Horsham, PA Socia Security Disability (SSDI) Lawyer

While everyone hopes to work and support themselves, not everyone is so fortunate. A bad accident might leave you injured and possibly unable to work for the indefinite future. How can you pay your medical bills and make ends meet so you can continue living independently? For some, the answer to this dilemma might be Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

If you cannot work because of a disability and have a sufficient working history, you might qualify for benefits. Generally, you must have a disability as defined by federal law and be unable to work. On top of that, you need a sufficient history of working and paying into Social Security to qualify. Our attorney can help you gather the information you need to apply online. We can also arrange a meeting with an SSA agent in person or over the phone if that works better for you. Filing for SSDI benefits might be exactly what you need to continue supporting yourself while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

For a private evaluation of your claims for free, call (215) 515-2954 and talk to our Social Security disability attorneys at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates.

How to Qualify for SSDI Benefits in Horsham, PA

The basic eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits require that applicants have a disability, be unable to work, and have a sufficient history of working. This is a rather wide net and may encompass many people who cannot work because of an injury or medical condition. However, there are numerous important details and nuances of these eligibility criteria that you should discuss with your attorney.

Having a Disability

First, you must have a disability as defined under federal law 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a). Remember, this definition might not necessarily cover every type of disability, which is why you should talk about your specific disability and medical condition with our Social Security disability attorneys.

Under the law, a disability is a condition that prevents someone from doing any “substantial gainful activity” (i.e., working). The disability must stem from a medically diagnosed physical or mental condition or impairment. The disability must be a long-term condition. Generally, only people whose conditions are expected to last for at least 12 months or terminate in death are eligible for benefits.

If you are unsure whether your condition meets the definition of a disability, the Social Security Administration maintains a lengthy index of conditions considered disabilities. If your condition is not listed in the index, you might still be eligible, but you should discuss it with your lawyer.

Inability to Work

A primary component of your disability is that it must hinder you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). According to § 404.1572, SGA has its own legal definition. First, for work to be considered SGA, it must be substantial. This means that the work should take significant physical or mental effort. Work may be deemed substantial even if it is part-time or involves reduced pay, hours, or responsibilities.

Next, the work must be gainful. Essentially, work is gainful when it is performed for profit. Volunteer work that might be substantial is not gainful and may not be considered SGA. If you are paid a salary or hourly wage, the work is likely considered gainful. However, work performed for profit may be gainful even if the profit is not realized. For example, a business endeavor that does not pan out may still be deemed gainful.

Working History

To receive SSDI benefits, you must have a sufficient work history. While many people have spent years working and furthering their careers before becoming injured, others have not, and the difference might be crucial. The SSA measures work history in work credits. Social Security work credits may be earned for every year you work and perform SGA. A person may earn up to 4 credits per year.

Generally, an adult applying for SSDI benefits needs 40 work credits, and 20 must be obtained within the past 10 years. If you are a younger person applying for SSDI benefits, you might need fewer credits, and you should discuss this with your attorney.

How to Apply for SSDI Benefits in Horsham, PA

Applying for SSDI benefits is not exactly the easiest thing in the world. It can be complicated and time-consuming, depending on your circumstances. You may apply online, or we can help you arrange a meeting with an SSA agent in person or over the phone if that works better for you. Remember, the application process requires extensive information about your work, disability, and other details about your life. Having all this information ahead of time is crucial.

Technically, you are allowed to fill out your application and submit it on your own without the help of a lawyer. However, this is not advisable, as making mistakes or accidentally omitting important details can be easy. Minor mistakes could lead to your application being denied. It may be better to get help from an attorney who has experience with these applications and knows what the SSA looks for when approving them.

Information You Need to Begin Applying for SSDI Benefits in Horsham, PA

Your application is much more than a few simple forms. Before we get started, we need extensive documentation, paperwork, and information about your condition. First, we must gather the necessary personal information to start the application process. This includes, but might not be limited to, your Social Security number, contact information, information about where you live, and your banking details for direct deposit so SSDI benefits may be sent directly to your account.

We also need information about your disability. This should include detailed information about your condition and how it prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity. We must also provide details about the doctors and hospitals that treated and diagnosed you. It is possible that the SSA will contact your doctors and inquire about your condition.

We should also attach information about your job and previous work history. This is necessary for several reasons. First, we need to show that you have enough work credits. Second, we need to inform the SSA about what kind of salary you earned before your disability, as it may be used to calculate the value of your benefits.

Contact Our Horsham, PA Social Security Disability (SSDI) Attorneys About Filing a Claim for Benefits

For a confidential assessment of your claims for no charge, call (215) 515-2954 and talk to our Social Security disability attorneys at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates.