Do you need help applying for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD)? Has your application for disability benefits denied? Have you been waiting for months for a decision on an application that was filed over three months ago? The most important thing you can do if you are applying for disability benefits is to hire an experienced social security lawyer at The Bernstein Firm to help you through the process of obtaining social security disability benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits, which are often referred to as SSD, are financial payments made to eligible individuals who can no longer work as determined by the standards of the Social Security Administration. SSD is for individuals who have a work history and have paid in to the Social Security system through their withholding taxes. In order to be eligible for SSD, you must have worked a certain period of time (usually 5 of the last 10 years) prior to when you became disabled. However, if you are 31 years old or younger when you became disabled, you are not required to have worked as long. Your monthly disability benefits are directly related to your overall earnings and will increase as you pay more Social Security taxes.

The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC  has successfully helped thousands of individuals apply for and obtain SSD. Because of this, we have a thorough understanding of disability law, the medical issues and conditions that cause disability, and the procedures at the Social Security Disability Administration. When you hire a disability attorney from our firm, you will receive the benefit of our experience, knowledge and assistance to get you the benefits you deserve.

If you need legal assistance with a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim, we strongly urge you to contact a disability benefits attorney at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC  to discuss the specific facts of your case as soon as possible. Our firm is dedicated to helping disabled individuals obtain the benefits they so vitally need. We have a long track record of success in this field of endeavor and have gained substantial experience and knowledge in doing so. Our understanding of disability law and how the Social Security Administration works is detailed and comprehensive.

Social Security Disability benefits are based on work experience. If you are disabled and have not worked enough to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, you may still be able to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The claims process for this program can be complex and frustrating which is why we recommend that you work with a Philadelphia social security disability benefits lawyer at our firm who is a seasoned professional in this field.

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly benefit payments to individuals who have low income and few resources and who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. You must be disabled under the same rules that apply to Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits. The basic SSI payment amount is the same nationwide though many states add additional income to the basic benefit. This program’s benefits are based on financial need. Whether you are eligible for benefits depends on your income and resources, such as real estate you own, bank accounts, cash, and stocks and bonds. If you are married, part of your spouse’s income and resources will also be considered in the determination of benefits. For those who are disabled who apply for SSI, you may also obtain free services that will help you get work, such as counseling, job training, or help in finding employment.

If you want to find out if SSI is a valid option for you as a benefits program, it is important to consult with a disability benefits attorney at our offices who can help you understand and apply for this program’s benefits.

Do you need help with your application for social security disability benefits (SSD)? Are you overwhelmed by the complex process that is involved when applying for the disability benefits? You can increase your chances of obtaining benefits by having an experienced social security lawyer in your corner. A disability benefits attorney at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC can assist you in maximizing your chance of success in pursuit of your benefits.

Types of Social Security Disability Benefits – SSD and SSI

There are two different types of disability benefits available through the Social Security Administration. If you have become physically or mentally disabled, you may file a claim for disability benefits through Social Security or, through a private long term disability insurance policy received from your employer. You will be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits if you have worked enough quarters to qualify before becoming disabled. If you don’t qualify for these benefits because you do not have along enough work history, you may be able to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration, based on your disability and your financial need.

Regardless of what type of social security disability benefits you are trying to receive, we have the experience to help you get the benefits you deserve. It is important to our office that you understand the application and appeal process. You should be aware of your legal rights and options under the laws governing your disability claim. A disability benefits lawyer at our firm can provide with valuable experience and help you get your disability benefits.

Our firm understands how important disability benefits are to you and your family. Call us now to set up a consultation to learn more about your legal rights.

Do you know what type of disability benefits you are entitled to receive? Are you facing financial difficulties because your physical or mental disability makes it impossible for you to earn a living? If you need legal assistance with obtaining disability income, consult with a disability lawyer at The Bernstein Firm. Our firm is devoted to fighting for the rights of the disabled. We are extremely well-versed in disability law and know the disability benefits claims process for both the Social Security Administration and for private insurance companies. We can assist you in completing your initial application for benefits, or if you have been denied disability benefits, we can assist you in your appeal.

