rays
• Details of any permanent or temporary benefits you currently receive or have received in the past

Although you need to provide a copy of the documents mentioned above, you must also present the original documents to your Social Security disability lawyers in Philadelphia. They will be able to determine the proper way to submit the necessary documents.  

If there are documents listed above that you do not have, do not hesitate to contact an attorney. We can still help you. Philadelphia SSD lawyers are highly experienced at handling Social Security disability benefits claims and can help make your application process as easy as possible. 

Don’t delay in applying for the SSD benefits you need, just because you are unsure of what documentation you must provide.  

Mailing Your Documents to the Philadelphia Social Security Office

If you are not able to email your documents to the SSA, then you can physically bring your documents to the office. If you must submit your Social Security disability benefits documents by mail, the following steps can improve your chances of success:

• When mailing your documents to Social Security Office Philadelphia PA, include your Social Security Number. The Philadelphia Social Security Office will match all details on your application through your SSN.
• You can write your SSN on a separate piece of paper that you include in the envelope.
• When you have documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), keep them with you and bring them to the Social Security Office in person.

There are many advantages to the online SSD benefits application. The online application process is quicker than the other alternatives and documents can be submitted easily. 

By having a reputable Social Security disability lawyers in Philadelphia by your side, the online application is an easy process. The advantages to applying for benefits from home include:

• You can apply without leaving your home.
• You can apply even if you are not currently in the United States.
• You can pause and review the saved application details before submitting it.
• You do not have to wait, because you can initiate a disability claim immediately online.
• You can avoid traveling to the Social Security Office in Philadelphia.

Once you submit the online application, you will receive a confirmation of your application, by mail or electronically. Once the application is reviewed, the SSA’s Philadelphia office will contact you regarding any documentation they need. They will then process your application and send you a confirmation.

With a Philadelphia SSD attorney, the process of applying for SSD benefits can be smooth. Due to the years of SSA experience, we can guide you on the steps to take to improve your chances of getting your application approved. We will be with you every step of the way, from assembling documents, communicating with SSA officials, and representing you in hearings, if necessary.