How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Philadelphia County

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are federally funded benefits available to individuals and certain family members if the claimant worked long enough and is suffering from a medical condition that prevents them from working for at least 12 months or will result in death. SSDI benefits are administered by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are suffering from such a medical condition, the benefits application process can seem intimidating. Our Philadelphia Social Security Disability benefits attorney from Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates explains the process and how our office can help below.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits in Philadelphia County

Applying for SSDI benefits can be challenging and often frustrating. Your initial application will be reviewed by the Social Security Administration’s local office. In Pennsylvania, the application is then forwarded to the Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD). The BDD is an agency governed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry tasked with the responsibility of determining the medical eligibility of claimants. The BDD could request additional information from your doctor or have you undergo supplementary medical examinations. The approval rate for initial SSDI claims is low, ranging between 35 and 39 percent. One way to increase the likelihood of success is to engage the services of our experienced Bucks County Social Security Disability attorney and follow the steps outlined below.

The SSDI Application

Correctly preparing the initial application is crucial. Many claims are denied based on simple mistakes or omissions on the application. Applicants are permitted to file online. However, you should gather all the relevant information and documentation before beginning the process.

You will need to demonstrate that you qualify for SSDI. Therefore, you will need documentation regarding your citizenship status, employment history for the last 15 years, and information related to your medical condition or disability. This should include documentation of any treatment you received. Our Quakertown Social Security Disability lawyer will work with you and your healthcare providers to obtain this information.

Required Personal Information to Apply for SSDI in Philadelphia County

As stated above, before beginning the application process, it is essential to gather the information you will need to provide to the SSA. Whether you apply online or by telephone, you will need to give your name, including all previous names you have used, such as names from prior marriages. You will also have to supply your Social Security number and any other SS numbers you have used, along with your address, phone number, and email.

In addition to your basic information, you will need to list the names, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of any previous spouses within the last ten years. Be sure to include the dates of any divorces. Your family information will also include the names and Social Security numbers of your children.

Employment Information Required to Apply for SSDI in Philadelphia County

SSDI is based on your employment history and the money you paid into the Social Security system. Additionally, SSDI is also based on your ability to work, which is impacted by your skills and work experience. Therefore, you will need to list detailed information about your work experience.

The first thing you will be required to list is the date of employment for every job you have had within the last 15 years, including the names and contact information for up to five of your previous employers. You will have to include your salaries, job titles, and specific duties. Under duties, you should list the type of work you typically performed and the exact responsibilities you had at the most extended place of employment.

In addition to your employment history, you must supply evidence of your last three years of income and the date of the final day you worked. If you served in the military, provide the dates of service and the specific branch of the military.

Medical Information Necessary for SSDI in Philadelphia

The reason many initial SSDI claims are denied is a failure to adequately document the claimant’s medical condition. This is a primary focus of our Levittown, PA Social Security Disability attorney.

You will need a list of all the doctors that you have seen for the treatment of your condition. Be sure to include their specialties, contact information, and addresses. This list should also include any visits to hospitals, clinics, or surgeries you had related to your disability. Do not forget to have a list of any patient identification numbers available.

It is essential to detail your medical treatment. This means providing a comprehensive list of all medications you are taking, their purpose, and which physician prescribed them. Furthermore, you need the medical tests you were given along with the doctor who made the request.

You will need to explain your medical condition and prepare information about when and how it affected your ability to work. Typically, this should be a statement provided by your doctor that explains how your condition impacts your specific job duties. If should be more than a few sentences stating an opinion that you “are disabled.” The medical statement should make a direct connection between your condition and your ability to work, including evidence and explanations.

Have Our Experienced Philadelphia County Social Security Disability Attorney Help You With Your Application

Social Security Disability benefits often are a crucial source of income for an induvial or family. Nearly 65% of all applications for benefits are denied. With the help of an experienced Pennsylvania disability attorney, you could avoid many of the common problems and issues that plague many applications. At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, our lawyers and staff are committed to helping our clients receive the benefits they deserve. We also will appeal a denied claim. To get legal assistance in either applying for benefits or appealing a denied claim, call (215) 701-6519 to schedule a free consultation.