Social Security Lawyer

Wilkes-Barre, Sugarloaf and Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Disability Insurance

If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability Insurance, you know how frustrating the whole process can be. With a social security lawyer from The Falvello Law Firm near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on your side, you can be assured that we will do everything in our power to make sure that the process is handled smoothly for you and that you get all the disability benefits that you deserve.

How Social Security Disability Insurance Works

Social Security Disability Insurance, also known as SSDI, is basically disability “insurance” for workers who have paid Social Security taxes. If you’ve worked long enough and you become disabled, Social Security Disability Insurance covers you and certain family members. In order to get your benefits, you just need to apply for this insurance through Social Security.

If you became disabled because of your job, you are also eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

What to Do if Your Application for Social Security Disability Insurance is Denied

First, don’t panic. Most applications are denied at first.

Second, don’t give up.

Third, contact an experienced social security lawyer, such as one from The Falvello Law Firm. They have the knowledge and expertise to get you back on track and help you to get the disability benefits that you need since you are unable to work.

Disability Defined

For the purposes of Social Security Disability Insurance, disability is defined as meeting three conditions:

1. You must be unable to perform the work that you were doing before you were injured.
2. Your disability must last a minimum of at least one year or a maximum of the rest of your life.
3. Your disability must be a total disability. Social Security Disability Insurance doesn’t pay for partial disabilities or short-term disabilities.

How Social Security Determines if You Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security looks at five things to determine if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance.

1. If you currently are not working, or if you are working but earning less than an average of $860 per month, you may be considered disabled.
2. If your injury is severe, meaning that it interferes with your basic job-related work requirements, you may be considered disabled.
3. If your medical condition is listed on the Social Security Administration’s list of disabled conditions, you may be considered disabled. If not, you may have to show that your medical condition is as severe as the conditions that are listed.
4. If you can’t perform the work you previously did, you may be considered disabled.
5. If you can’t perform other work considering your age, education, skills, and any previous work experience, then you may be considered disabled. If the Social Security Administration personnel feel that you can be retrained for another type of work, then your claim will be denied.

In the case of a widow or widower who is disabled, Social Security Disability Insurance may pay death benefits under the following conditions:

1. The widow(er) must be between 50 and 60 years of age.
2. The widow(er) must meet the definition of disabled (See above section How Social Security Defines Disability for Social Security Disability Insurance.)
3. The disability began before the spouse’s death or within 7 years after the spouse’s death

To learn more, please see our Social Security Disability Insurance Questions page.

If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability Insurance and your application was denied or if you just want help navigating the sea of red tape, please email us at The Falvello Law Firm in the Berwick area of Pennsylvania. Our social security lawyers will help you submit or resubmit your application for disability benefits so that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. And our initial consultation is free.