Lehigh County, PA Disability (SSDI) Lawyer

The Social Security Administration is the organization responsible for processing social security claims, and ultimately, awarding or denying benefits.  In 2013, approximately 58 million Americans received some form of benefits, and the SSA spent over $800 billion on its assistance programs.

These may seem like high numbers — but that’s only part of the picture.  Unfortunately, while millions of Pennsylvanians are approved to receive some form of disability benefits, the SSA also denies a very large portion of the claims that are submitted.  In 2010, the approximate approval rate for claims at the initial application stage was only about 37%, while during Reconsideration, the approval rate dropped to about 28%.

An experienced disability attorney can help you fight the odds. To set up a free and confidential case evaluation, call Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania today.

Why Choose Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates?

Statistics show that getting a claim approved is a challenge.  When you are struggling with a tiring or painful health condition — and in many cases, the considerable medical bills that follow — the highly technical and demanding application procedure can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, you don’t have to struggle to be approved on your own. The Lehigh County, Pennsylvania social security disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates have over 25 years of experience representing thousands of clients.  Our social security benefits lawyers serve both large and small communities throughout Lehigh County, including Allentown, Ancient Oaks, Coplay, Emmaus, Fountain Hill, Macungie, Slatington, and more.

Types of Social Security Disability Benefits: SSDI vs. SSI

Before you begin the process of applying for social security, it helps to understand the different forms of disability benefits which are available through the SSA:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

While some people are eligible to receive both forms of benefits simultaneously, known as receiving concurrent benefits, many fall into one category or the other.  But how are SSI and SSDI different? SSI is granted based on financial need, and fewer people receive SSI benefits than SSDI benefits.  As of December of 2012, the SSA reported 10,427 SSI recipients in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.  In order to qualify to receive SSI, you must meet three conditions:

1. You must be either blind, disabled, or at least 65 years old.
2. You must have limited income.
3. You must have limited access to resources.

The SSA counts items like cash, stocks and bonds, vehicles, property, land, and life insurance as “resources.” SSDI is granted based on payments you have already made into the social security system, and more people receive SSDI than SSI.  To qualify for SSDI, you must meet X conditions:

1. You must be have earned enough social security work credits (usually 40).
2. You must be disabled.
3. You must be unable to perform your previous work.
4. You must be unable to perform alternate work.
5. You must be earning less than $1,070 per month in the majority of cases.

Where both SSI and SSDI are concerned, there are three additional requirements which your disability must meet.  Your disability:

1. Must be found on the SSA’s list of impairments.
2. Must be severe enough to prevent you from performing work.
3. Must have either lasted (or be expected to last) for at least 12 months, or must be expected to result in death.

If you are approved to receive SSI benefits, the SSA reports that the 2014 monthly payments are:

• $721 per person
• $1,082 per couple

If you are approved to receive SSDI benefits, the amount which you may receive varies.  In 2014,  SSDI monthly payments average at $1,148.  You cannot receive more than $2,642 in SSDI benefits per month.

At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we are aggressive attorneys armed with decades of experience.  Wherever you may be in the social security application process, our Lehigh County, Pennsylvania social security disability attorneys can help. To schedule a free consultation, call our law offices at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania, or contact us online.