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Seeking Social Security Disability benefits can be logistically and emotionally challenging for the individuals who need them most. Many Jeannette residents face unfair delays, denials, and other obstacles in obtaining the SSD benefits they need. However, it is crucial to remember that you do not have to go through this frustrating process alone. Working with an experienced Pennsylvania Social Security Disability attorney can help reduce your stress and maximize your chances of success.
At Stine & Associates, we recognize how overwhelming this journey can be. Our attorney at Law, Cindy Stine, is passionate about providing support and advocacy to those living with disabilities in Jeannette, PA. Whether you are filing an initial claim after recently becoming disabled or your claim has been denied by the Bureau of Disability Determination, we can help you take the next steps with confidence and clarity.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program for workers whose disabilities prevent them from continuing to work. In most cases, people contribute to the program through payroll deductions throughout their working lives. As such, they have a reasonable expectation that the system will give them the benefits they need if they sustain an injury or develop an illness that disables them.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance?
Qualifying for SSDI entails meeting specific requirements. Chiefly, these requirements include having a qualifying disability and earning enough “work credits” under Social Security law.
The legal definition of a disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a medical condition that:
- Results in a mental or physical impairment that is medically determinable
- Prevents a person from taking on substantial gainful activity
- Has lasted or will last for at least 12 months or result in the individual’s death
To be “medically determinable,” the impairment must result from a physical or mental abnormality that an accepted medical evaluation or diagnostic technique can demonstrate. In other words, having a statement from a medical provider affirming your disability is insufficient. You must provide medical evidence demonstrating that your condition meets the legal requirements.
When Should I File an SSD Application?
If you are newly unable to work because you have recently become disabled, or if you have always been unable to work due to disability, you should file an application for SSD benefits as soon as possible. The process can take many months, so the time between when you apply and when you begin receiving benefits may be significant.
Furthermore, according to Social Security Administration data, the SSA denies approximately 70 percent of initial applications. If you are not among the 30 percent of claimants who enjoy initial success, you will have to wait even longer before your benefits begin arriving. You have the right to appeal, but the process can take a long time.
Why Are Many SSD Applications Denied?
The Social Security Administration denies many SSD applications for various reasons, including:
- Lack of medical evidence: Applicants often fail to provide sufficient medical documentation to prove their disability meets the SSA’s strict criteria.
- Incomplete or inaccurate applications: Even minor errors or omissions on application forms can lead to denials.
- Failure to follow prescribed treatment: The SSA may deny claims if applicants don’t follow their doctors’ recommended treatments without good reason.
- Insufficient work credits: Applicants who have not worked long enough or recently enough may not qualify for SSDI benefits.
- Continuing to work: If an applicant is engaged in substantial gainful activity, the SSA may determine that they are not disabled under its guidelines.
What Happens After You File an SSD Application?
After you file your SSD application, the process typically unfolds as follows:
- Initial review – The SSA reviews your application for completeness and basic eligibility requirements.
- Transfer to state agency – Your application goes to the Bureau of Disability Determination for a medical review.
- Medical evaluation – The state agency reviews your medical evidence and may request additional information from your healthcare providers.
- Decision – The state agency issues a decision on your claim and sends it back to the SSA.
- Notification – You receive a letter informing you of the decision. If approved, the letter will explain your benefit amount and the start date for payments.
- Appeals process – If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision through several levels, including reconsideration, hearing by an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court review.
The entire process can take several months and sometimes even years if multiple appeals are necessary. Working with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can help streamline this process and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Benefits of Working with Our SSD Attorneys
Social Security Disability benefits are designed to help individuals when they need them most. However, the bureaucracy surrounding the claims process can make it unnecessarily frustrating and time-consuming. When you work with a knowledgeable SSD attorney, you have someone on your side who understands the system well enough to know what is necessary to secure a favorable result. Let us manage the overwhelming paperwork and advocate for you throughout the application and appeals process.
Our team can maximize your chances of success by:
- Gathering medical records that demonstrate how your injuries have affected your life
- Representing you at hearings to ensure a clear, comprehensive, and convincing presentation of your case
- Filling out and submitting all paperwork accurately and punctually
- Assisting you during the appeals process if you have already had a claim denied
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
In an ideal world, securing the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve would be a swift, smooth, and straightforward process. However, the distance between this ideal and the reality most claimants face is immense. While changing the bureaucracy might be impossible, knowing how to deal with it can make the process far less painful.
We understand the SSD claims process and are ready to apply our expertise to your case. Let us use our more than 30 years of legal experience to help you secure the benefits you need as soon as possible so you can move forward with dignity. We represent clients from Jeannette and throughout Westmoreland County. We also take on cases from Pittsburgh and all across western and central Pennsylvania. Call us today at 1-724-837-0160 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney.