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Pottstown, PA Disability Lawyer

Many people rely on disability benefits to make ends meet. If you have a medical condition that makes working too difficult or downright impossible, a good disability lawyer might be what you need to regain your independence.

Not everyone with a medical condition that makes it hard to work might qualify for disability benefits. Perhaps the most common example of disability benefits is Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI). To qualify for SSDI, you must have a sufficient history of working and paying into Social Security. Next, you need a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of a disability. The extent of your possible benefits may be hard to estimate this early as they are based on numerous factors. Generally, the more income you earn over the years and the more you pay into the system, the higher your benefit payments may be. You may submit your application online with the help of an experienced attorney. You should do so as soon as possible, as a waiting period may be required.

Contact our disability lawyers for a free review of your case by calling Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 515-2954.

Qualifying for Disability Benefits in Pottstown, PA

While you might find it very difficult, if not impossible, to work after being injured or due to a medical condition, you might not automatically qualify for long-term benefits like SSDI. To qualify, you must have a sufficient work history and a medical condition that fits the SSA’s definition of a disability.

Work History

SSDI benefits may be available to people who have years of previous work experience that was covered by Social Security. Most people working these kinds of jobs see a little bit of their paycheck taken out for Socia Security each pay period. Many, if not most, jobs are set up this way. If you spent years working as an independent contractor, freelancer, or other gig-type work and are unsure whether you paid into Social Security during those years, talk to an attorney.

The fact that you previously had a job might not be enough to qualify you for benefits. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify. Whether you meet this requirement is based on how many work credits you have. Work credits are based on the total yearly income, and you can earn up to 4 credits per year. The amount of money you need to earn for a single work credit is adjusted each year. For 2024, 1 credit is $1,730 in wages. You have earned your maximum of 4 credits for the year once you have earned $6,920.

To qualify for SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits. You should have earned 20 of those credits in the last 10 years before you became disabled. However, this is not so in every case. Younger people who become disabled might not need as many work credits to qualify for SSDI.

Medical Conditions and Disabilities

Once our disability attorneys have established that you have a sufficient work history to qualify for SSDI benefits, we need to establish that your medical condition meets the SSA’s definition of a disability. The SSA provides a very long list of medical conditions that are considered disabilities. There are different lists for adults and children filing for SSDI benefits.

Just a few examples of medical conditions that may qualify you for SSDI benefits are musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, mental disorders, and cancer. Your medical condition must prevent you from working and engaging in substantial gainful activity. Even if you have the proper work history and a qualifying medical condition, you might not qualify if your medical condition does not prevent you from working.

Even so, you should keep thorough records of your doctor’s evaluations and changes in your condition. While many people are able to continue working after an initial diagnosis, their condition might worsen over time to the point where they can no longer work.

Possible Disability Benefits in Pottstown, PA

The possible extent of your disability benefits largely depends on your work history. Generally, the more work history you have, and the more money you earned, the greater your disability payments may be. Payments are usually based on an average of your income over the years. The severity of your disability does not affect how much you are paid. Talk to an attorney about calculating an estimation of what your benefits might look like.

If you have certain other sources of income, your SSDI benefits could be reduced. It is not unusual for people living with certain medical conditions and disabilities to also have other forms of help and assistance. For example, if you collect other public benefits, Workers’ Compensation benefits, or certain pension payments, your potential SSDI benefits could be reduced. If you have any other forms of income when you apply for SSDI benefits, let your lawyer know.

How and When to Apply for SSDI Benefits in Pottstown, PA

You should apply for SSDI benefits as soon as you realize your medical conditions no longer allow you to work. You should apply as soon as possible because there is a 5-month waiting period, meaning payments will not begin until your sixth month of being disabled. If you have no other sources of income and will rely on saving during this time, it is best to file sooner rather than later to minimize the time you go without income.

Applications can be submitted online, but you should not do so alone. While a lawyer is not required by law when you apply for SSDI benefits, having one might be the difference between being approved or denied. Your attorney can anticipate what kinds of questions the people who review your application may have and include information and documentation that answers those questions ahead of time.