Springfield, PA Disability (SSDI) Lawyer

Some studies show that Americans prepare for death’s expenses more than for the costs of living with a disability. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) income is available for many Americans under 65 years old who suffer from a disability or whose spouse or dependent (under 22 years old) becomes disabled. About 5.4% of residents in Springfield under 65 have a disability. SSDI gives those residents a vital source of income.

Springfield residents receive high-quality legal representation at the full-service disability law practice of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates. Their 80% rate in successful disability SSDI claims is due to their 30+ years of dedication and commitment to providing superb legal representation. Our fees are only paid if your application is approved and set within statutory limits. Call (215) 515-2954 to schedule a free consultation today.

Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Insurance Law

Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Benefits is the original name for SSDI. The SSDI defines disability differently than other federal programs in that there is a focus on the ability to work and earn income.

The way this program works is that you accumulate “work credits” over time. Not all credit requirements are the same. In addition, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §423(d)(1) & (2), disability means:

• An inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
• Also, an individual is disabled only if their impairment is of such severity that they cannot engage in any other kind of substantially gainful work.

Based on the definitions above, Social Security claims examiners conduct a thorough review of your medical condition, work history, and income. With the assistance of your attorney, you can go through all your documentation and determine what to incorporate into your application. Even after you provide documentation, there are instances when Social Security examiners will ask you to be seen by their physicians as well.

SSA’s Definition of a Physical Impairment

A physical impairment refers to any anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities shown in medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests, according to 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(3). The federal guidelines provide impairment standards intended to provide examiners with an objective framework. However, there are multiple areas of potential misinterpretation concerning whether an impairment exists and if there are accommodating jobs available in the area.

You will be asked to provide information regarding your education and employment experience. The goal of the examiners is to determine the most work you can do, known as “residual functioning capacity” (RFC). This is because, if you are deemed eligible to work, your SSDI application will not be approved.

Based on our experience, many applications fail because there are incomplete or leave questions unanswered regarding how your impairments make it impossible to work. Some of the common questions regarding your RFC level can include whether you can do sedentary, medium, or heavy work, based on your work history and skills.

Medical and Employment History Information Required for Disability Benefits

Your attorney can work with you to determine the types of information needed and can anticipate the issues that examiners may not understand. There are instances when, upon review of your medical evidence, you may be asked to attend a consultative examination by a physician chosen by the Social Security Administration. Also, Social Security examiners give much weight to recent medical tests and the information provided by your attending physician.

Moreover, your attorney can help you in establishing the reasons you’re disabled depending on whether:

• You are ineligible to do sedentary work
• Your medical condition has become complicated by other ailments, such as a severe depression
• Your previous skills can be taken into consideration
• You have multiple conditions that cause serious impairments

Additional Benefits of Social Security Disability Insurance

If you receive SSDI, you can also enroll in Medicare programs before the required age of 65 years old. You may be allowed to remain in the Medicare program even if your disability ends, possibly for up to eight years and six months after returning to work. Also, once your application is approved, you can receive:

• Monthly cash payments
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Medical insurance

The monthly payment amount depends on the earnings on which you paid social security taxes and your number of eligible dependents. There is a “maximum family award” that typically equals roughly the amount to which the disabled individual is entitled, plus allowances for two dependents. A qualified disability attorney can help you answer questions as to the amount of SSDI benefits you should receive.

Our Springfield Disability Attorneys Can Help

If you or someone you know in Springfield needs assistance in filing SSDI application, call the dedicated attorneys of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates. With decades of experience and a proven track record of successful applications, our lawyers are compassionate and understand the internal workings of the review process. Some of our members even worked at the Social Security Administration before joining our practice. Call (215) 515-2954 to schedule a consultation today.