Delaware County Disability Lawyer

If you are living with a disability in Delaware County, PA, you’re not alone. In 2020, a total of 52,359 residents of Pennsylvania received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These benefits may also be available to you if you meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the SSA.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an income-based program available to individuals who are no longer able to work. The recipient’s disability must have lasted (or be expected to last) more than one year, or be expected to result in death.

The SSA measures the inability to work by “substantial gainful activity” or SGA. SGA is any activity that involves significant mental or physical effort and earns a certain monthly income. The maximum monthly income allowed is set forth by the SSA and changes each year.

To start receiving SSI benefits, you must first file an application with the SSA. If you are filing on your own behalf, you can apply in person at an office or through the SSA’s website. It can be helpful to find a lawyer for SSI disability in case you have any difficulty with the application. They can help ensure that your application is complete and correct before you submit it to the SSA.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is another type of benefit the SSA provides. SSDI pays monthly benefits to those who have worked for a certain amount of time but are no longer able to work.

Some people think the typical SSDI recipient is a relatively young person injured in an accident at work. In reality, many SSDI recipients suffer from diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. The majority of recipients are over the age of 50, as many disabilities are not apparent at birth or during childhood.

Pennsylvania residents should expect their application to go through a series of reviews and qualifications before approval, including:

• Medical review: Your medical condition will be evaluated by the SSA’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). The DDS determines whether your impairment meets the requirements set out by the SSA for receiving benefits.
• Work history review: The SSA will review your earnings and work history. You must have earned the minimum number of work credits required for eligibility. You can earn up to four credits for every year of employment.

A Pennsylvania disability lawyer can give you more information about the application process. You can also contact an attorney to find out whether you may qualify for SSDI benefits.

Social Security Disability Hearing

If your initial application is denied, having a trusted Supplemental Security Income lawyer can be crucial. The third stage in the SSA’s appeal process is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is an opportunity to present evidence and prove that you meet all the SSA’s criteria.

Your lawyer can help you gather evidence to bring before the ALJ during this stage of the process, which may include:

• Your medical records;
• The results of any physical or mental examinations conducted by your doctor;
• Testimony from family members, friends, and co-workers about how your condition prevents you from working.

This experience can be overwhelming and intimidating for applicants who are not familiar with the process. The best SSI lawyer for these individuals will be able to give them peace of mind throughout the process.

Contact a Delaware County Social Security Disability Lawyer Today

Once you decide to apply for disability benefits, you may wonder, “How can I find an SSI lawyer near me?” You should look for a lawyer that has experience with the SSA’s disability benefits programs. Your lawyer should be someone you can trust to represent your best interests.

The experienced disability attorneys at Chermol & Fishman offer free initial consultations to help you determine your eligibility for benefits. Each attorney in the firm is committed to providing compassionate, focused representation to each of our clients, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.