Estate Law

Social Security

If you have a disability, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Individuals are often denied such benefits simply because they are not experienced with the eligibility process. The paperwork is often intense and the process can be discouraging. Our lawyers have the experience you need to help you through this difficult time. We have successfully obtained awards for individuals who have been repeatedly denied benefits. Our lawyers have successfully obtained awards even without the necessity of an administrative hearing. We do not accept a fee unless we are successful in obtaining an award for you.

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Social Security Disability (SSDI)

If you are disabled and you have worked during the past 10 years, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI). Social Security Disability benefits are funded by social security taxes. To be eligible, you must be disabled and you must have earned the required number of Social Security credits when you worked.

If you have applied for social security disability benefits but have received a letter of denial, you can ask for reconsideration of the decision; however, it is most likely that you will need to file an appeal of the decision and proceed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Although it is not necessary for you to be represented at this level, Social Security requirements and procedures are complex and without knowledge of the system and its requirements, it is a mistake not to be represented by counsel.

The following is a brief description of the criminal process in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

Our firm is experienced in handling Social Security Disability Claims and we do not take a fee unless and until you are awarded benefits.

If you suffer from a disability and have been denied Social Security Disability Benefits, contact us today for your free consultation.

What Does “Disabled” Mean for an Adult?

An individual age 18 and older is “disabled” if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which:

  • results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity; and
  • can be expected to result in death; or
  • has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

What Does “Disabled” Mean for a Child?

An individual under age 18 is “disabled” if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, which:

  • results in marked and severe functional limitations; and
  • can be expected to result in death; or
  • has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

What does substantial Gainful Activity Mean?

The term substantial gainful activity describes a level of work activity that is both substantial and gainful. Substantial work activity involves performance of significant physical or mental duties, or a combination of both, which are productive in nature. For activity to be substantial it need not necessarily be performed on a full-time basis; work activity performed on a part-time basis may also be substantial.

Gainful activity is work performed for pay or profit; or work of a nature generally performed for pay or profit, whether or not a profit is realized.

For SSI purposes, the substantial gainful activity provision does not apply to blind individuals.

Social Security Credits:
Visit the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration at http://www.ssa.gov for additional information.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different from Social Security Disability benefits. SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues, not social security taxes. The program provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. It is intended to help the elderly, blind, and disabled, who have little or no income.

To qualify, you must be 65 yrs. of age or older, blind or disabled.
Additionally, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

have limited income; limited resources; be a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens; live in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands; not be absent from the country for a full calendar month or more than 30 consecutive days; you have applied for any other cash benefits or payments for which you may be eligible, (for example, pensions, Social Security benefits); give SSA permission to contact any financial institution and request any financial records that the financial institution may have about you; file an application and meet certain other requirements.

Not all SSI recipients receive the maximum amount. Your payment may be lower if you have other income. In 2017, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $735.00 for a single individual living alone, and $1,103.00 for a couple.

Social Security Credits:
Visit the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration at http://www.ssa.gov for additional information.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

Our firm offers a free consultation where we will evaluate your case and answer all of your questions. If you are unable to visit our office, we will even visit you in the hospital or come to your home.

Important: Statute of Limitations

Not all SSDI recipients receive the same payment. Your payment is based upon your earnings history. In 2017, the maximum monthly benefit for workers who retire at full retirement age (66) is $2,687.

If you, your child or another family member suffers from a disabling injury or illness, contact us today for your free consultation.

Disclaimer

The information contained herein is dedicated to providing public information regarding Family Law issues in Pennsylvania. None of the information on this site is intended to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Please contact our law firm for information regarding your particular case. This website is not intended to solicit clients outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.