Wilkes-Barre Social Security Disability Attorney

If you are temporarily or permanently unable to perform your job duties, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the SSDI program is funded by your own payroll taxes and is generally not considered a “free ride” or state-sponsored handout.

Although it shares some similarities with private insurance, worker’s compensation, and another SSA program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is separate and distinct from each of these programs. The primary differences between SSDI and SSI are that SSI is based on age, impairment and financial need, whereas SSDI is based on physical impairment and the number of job credits earned while employed.

In order to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance, you will ultimately need to deal with two related agencies: the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) and the state’s Disability Determination Services.

Unfortunately, the application process can be frustrating and time-consuming. Many disability applications are denied on the first attempt, requiring multiple lengthy appeals.

If you are already dealing with physical and mental pain related to your disability, the complications of the application and decision process can feel overwhelming.

Generally, an application’s success depends upon several factors, such as work history, age, related medical treatment, and eligibility for retirement benefits through the Social Security Administration.

If you are struggling through this application process, a compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced Wilkes-Barre SSD attorney is available to assist you.

The Wilkes-Barre, PA Social Security Field Office

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
STEGMAIER BLDG, ST 102, 7 N WILKES BARRE BLVD, WILKES BARRE, PA 18702

You can also contact the Social Security Administration by phone at: 1-800-686-9505.

Normally, the field office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am until 4:00pm; however, in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the SSA has notified the public that all local Social Security offices will be closed to in-person service beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. They have asked that during the COVID-19 pandemic, people first try to use online services before calling for assistance.

Office closures have added an additional hurdle to an already challenging process because you may not be able to obtain real time, personal assistance from a SSA employee. This makes it even more important to have the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney who is skilled in the disability process without having to wait for in-person SSA services to resume.

The Wilkes-Barre, PA Social Security Hearing Office

In some cases, you may need to appeal an unfavorable decision. If you choose to go this route, it is highly advisable to have an attorney’s assistance at the hearing.

Your local hearing office is generally the same location as your local field office.  For residents of WIlkes, Barre, PA, the address is provided above.

Like other in-person services, the SSA will not be offering in-person hearings for the foreseeable future. Instead, they are providing two alternatives: a telephone hearing or an online video hearing.

Given these unprecedented times, where applicants and the SSA must both adjust to evolving circumstances caused by COVID-19, it is even more crucial to have the help of a Wilkes-Barre SSA disability attorney who can help clarify and coordinate the current hearing process.

Contacting a SSD Attorney that Wilkes-Barre Trusts

The success of your Social Security Disability application is heavily dependent upon several decision-making authorities. The Social Security Administration, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability Determination, and if an appeal is necessary, an administrative law judge may all play critical roles in the ultimate decision.

Fortunately, a high quality Wilkes-Barre SSD attorney will have close working relationships with all local and federal legal authorities.

The legal team at Chermol & Fishman, LLC is no exception. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing clients throughout Pennsylvania with disability applications and appeals.

Your attorney can help ensure that all of the requisite paperwork is accurate and is filed within applicable timeframes. Furthermore, your Wilkes-Barre SSD attorney can explain the legal issues governing your application and/or appeals in language you understand.

A trustworthy Wilkes-Barre Social Security Disability attorney from Chermol & Fishman, LLC will tirelessly pursue the benefits you have earned.

There may also be other members of your family eligible for certain Social Security Disability benefits. Your Wilkes-Barre SSD attorney can help determine whether a spouse, unmarried child, and/or grandchildren may additionally be entitled to benefits.

If they are eligible to receive SSD support, your attorney can further advocate on their behalf. This added lawyer of financial support from dependent disability benefits can significantly improve the lives of you and your loved ones.

At Chermol & Fishman, LLC, our Social Security Disability Insurance and other SSA benefits experts are committed to every client and the unique facts of their claim. We will work tirelessly for clients and their families. Call Chermol & Fishman, LLC today.