If you are pursuing social security disability income benefits from the Social Security Administration, you may feel overwhelmed by the process of bureaucratic red tape. Whether you are considering filing an application or have been denied disability benefits, we can assist you. A social security disability lawyer from our office can provide effective assistance with completing an initial application with the Social Security Administration, filing an appeal of a denial, or representing you at a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

If you are seeking long-term disability (LTD) income benefits from your private insurance company, you may have either heard or personally experienced the difficulty in doing so. LTD is usually provided through your employee benefits package. Like SSD, it will pay you a monthly amount in the event you are determined to be disabled under the terms of your policy. The insurance contracts that govern your policy are complicated documents, full of provisions and requirements that are often difficult to understand. Our law firm has extensive experience in handling long term disability claims.

Whatever type of disability benefits you are trying to obtain, we have the experience to help you get the benefits you deserve. Our firm has years of experience and accomplishments in this field. We urge you to schedule a consultation with an experienced disability attorney at our firm to learn about your legal rights.

If you need help applying for Social Security Disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Long Term Disability benefits through a private insurance company, a social security disability lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC can provide experienced and aggressive legal assistance. We have years of experience prosecuting disability claims and have successfully handled thousands of cases throughout the country. Our firm knows how to navigate the complexities of the Social Security Administration and guide you through the often tedious process of obtaining your disability benefits.

Regardless of the type of disability benefits you are applying for, a social security disability attorney at our firm can assist you in getting the benefits you deserve..

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

There are several ways you can apply for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration. You can do so online with the Social Security Administration or you can call them at their toll-free number to set an appointment for your application to be taken over the phone. You can also call them and set up an appointment to go in to your local Social Security office and have your application taken by an intake specialist at the Social Security Administration. In order to begin the application process, you will need to complete an application for Social Security Benefits as well as a form called an Adult Disability Report. You will need to provide the Social Security Administration with a description of your medical condition and all of your medical records that support your claim for disability. If you do not have your medical records, the Social Security Administration will try and obtain them for you. You will also be required to show Social Security a certified copy of your birth certificate, the names and dosages of all the medications you take, a summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did, and a copy of your most recent W-2 form.

In addition to the initial application, you will be required to submit other forms such as those that request information about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.

We can assist you in completing your application and make sure all of your relevant information is presented to the Social Security Administration. Our firm can provide you with assistance in working with your medical providers, who can impact the outcome of your claim. An experienced social security disability lawyer from The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC can assist you with your disability application.

The first step in applying for social security disability is to complete an application. Once you complete your initial application the claim is sent to the Disability Determination Service (“DDS”) who will review your medical records and determine if you are eligible for benefits. It is very important that you complete the application correctly in order to increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result.

At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, we assist our clients in completing the initial application and making sure that the proper information is provided to the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). There are several ways to complete an initial application with SSA. You can set up a phone interview, whereby SSA will schedule a time to call you and complete your initial application,

You can go to your local district SSA office and conduct a live interview where they will ask you questions and complete your application on your behalf. The third way is to complete the application for disability benefits online. You will provide the requisite information online to the SSA.

While it is not difficult to complete an application yourself, it is challenging to complete the application correctly. We interview our clients and make sure that their applications contain accurate information and complete the application with our clients to insure the best chances of a favorable outcome.

Although there are no guarantees that an initial application will be approved, our firm has been successful in getting our clients approved at the initial application level.

If you need legal representation for a disability hearing, we invite you to contact a social security disability lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC for a consultation about your case. Our firm represents clients in disability hearings and has extensive experience in doing so. We have successfully handled thousands of disability cases and have the knowledge and skills that can improve your chances of a successful outcome to your claim. We understand how the Social Security Administration works and have the experience to get you the benefits you deserve.

What happens at a social security disability hearing?

Disability hearings are conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who will decide the outcome of your claim. At the hearing, your social security disability attorney from our firm will be present with you, ensuring that your rights are protected. We will make sure you are prepared for your hearing and that all of your medical evidence is submitted to the judge for review. We will also assist you in obtaining opinions from your medical providers which can be useful in describing the physical limitations caused by your illness.

You will be asked several questions by the judge and your attorney with regard to your illness and how it affects your day to day activities. Sometimes a vocational expert and medical expert will be present to testify as to your medical condition and your work background.

After your hearing has been conducted, you will receive a written decision in the mail informing you of the result. If the result is favorable, you will receive a letter from Social Security explaining how much you will receive in monthly benefits and when the benefits will begin. In the event you do not receive a favorable ruling by the ALJ, we can assist you in filing an appeal with the Appeals Council.

Because of the importance of your disability hearing, it is in your best interests to have representation by an experienced disability.

If you need legal assistance with a disability claim, we invite you to contact a social security disability lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC to discuss your case. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the disabled. We have successfully handled thousands of claims. Put our experience to work for you to ease the stress you are going through. We know how this system works and help make this experience easier for you to handle.

