Washington County, PA & Pittsburgh Social Security Disability Attorney
Do you suffer from a permanent disability or mental health disorder that prevents you from working? Has it lasted, or is it expected to last, in excess of one year? If so, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays disability benefits to individuals who have a medical condition that is expected to last more than a year, or to be terminal, which prevents the individual from working. These benefits may include cash payments and medical coverage.
The process of obtaining benefits can be complicated, and even if you have a legitimate claim you may initially be denied benefits. If you have applied for and been denied disability benefits, it is important for you to contact one of our attorneys immediately because you only have 60 days to appeal the denial of benefits.
Our attorneys can review your case, help you file your claim and assist you in obtaining SSDI benefits in the event your initial application is denied. To speak to one of our knowledgeable Washington County Social Security disability attorneys, contact us today.
Eligibility for Social Security disability
Proving that you are disabled and deserve SSDI benefits is not easy. Below are some of the basic criteria the SSA uses to determine if a person is eligible for benefits:
- Substantial gainful activity — First, the SSA investigates whether you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. You must be found to be incapable of making a certain amount of income per month because of your injury. For more information about how the SSA determines gainful activity, contact our experienced team of Social Security disability lawyers in Washington County.
- Medical evidence — Next, your medical records must contain up-to-date information about your condition. The SSA examines your medical records to determine whether there is documented evidence of your injury or illness and how it prevents you from working.
- Residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment — After reviewing your medical records, the SSA determines if you can do sedentary, light or medium work. The SSA also reviews your physical and mental condition to assess whether you can handle any degree of semi-skilled, unskilled or less-than-unskilled work.
- Medical vocational guidelines — The SSA uses the results from their RFC assessment to decide whether you can return to work at your original job. If they determine you cannot function at your previous occupation, they will determine whether your skills would allow you to perform other less demanding work.
For more information on Social Security benefits or for answers to common questions, review our Social Security disability FAQs.
Committed team of Social Security disability attorneys in PA
Our attorneys know that a disabling injury or medical condition often leads to financial strain during an already difficult time. We are here to assist you in obtaining the benefits you have earned and which are necessary for you to live your life. Don’t wait another day; contact us online or by phone at 724-225-9130 to schedule your free consultation.