Bucks County Disability (SSDI) Benefits Lawyer

Applying for social security is not as simple as filling out a form and receiving money in a matter of weeks, or even months.  Every year, millions of Americans apply for some form of social security benefits — and every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are denied on their first and sometimes even second or third attempts to qualify.  The social security system is designed to aggressively “weed out” approximately half of all total applicants, which means that unfortunately, the likelihood of rejection is high.

At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we understand the frustration and anxiety our clients so often endure on the complex path toward receiving social security benefits.  The good news is, whether you have yet to apply, are applying anew, or are resubmitting a rejected application for reconsideration, our disability attorneys in Bucks County, PA have 25 years of experience to help you reach your goals. For a free and private legal consultation, call our law offices at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania today.

Am I Eligible to Receive Social Security Benefits?

There’s a common misconception that only the elderly are eligible to receive social security benefits.  While many elderly individuals certainly do receive financial support through the SSA (Social Security Administration), they are far from being the only segments of the population who are candidates for social security. Social security benefits are also available to children, divorced spouses, and caregivers of disabled children.

Which Medical Conditions Are Eligible for Benefits?

The Social Security Act, enacted in 1935, defines a disability as the “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”  The SSA maintains a lengthy list of conditions which are considered disabilities for both children and adults.
Some of the broad categories of injuries and disabilities which the SSA considers eligible for benefits include:

• Amputations
• Arthritis
• Back Injuries
• Blindness
• Burns
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Hearing Loss
• Heart Failure
• Intellectual Disability
• Mental Disorders
• Organ Transplants
• Stroke

How Are Benefits Calculated?

The amount of benefits each individual receives from the SSA varies.  The main factor which determines the benefits you will be eligible to receive is your earnings record.  The SSA looks at your earnings record and applies it to a formula, which takes into account your overall average earnings for all the years you were employed.  The formula is not limited to evaluating only your most recent salary.

Is Disability the Same as Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ compensation and disability benefits are not the same thing, nor are they mutually exclusive.  Even if you are currently on workers’ compensation, you may still be a candidate to receive disability benefits as well.  However, the sooner you are able to file a claim for disability, the better, because you would ideally like to avoid a situation in which your workers’ comp runs out, and your disability benefits haven’t started yet.

How Do I Apply for Benefits?

Social security applications are handled by claims representatives who staff SSA offices located around Bucks County and throughout greater Pennsylvania.  To apply, you will need to present:

• Valid Personal Identification
• Physician Contact Information
• Work History Details
• Tax Forms and Employment Records

Applicants may apply in person, via telephone, or via the internet. From start to finish, processing claims can take as long as 14 months.

What if My Disability Benefits Application is Rejected?

While it is not impossible to be approved on your first application, about as many individuals will be denied as those who are approved.  If your application is initially rejected, you have 60 days in which to request a hearing.  If you miss the 60-day period, you will be obliged to start again from the beginning, which is less efficient than appealing a decision.

Do I Need a Disability Attorney in Bucks County?

Legally speaking, individuals who wish to apply for SSI or SSDI benefits may do so without the assistance of an attorney.  However, because it is so difficult to be approved — even, sometimes, with the support of a physician’s professional medical opinion — retaining an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the complicated and unforgiving application system can help facilitate the claims process.

Whatever an applicant’s age, work background, or physical condition may be, our attorneys believe that everyone deserves to receive the financial support that they need to survive comfortably.  Whichever stage of the benefits application process you have reached, Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates is here to assist and guide you.  We serve Pennsylvanians across Bucks County, including the residents of Doylestown, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Newtown, Quakertown, and other communities.

Our Bucks County Disability Lawyers Can Help

If you would like to speak with a Bucks County disability lawyer, call our law offices today at 1 (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania for a free and confidential consultation, or contact us online.