A social security disability attorney at our firm can assist you by reviewing your case and advising you about your legal rights and options. We will also help you fill out the necessary paperwork needed to process your claim and work with your doctor or other health care providers to secure medical records needed to prove the validity of your claim. We will try and obtain opinion evidence from your medical providers needed to prove your disability. We will also ensure that your disability claim is complete and properly submitted, and monitor your claim as it goes through the disability system. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the Social Security Administration to lose files, or just fail to process them in a timely manner. This only adds to the frustration of this lengthy process. Our law firm can help get your case back on track if this happens to you. If you have been denied disability benefits, our experienced social security disability lawyers can prepare and submit your appeal and represent you at your disability hearing.

Regardless of whether you are seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration or a private insurance company, our disability lawyer can provide you with the legal assistance you need. We understand how important your disability claim is to you and will do everything we can to help you get your benefits. We work diligently and tirelessly to help our clients at this critical time in their lives. Whatever your circumstances may be in regards to disability benefits, we invite you to consult with a disability lawyer at our firm as soon as possible.

If you have become disabled due to a physical or mental impairment you need an experienced social security lawyer. You are not only dealing with the symptoms of your medical condition but you are most likely experiencing financial difficulties due to your inability to work. We understand the importance of obtaining your Social Security Disability benefits to which you are entitled. Even if you have already applied, it is not uncommon for your application to be lost, ignored, or denied without receiving a written notice. It takes months for the Social Security Administration to make a decision on your application for benefits. Because of the extremely long periods of time that are spent waiting for a resolution of their claim, many applicants become frustrated and a sense of hopelessness sets in as your medical and financial situation gets worse.

Most claims are denied at the initial application level and are not favorably resolved until a decision is made by an Administrative Law Judge at a hearing at which you must personally appear to answer questions about your medical problems. Having a disability lawyer at every stage of the process enhances your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. An experienced social security disability attorney can help you cut through the red tape that is involved in this process at no cost to you unless you receive your benefits. At the The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, we know disability law and how the Social Security Administration works. We have handled thousands of cases before the Social Security Administration.

At the Bernstein Law Firm, PLLC, we can review your case and advise you on how to maximize your chances of success. We can tell you how the Social Security Administration evaluates medical conditions or combinations of conditions, how vocational experts assess claims, and other crucial information that influences the claims and appeals process. We can assist you in filling out required paperwork, provide calculations of benefits, liaise with your doctor and other health care providers to obtain pertinent medical information, and assess this information for additional ways to substantiate your disability. If appropriate, a disability attorney from our firm can advise you about supplementing your claim with additional documentation and medical opinion evidence.

The most important aspect of your Social Security Disability claim lies in how your medical condition is presented and documented to the Social Security Administration. Our firm has been successful in helping thousands of clients win their claims.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits can be a complicated and difficult process. There are various forms involved in the application process which must be filled out correctly. Your application is the first document that the Social Security Administration will look at in evaluating your claim for benefits. The statements you make can help as well as hurt your chances of winning your claim for benefits. It is to your advantage to work with the Social Security Disability lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC to ensure that you application is properly completed. Our law firm has the experience to help our clients present a strong application to be presented to the Social Security Administration.

Additionally, Social Security Disability claim forms can be very confusing. Some forms use terminology that you may not understand. In addition to that, you as the claimant may not know what is required in the claims forms or enough about the overall process to explain and prove your disability condition.

The Social Security disability application forms ask you for your medical history, education level, work history and a review of your daily activities. An experienced disability lawyer can assist you in completing these forms and ensuring that the important information is brought to the attention of the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Disability attorney at our firm has the knowledge and experience needed to give your application the best chance of success for obtaining the benefits you need and deserve. We will ensure that it is complete, thorough, fully documented, and properly submitted.

If you have applied for Social Security Disability benefits, you will be required to complete and submit a Daily Activities Questionnaire. This Questionnaire is used by the Social Security Administration to evaluate the extent of your disability based on how able you are to perform daily activities, such as dressing, showering, making meals, shopping, doing ordinary chores such as washing the dishes, doing laundry, mowing the lawn, driving, or cleaning. The Daily Activities Questionnaire is an important document which needs to be completed thoroughly so that the examiner in charge of your application has a total understanding of how your disability has impaired your ability to work.

