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Harrisburg, PA Disability Lawyer

If you have a disability that prevents you from working in Harrisburg, you are likely entitled to benefits. A few programs offer help so individuals do not face overwhelming financial trouble.

Fortunately, our firm has years of experience handling numerous disability cases. We will not only help you file your application but also gather evidence and appeal if your initial application is denied. With our guidance, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving the disability benefits you deserve without overburdening yourself. This gives you the chance to focus on your health and family.

Our disability attorneys at Young, Marr, Mallis & Deane can provide you with a free case review by calling us at (215) 701-6519.

Types of Disability Claims Our Lawyers Can Help You File in Harrisburg, PA

Filing a disability claim can be a complex and overwhelming task for many in Harrisburg. However, several types of benefit programs are available for individuals with disabilities. While each program has different requirements, our disability lawyers can help determine which you might qualify for. The following are common types of disability claims our firm helps individuals make in Harrisburg:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who have been rendered disabled and cannot work. This program is designed to help out individuals who have previously worked and paid Social Security taxes but are now unable to work because of a severe medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

In order to qualify for SSDI, an individual must meet both the earnings and disability requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The earnings requirement involves having enough work credits, which are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes.

The amount of work credits required is dependent on an individual’s age when they become disabled. Further, the disability requirement stipulates that an individual must be unable to perform substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. This impairment must be severe enough to impact their ability to work and perform day-to-day activities.

The SSA typically evaluates an individual’s application by reviewing their medical records and work history to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements. If an individual is approved for SSDI, the amount of benefits received is determined by their lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The SSI program is designed to provide financial assistance to people who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older and have limited income and resources. This federal income supplement program is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. It is intended to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with little or no income, providing cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and resources and be a U.S. citizen or national or a certain resident alien category. Additionally, you must be either aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The definition of disability under SSI for adults involves having a physical or mental condition that prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Keep in mind that the SSI program is not the same as SSDI. While SSDI provides benefits to people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system, SSI provides benefits to people who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI or who have never worked.

Veterans’ Disability Benefits

Veterans’ disability benefits can be a crucial source of financial support for former soldiers who have suffered disabilities because of their military service. These benefits are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans who have disabilities that are service-connected, which means that the disability either developed during their military service, was caused by their service, or was aggravated by their service.

However, not all veterans are eligible for these benefits. In order to be eligible, you must be a veteran, have a current physical or mental disability, and have a connection between your disability and your service in the military.

This connection can be established in several ways, such as through medical evidence that shows a direct link between your disability and your service or by showing that your disability was caused or aggravated by certain hazardous conditions of the jobs you did while enlisted. The disability that makes you eligible for disability benefits can be physical, such as an injury sustained in the line of duty, or mental, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The first step to filing your claim is to gather all the necessary information and documentation. This includes your discharge or separation papers, service treatment records, and any medical evidence related to your disability. Make sure to collect as much information as possible, including any notes from medical professionals and statements from fellow service members who witnessed your injury or illness.

After gathering all the necessary documentation, you can then submit your claim online, by mail, or in person at the VA regional office in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. When submitting your claim, provide as much detail as you can so that your claim is processed as quickly and accurately as possible.

How a Harrisburg, PA Disability Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Filing for disability benefits can be an arduous and complex process that involves extensive paperwork, which can be overwhelming for many. However, we understand this is a critical time for you and can help you understand the requirements, gather the necessary documentation, and fill out forms accurately.

Our team has an in-depth understanding of disability laws and can use this knowledge to your advantage. We can identify potential hurdles ahead of time and develop strategies to overcome them. We can also help ensure that your application highlights the key aspects determining eligibility, thereby increasing your chances of approval.

If your initial application for disability benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. While the appeals process can be complicated, our lawyers can determine why your claim was denied, gather additional evidence, as well as prepare for and represent you at the hearing.

No matter what kind of claim you need to file, our team can negotiate on your behalf so that your rights are fully protected. These programs often have experienced legal teams working to minimize payouts. Having our firm on your side can make all the difference in getting the benefits you deserve.