If you become disabled and can’t work before retirement age, our lawyers can help you determine if you may qualify for Social Security Disability monthly benefits. Benefits may continue until the employee resumes working again, or reaches full retirement age, at which time they will be converted to retirement benefits.

How Do You Know if You Qualify for Disability?

You must have worked in a job covered by Social Security.

Have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability.

Be unable to work for a year or more

Bringing Clarity to the Complex Disability Claim Process The claims process involves complicated paperwork and can be confusing. That’s why so many initial claims are denied. Martin Law attorneys know the rules and regulations and have the experience to make the process go smoothly. Our lawyers handle the paperwork and clearly and professionally present the facts of the claim and disability if it goes before a judge.

What is Social Security Disability (SSD)?

Social Security Disability (SSD) can seem like a complex topic, but at its core, it’s a program designed to support those who find themselves unable to work due to a debilitating condition or illness. As an attorney with 15 years of experience in this field, I’ve borne witness to the intricacies of SSD, and in this post, I’ll do my best to pass that experience on to you.

Do You Deserve SSD?

This is a threshold question that many applicants grapple with. Many hardworking people feel like they must continue to work, no matter the cost to their health and wellbeing. Let me be clear- the SSD program is not about handouts – it’s about support for individuals who have diligently paid into the system through their working years. Every paycheck you’ve received has had a portion allocated to the Social Security tax. It’s this contribution that feeds into a larger pool, an insurance program, ensuring that you have a safety net in times of need. In essence, the benefits you might receive are a result of your own hard work and commitment.

Will You Qualify for SSD?

Many people don’t apply because they feel like there’s no way that they would qualify. The first step is to remove any notion of “disabled” that you have in your mind. Disability for the purposes of SSD, is determined through a complex analysis. There’s no substitute for having an experienced advocate to help you through the process, but here’s a short overview of how the Social Security Administration (SSA) figures out whether or not you qualify to receive SSD:

• They first assess your employment status. If you earn above a certain threshold, it might affect eligibility.
• The severity of your condition is then evaluated. It needs to significantly interfere with work-related activities.
• The SSA has a list of impairments. Conditions on this list can fast-track disability determination. If yours isn’t listed, the analysis continues.
• Next is an evaluation of your ability to perform the work you did before. If your condition impedes this, they proceed to the final step.
• The last checkpoint determines your ability to do any other work, factoring in your age, education, and previous work experience.

Who is Eligible?

Apply for SSD if you expect to be out of work for at least 12 months AND you have a disabling condition that prevents you from working eight hours a day, five days a week.

The Social Security Administration uses five criteria to determine eligibility. You must prove that you are disabled; meaning that you are physically and/or mentally unable to work at your regular job, or any job. There are a wide range of listed physical and mental impairments accepted by the Social Security Administration, including migraines, back injuries, cancer, depression and dozens of other conditions. Our attorneys have experience with all types of claims.

Special Benefits in Your Social Security Disability Claim

If you are over age 50.

If you have dependent children under age 18.

If you need an expedited hearing for dire financial or medical reasons.

What Will You Receive Through SSD?

If you think that you might qualify, the next logical question is what does SSD provide? SSD not only provides financial assistance but also encompasses medical benefits. Financially, the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) acts as the cornerstone of your benefits. It takes into consideration your lifetime earnings and the years you’ve worked, to determine the amount you receive monthly. On the medical side, SSD recipients can also gain access to Medicare, a crucial support for those dealing with debilitating conditions, ensuring they get the care and treatments they require without further draining their resources.

What is the Real-world Impact of SSD?

Having steered countless individuals through their SSD claims, I’ve seen the tangible effects of these benefits. I’ve helped individuals to receive more than $3,000 monthly, with some even owed over $100,000 in back benefits. These aren’t just statistics to me, but real lives that I’ve seen change overnight.

Do You Need an Attorney to File for Disability Benefits?

While are not required to use an attorney to file for disability benefits, a disability lawyer protects your rights and can guide you through a long and frustrating process. Please understand that the Social Security Administration will not do you any favors to help prove your case. They process paperwork and you are a number, just another claim. As most people know, Social Security denies most disability claims. Why would you not want an attorney when applying to a government agency that denies the majority of disability claims it receives? A Social Security disability lawyer will answer your questions, help you complete key forms, obtain favorable medical opinions from your doctors, give you recommendations on how to strengthen your case, and prepare your case for a hearing to maximize your chances of success. We are here to help and our consultations are free.

Our Philadelphia Disability Benefits Lawyers Can Help

At Martin Law, we have a dedicated team of Social Security Disability Lawyers and personnel that handle only Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims. Social Security Disability is a highly specialized practice area and requires attorneys with deep knowledge and experience to navigate through the complex bureaucracy and receive the full benefits to which you are entitled. Embarking on the SSD journey doesn’t mean you have to tread the path alone. At Martin Law, our experienced attorneys and dedicated support teams stand ready to guide you through every twist and turn. With our expertise, commitment, and personalized approach, we ensure that your SSD journey is as seamless and rewarding as possible.