If you need assistance in understanding and completing this Questionnaire so that it will be an effective tool in your application, we recommend that you consult with the Social Security Disability attorney at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC as soon as possible. Our firm has assisted thousands of individuals in obtaining the disability benefits they deserve. Because we are intimately familiar with the Social Security Administration, its forms, requirements, and procedures, we can provide capable advice and assistance in helping you with your claim.

An important aspect of applying for and obtaining social security disability benefits is the medication information provided by your doctors, therapists, caseworkers, or other health care professionals to the Social Security Administration or insurance company. If you need assistance with this critical issue in your claim or appeal, a disability claims lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC can help. Our firm has been helping disabled individuals in applying for and obtaining disability benefits for many years. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in benefits for clients throughout the country. Because of this, we have gained invaluable knowledge and experience in making effective claims and appeals.

Your Medical Information and Records in Your Benefits Claim

At our firm, your social security disability claims attorney will work with your doctor or other health care providers to ensure that your medical information is conveyed properly in your benefits claim. We will ensure that the detailed information needed for your claim is submitted, such as medical records, history, lab tests and results, prescriptions and dosages, and dates of visits. Your medical records are a vital source of documentation in any benefits claim and comprise your best evidence and asset. Not only are these facts important but the way in which this information is communicated can spell the difference between a benefits approval or denial.

Our goal is to ensure that your disability is properly and sufficiently explained to those who will decide whether your claim for benefits is approved or denied. We understand how crucial this information is in forming the basis of your claim. We are also well-versed in how disability is viewed and determined for such claims and in the medical issues and conditions involved. We make every effort to ensure that your medical information is complete and clear so that you will have the best chance for obtaining the benefits that are so vital to your security and future.

If you need help working with your doctor in a benefits claim, we urge you to contact a disability claims lawyer at our firm for a consultation about your case as soon as you can.

It is important that you have an attorney represent you at your social security disability hearing. This will be the only chance you get to tell your story in person to a judge. If you have a hearing scheduled, or are waiting for a determination by the Social Security Administration, we recommend that you consult with a Social Security Disability Lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC to discuss your claim as soon as possible.

What happens at a Disability Hearing?

During the Social Security Disability hearing you will have the opportunity to present your case to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The ALJ will ask you various questions about your daily activities, work history and medical history. Your attorney will also have the opportunity to ask you questions as they relate to your medical condition. A vocational expert is typically present at your hearing and sometimes a medical expert is present as well. The vocational expert is available to the judge to render an opinion about your past relevant work experience, and any jobs that exist in the national economy that you may be qualified to perform based upon your age, work experience, and education. If a medical expert is at the Hearing, he or she will give an opinion about the medical issues of your case. Having an experienced attorney at your side during a disability hearing is crucial in determining the outcome of your claim.

Many people wonder if they are able to apply for Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) and still work. Regardless of the type of work you do, in some situations you may be able to still work even though you have applied for or receive benefits. Please contact The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC if you need assistance with this issue or any other aspect of making a valid and effective claim for Social Security Disability benefits in the greater area. We encourage you to set up a free consultation with our Social Security Disability lawyer who can answer your questions in confidence and advise you on the claims process.

You can work and continue to collect Social Security Disability benefits if you earn less than a certain amount of money that is set by Social Security. If you work more than the maximum allowed amount, you are considered by the Social Security Administration to be gainfully employed and will lose or not be eligible for benefits.

The SSA also has work incentives which allow you to maintain your benefits while you test your capacity for work in a trial work program. In the trial period, you may receive full benefits regardless of how much you earn. This trial work period continues until you have worked for 9 months (which does not have to be consecutive) performing services in a rolling 60-month period in which you earn more than $720 per month. When the trial work period ends, you will not receive benefits in the months when your earnings are considered to be substantial, which is currently $1,000. In the 36 months after your trial period, if your earnings fall below the substantial amount, you can once again receive benefits if you are still disabled.

For further assistance with this issue, it is important to talk to an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney at the The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC who can evaluate your situation based on the specific facts of your case.

Receiving a Notice of Overpayment from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be a frightening experience. You may be required to return thousands of dollars to the Social Security Administration because of an overpayment of your Social Security Disability monthly benefits. If you have received a Notice of Overpayment from the SSA, you must act promptly to avoid having repayment money taken out of your future checks.

