Social Security Disability / SSI

Contact our Beaver County Law Firm if you need help in claims for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits. To be eligible for Social Security Disability a person must be proven to have worked long enough to be eligible. Also, a person must prove he or she has a severe impairment or impairments that prevent him or her from performing any substantial gainful work activity. This is documented by medical records and reports. Other requirements include proving that you have been disabled from working for one year or more, or that the disability is expected to last for one year or more. The amount of the monthly benefit is based on the person’s earnings record.

SSI claims involve the same medical proof requirements as disability claims. SSI however is payable to those who have limited or no income or resources. They must also meet living arrangement requirements. The monthly amount varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which could be added to by the State or decreased by countable income and resources.

After an award of SSD or SSI the medical insurance coverage through Medicare of Medicaid could kick in.

The SSD/SSI process begins with making an application in person, by phone or via the internet with the Social Security Administration. If the application is denied, a hearing with a Social Security Judge can be requested. Time limits apply. The process can be tedious, and frustrating. In many cases, it takes a long time to obtain a hearing date.

Many times a person collects Workers Compensation Benefits and Social Security Disability at the same time. Depending on the amounts involved the Social Security Disability can be reduced or offset because of the workers comp payment. Care needs to be taken when settling a workers comp case to account for Medicare’s interest, if any, and to address the Workers Compensation/Social Security offset.

We assist Claimants living in Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Washington and Allegheny Counties in securing evidence needed to prove their SSD or SSI claim and prepare them for and attend the hearing scheduled with the Social Security Judge.