Philadelphia Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Lawyer

Living with a disability can be a challenge. If you are completely disabled you need to be able to make ends meet. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to people who are disabled, through the Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits system.

Most common among the types of benefits the SSA awards are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. These benefits pay set monthly amounts to qualified claimants. Unfortunately, even qualified applicants can sometimes fail to obtain the SSDI benefits they deserve due to mistakes during the complicated Social Security claims process. The smallest of mistakes can lead to a denial.

As a result, it is best to have a Social Security disability (SSDI) lawyer by your side from day one, in order to increase your chances of success. But if you have already been denied, an attorney can file an appeal on your behalf.

SSDI Practice Areas

If you are unable to work because of a physical or mental disability, you may be eligible to receive social security disability benefits. Whether you are completing your initial claim for benefits or you have been denied and are appealing the decision, we can help. Our Philadelphia Social Security disability attorneys have experience assisting clients with disability claims that include:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Long-term Disability Benefits

Don’t give up your right to disability benefits just because your initial claim was rejected. Many social security disability filings are initially denied and must be appealed before benefits are granted. Our experienced Philadelphia disability lawyers understand how important these benefits are for disabled individuals and their families and we are prepared to assist you with your filing or appeal by ensuring that all of the necessary information is included with your claim.

We will diligently address all issues associated with your filing to ensure that your case is supported with the strongest evidence available.

How the SSD Process Works in Philadelphia

Filling out the initial application form properly is critical.

The process for applying for Social Security disability is generally the same in Philadelphia as it is around the rest of the country. Most people go through only two phases of the process: the paper application and the administrative hearing.

Paper application

• The first step to applying for disability benefits is to complete the application. Most people (about 60%) are denied during the initial application.
• You improve your chances of being approved by making certain that your application is properly completed. A critical part of your application is making certain that you have strong medical support from a doctor to show that you are completely unable to work. You must be able to properly explain how your disability falls into an impairment that will convince the Department that you are disabled. This can be especially challenging.
• Once you send in your initial application, you generally will receive a response within three to six months.
• Our Philadelphia Social Security Disability lawyers can make certain your application is completed properly.

Administrative hearing

Back injuries are a common source of disability for SSD claims in Philadelphia.

• If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. This appeal takes place in a hearing before a judge. There is no jury.
• The appeals process is extremely complex. During the hearing, you present evidence to show that you are unable to work due to your impairment. Frequently, a vocational expert will testify. A vocational expert is a person who will help the judge determine your ability to work. He will discuss whether there are jobs you are capable of doing. The standard is called substantial gainful activity.
• The hearing location is set based on where you reside.
• Our team represents clients in SSD appeals. An experienced attorney can make sure that your records are properly organized and presented, that witnesses are questioned properly and that your case is seen by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in the best light possible.

There are a variety of offices that serve the Philadelphia area.

• 300 Spring Garden Street (Regional Office)
• 1601 Market Street (Norristown, portions of Philadelphia, and West Chester.)
• 833 Chestnut Street (Chester, portions of Philadelphia and Upper Darby)

Qualifications for Social Security Disability Benefits in Philadelphia and Other States

The PA SSDI program is for those who have paid taxes into the Social Security system through working.  In order to become eligible for SSDI benefits, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Worked in jobs covered by Social Security
• Suffer from a medical condition which meets the SSA’s definition of a disability

The complex part of an SSDI application is effectively showing your disability. With the assistance of a SSDI attorney in Philadelphia, you may be able to more effectively gather the necessary documentation and prove your disability to SSA than you would be able to do on your own. Our Social Security disability lawyers have experience helping disabled people get their Social Security disability insurance benefits.

How Can Our Philadelphia Disability Lawyers Help?

For sound legal advice and assistance with filing a claim for disability benefits or appealing a denial, Contact Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys to discuss your case. There is no fee for the call, and no charge unless we help you obtain benefits.