Disability Claims Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA

Are You Applying for Disability Benefits? Were You Denied? Ask Our Disability Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA for Help

All disabilities caused by an injury or illness can have a significant impact on a person’s life. This is particularly true if a disability continues for a prolonged period of time, affecting a person’s ability to work. Not only can disabilities affect an individual, but it could impact an entire family. Fortunately, most individuals who are disabled for a long period of time will be entitled to some form of Social Security Disability to help them pay regular bills such as the mortgage/rent, utility, and food costs. If you or a loved one need to make a disability claim in Philadelphia, PA, learn how our disability attorney can help.

At Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer & Kupersmith, P.C., our compassionate and skilled team is dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered any type of disability due to an accident, workplace incident, or illness. We know how important it is for you and your family to recover the compensation that you need to pay bills and other routine expenses while you are recovering. Learn how our Social Security Disability lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, can help you during a FREE consultation with our law firm.

Social Security Disability Services Our Law Firm Offers

Here at HGSK, we offer a wide range of disability claim services. Whether you are about to apply for benefits or have recently been denied, our law firm can step in to help protect your rights under state and federal law. Some of the services that our disability lawyers can provide to you include the following:

• Gathering medical records, completing your application, and submitting it
• Answering any questions or follow-ups from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Retaining experts to help support your claim
• Filing appeals with legal support
• Preparing you for a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Representing you at the hearing, including having you testify and possibly calling witnesses
• Handling an appeal at the Appeals Council, if necessary
• Properly calculating your total award, specifically ensuring you recover all retroactive benefits
• Answering your questions during the process, and
• Handling any other issues that may arise with your application.

Types of Social Security Disability

When applying for Social Security Disability, it is essential to realize that there are two types. Each type pays differently and has different requirements for eligibility. If you apply for the wrong type, it could result in a denial of your application, delaying what benefits you may be entitled to. Some individuals may be entitled to both types.

Supplemental Security Income

Also known as SSI, Supplemental Security Income is available to disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. In order to qualify, an individual must have limited income and limited or no resources, and one of the following:

• Be over 65 years of age
• Be fully or partially blind, and
• Have a medical condition that keeps you from working for at least one year or will result in death

Most individuals will qualify for SSI.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Known as SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance is a benefit that is paid to individuals who have a work history. This is because individuals with a work history are paying into this type of benefit. As a result, SSDI pays more than SSI because individuals have invested into it.

In order to be entitled to SSDI, an individual must have “40 credits” of work history. Work credits are earned one per quarter worked, or four (4) a year. This means that individuals need at least 10 years of work history to qualify for SSDI. There are also temporal requirements, such as having earned these 10 credits within the last 20 years.

The Basics About Disability Benefits

A disability benefit is a financial assistance given to individuals who can no longer work due to a disabling disease or injury. Typically, the benefits are given to those who paid Social Security Disability Insurance premiums while working.

When a disabling injury or disease occurs, the beneficiary files a claim, and the Social Security Department reviews it. Afterward, the Social Security Department forwards the claim to Philadelphia’s Disability Determination Services for processing.

After approval, beneficiaries receive benefits five months after making a successful application.

Should You Hire a Disability Lawyer?

You can independently file a claim in person, online, or by phone. Nonetheless, doing it by yourself attracts errors that can lead to rejection. The Social Security Department rejects around 64% of applications. Most rejected claims are filed by the beneficiaries who do not consult professionals.

That’s where disability lawyers come in. Since they have handled similar cases for years, the lawyers understand the information and documentation needed to make your claim successful. Your claim will likely be approved on the first application with their support.

How a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Philadelphia Works

Social Security Disability Lawyers in Philadelphia work with one mission — helping beneficiaries file claims successfully. The legal expert prepares the documentation needed to make a successful application, helps clients file an SSDI claim, and makes appeals if necessary.

Here is a detailed overview of what lawyers do once hired:

Making the First Application

While anyone can apply for social security benefits, it takes the guidance of an experienced attorney to get the disability claims process right. The lawyers ensure you provide the correct information while filling out forms, avoid costly errors, and attach the documentation required to get your disability benefits with little hassle.

Filing for Reconsideration

If the Social Security Administration turns down the first application, a disability benefits attorney proceeds to file for reconsideration. To reduce the chances of a second rejection, the disability lawyers review and address all the errors and weak areas that could have led to the first rejection.

Social Security Disability Hearing

Your experienced attorney requests a social security hearing with an Administrative Law Judge for applications that do not pass the reconsideration stage. Since this is the most critical appeal stage, the attorney prepares and provides strong evidence required to change the Social Security Administration’s earlier decisions.

Appealing to the Appeals Council

If the Administrative Law Judge rejects your application, your disability benefits attorney files an appeal with the Appeals Council. The lawyer provides medical records and a detailed brief explaining why you still need the disability benefits. Depending on the brief and evidence, the council can approve your claim.

File a Civil Action

As a last resort, a disability benefits attorney files for a civil action, requesting a federal court to look into your case. Here the attorney uses strong evidence and spirited argument to push for your best interests as enshrined in the constitution.

Short-term Disability Insurance

STDI covers beneficiaries with a limiting injury or illness for a short duration — usually 3-6 months. In most cases, this insurance scheme is provided by private carriers or employers rather than the Federal Government.

Long-term Disability Insurance

Long-term disability insurance provides benefits for several years— sometimes, it can span one’s retirement age. Usually, this type of insurance takes over after the beneficiary depletes their short-term disability insurance.

Popular Questions About Disability Attorneys

If you have concerns about disability attorneys, check if we have answered it in our section of popular questions. However, if you miss an answer to your concern, get in touch with our HGSK Law Firm in Philadelphia to learn more.

When Should You Hire a Disability Attorney?

Typically, you should hire a disability attorney immediately when applying for disability benefits. You might need to retain the lawyers until you receive the disability benefits.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Disability Lawyer?

A disability lawyer understands the processes required to apply or appeal for social security disability benefits. They also know the physical and medical documentation required to make your claims successful with little frustration.

How long can I receive long-term disability benefits?

The LTD scheme offers benefits for an extended period. For instance, beneficiaries can receive the benefits for as little as two years and as long as 20-plus years. Some beneficiaries get covered until their retirement age, 65 years.