Bloomsburg disability lawyer offers help to Pennsylvania Social Security disability claimants
As a Bloomsburg disability lawyer, I have represented many clients in connection with SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Social Security disability claims. I understand how overwhelming it is to deal with a bureaucracy like the Social Security Administration when you are sick or hurt. I know that you are anxious to obtain your disability benefits because you can’t work and they are a financial necessity.
Yet, the disability evaluation process is often slow and complicated. A disability case can potentially progress through several levels of review. Unfortunately, most Social Security and SSI claims are denied at the initial level. And, even more unfortunately, many applicants give up after the initial denial. This is a serious mistake.
You must be both patient and persistent in pursuing your benefits. Do not abandon your disability claim if it is denied initially. Appeal it to the next level. Why? Although two-thirds of all claims are denied initially, more than half of claimants who appeal are ultimately successful.
How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
The Bloomsburg Social Security Administration provides three methods for applying. You can apply:
- Over the phone.
- In person at your local Pennsylvania Social Security office.
- Online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/
If you decide to apply in person or by phone, you will need to make an appointment first by calling 1-800-772-1213.
To make your initial application, you do not need the assistance of a disability lawyer. Bloomsburg and other Pennsylvania residents can apply for disability on their own. But a disability attorney’s assistance can make a difference. A knowledgeable Bloomsburg disability lawyer can give you tips on how to complete the application forms that will help you avoid mistakes.
How does Social Security evaluate my application?
After verifying that you are insured for Social Security disability benefits or meet the financial need requirements for SSI, Social Security sends your application to the Pennsylvania Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS is a state agency that conducts disability evaluations for the Social Security Administration. DDS will contact your doctors to obtain your medical records and information about your condition. They may also ask you to provide further information or to undergo additional medical examinations.
DDS examiners and doctors will review all the evidence and make a decision on your initial application. You will receive written notification of the decision.
Will I qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
This is the question all of my Pennsylvania Social Security disability clients want answered. Unless you have a catastrophic injury or condition, no one can predict with certainty how Social Security will decide your claim.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must:
- Have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that
- Is severe
- Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or end in death
- Prevents you from being able to do–
- Your past relevant work and
- Any other substantial gainful work, considering your age, education, and experience.
To meet this definition, most people will need to prove that they cannot do any full time job. A full time job means working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, while maintaining a satisfactory pace and quality. The rules are a little easier for older claimants and claimants with limited education.
What if my claim is denied?
Do not give up if your claim for Pennsylvania disability benefits is denied. DDS decision makers have only a paper file to look at and they tend to focus narrowly on the medical evidence. When a claimant’s medical findings do not meet Social Security regulations known as the Listing of Impairments, DDS will often deny the application. But meeting a Listing with your medical findings is not the only way obtain benefits. Alternatively, you may qualify if you can prove that you cannot do your past work and any other substantial work.
If your claim is denied, take the next step and request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The hearing is where you are most likely to succeed.
Administrative law judges view their role as evaluating the entire case, including the claimant’s credibility, to determine the claimant’s capacity for work. The administrative law judge has more than a file to go on. The judge will see you in person. The judge will listen to your testimony about what you can and cannot do. The judge will hear from your witnesses about how your life has been affected by your impairment. The judge will also have the arguments of your Bloomsburg disability lawyer to help him or her reach a favorable conclusion.
Here are some statistics that underscore the benefits of appealing. Back injury is the most common impairment for which applicants seek benefits. Statistics show that nationally only 22% of applicants with back injuries were approved for benefits based on their initial applications, while 70% of back injury applicants who appealed ultimately won their claims. Statistics for other impairments show similar discrepancies.
Like the initial application, you can appeal by phone, in person, or on line. For information and tips on appealing, see Advice for Appealing.
Common questions about applying for Tennessee Social Security disability benefits
- How does Social Security evaluate my application?
- Will I qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
- What if my claim is denied?
- How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
- What is a hearing?
- How do I request one?
Knowledgable and compassionate Bloomsburg disability attorney will work hard to win your case
Whether you need help with your initial application or with an appeal, please contact me. Having an experienced Bloomsburg Social Security lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of success at each step in the process.
If you would like an evaluation of your case, please describe your claim using the form to the right, and I will respond promptly.
Bloomsburg Pennsylvania disability lawyer