If you disagree with the amount of the overpayment or you feel that you did not receive an overpayment, you can file a reconsideration with the SSA. You should file a reconsideration immediately stating that you disagree with the amount of the overpayment. You should request that they do not take any money out fo your monthly check until a final decision has been made. You can also request a Waiver if you receive an overpayment notice. You must prove to the SSA that you were not at fault by receiving the overpayment and that you have no way of paying back the money. A third option is to negotiate a payment plan with SSA if you receive an overpayment notice.

SSA will send you a notice with regard to your reconsideration or waiver request. AN adverse decision can be appealed and must be done in a timely manner. You may wish to talk to a social security disability attorney at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC to discuss your options if you receive a Notice Of Overpayment from the Social Security Administration.

If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, you may not know how you are going to care for yourself or your family, or how you are going to pay your bills. Don’t Give Up! We can help. At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, we are not only committed to helping you obtain the benefits you deserve, but have helped countless other clients in doing so. A social security disability appeals lawyer at our firm can prepare and submit an appeal on your behalf. Because of our extensive experience and knowledge of disability law and the workings of the Social Security Administration, we have the knowledge necessary to prepare an appeal that will give you the best chance of a favorable result.

The Appeals Process

If your claim for benefits has been denied, you must make a written request for an appeal within 60 days of the date of your denial letter. The denial letter you receive will inform you as to how you may appeal. Four levels of appeal exist: Reconsideration, a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), review by the Appeals Council, and, finally, a lawsuit in the United States District Court where you reside.

At the reconsideration level, your case is reevaluated by the Disability Determination Service. All of the information you submitted with your initial application and any new evidence you submit will be evaluated in making a determination. If you are still denied benefits after the reconsideration level, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, who did not take part in the original decision or the reconsideration. At the hearing, you will be afforded an opportunity to explain to the judge how your medical condition limits your ability to work. The ALJ may also have a witness present, such as a vocational or medical expert. If you are again denied, you can ask for a review by the Social Security’s Appeal Council. The Appeals Council examines all requests for review and either denies the request, decides your case, or sends it back to an Administrative Law Judge. If your request for review is denied or you disagree with the Appeal Council’s decision, you can file a lawsuit in federal court against the Social Security Commissioner.

Regardless of the level of your appeal, it is important that your case is fully prepared and that all medical evidence is sub committee to the Social Security Administration. Our social security disability appeals attorney will prepare your case thoroughly and work with you to increase your chances for success. At any appeals stage, having a lawyer represent you can help you present a more effective case.

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, certain members of your family may be eligible to also receive benefits based on your work history. An adult child who has a disability that started before the age of 22 may be eligible for disability benefits under your earnings record. If you need legal assistance in obtaining Social Security Disability benefits for your adult child, we advise you to consult with a social security disability lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC to discuss your case. Our firm has helped thousands of individuals obtain benefits from the Social Security Administration. We have the experience and can assist you in your pursuit of disability benefits.

Disabled Adult Child Benefits Program

The disabled adult child benefits program provides compensation to adult children of disabled or retired parents who receive benefits or who have deceased. The medical requirements are that the adult child has a physical disability or mental impairment which prevents him or her from making any kind of “substantial” income, that the condition has existed or will continue to exist for at least a year, and that it began before the age of 22. The additional requirements are that the disabled adult child’s parent currently receives disability or retirement benefits or received them before death. The adult child must be at least 18, and their disability must begin prior to the age of 22. The adult child does not need to have any type of work history.

If you have any questions regarding an adult who is disabled before age 22, our firm is available to answer your questions. If your claim has been denied, we are experienced in the appeals process and will make every effort to help you pursue a successful path towards obtaining disability benefits for your disabled adult child.

Do you need legal help with an application for Social Security Disability benefits for your dependents? If so, please contact a disability claims lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC to discuss the particular facts of your situation. Our firm focuses on helping disabled individuals and their families obtain the disability benefits they deserve. We have helped thousands of individuals obtain disability benefits throughout the country.

Your Family Can Get Benefits

If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB), certain members in your family may be able to obtain benefits based on your work record. For example, this may include your spouse if he or she is 62 or older, or your spouse of any age if he or she is taking care of your child who is less than 16 or who is disabled. Your children may also be able to receive benefits under certain conditions. A divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits based on your work record in some cases. The requirements are that he or she must have been married to you for at least 10 years, is currently unmarried and is at least 62.

A disability claims attorney at our firm can provide knowledgeable assistance in applying for and obtaining benefits for your dependents. Having an experienced disability lawyer in your corner will ensure that your application is properly submitted, monitored throughout the process and that your chances of receiving a favorable decision are maximized.