Philadelphia Social Security Disability Lawyers
Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Benefits Attorneys
The process for collecting Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is complicated and time consuming. A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Social Security attorney may be necessary to work with the Social Security Administration on your behalf and assist with applying for disability benefits.
Attorney Perry Liss provides competent legal representation to clients currently seeking benefits or those who have been denied. We operate as counsel to the law firm of Kenneth L. Baritz & Associates, P.C., and can be reached by telephone at 1-866-415-6588 for a free initial consultation, or contact a New Jersey Social Security lawyer online.
Helping You Qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD)
Our office can assist you in the collection of your medical records and documentation, and represent you in filing for benefits as well as appealing denied claims. We strive to provide you with personalized and cost-effective representation in order to receive the benefits you are entitled to. You can apply for benefits if you:
- Are age 18 or older
- Have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify
- Have a medical condition that has prevented you from working or is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or end in death
- Reside in the United States or one of its territories/commonwealths
Differences Between Social Security Disability and SSI Disability
Social Security is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Under SSI, payments are made on the basis of financial need.
SSDI is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. To be eligible for a SSD benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes. Disability benefits are payable to:
- Blind or disabled workers
- Widows and widowers
- Adults disabled since childhood
The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.
Supplemental Security Income is a program financed through general revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to:
- Adults or children who are disabled or blind
- Have limited income and resources
- Meet the living arrangement requirements
The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the state or decreased by countable income and resources.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income
Generally, the maximum federal SSI benefit changes yearly; however, SSI benefits will not automatically increase when there is no increase in the Consumer Price Index. An experienced attorney can let you know the amount of benefits you are eligible for.
Some states supplement the federal SSI benefit with additional payments. This makes the total SSI benefit levels higher in those states. SSI benefit amounts and state supplemental payment amounts vary based upon your income, living arrangements, and other factors.
The Social Security Administration manages the state supplement for Pennsylvania.
Length of Time to Receive Decisions on SSD Claims
The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim is from three to five months. It can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on:
- The nature of your disability
- How quickly we obtain medical evidence
- Whether it is necessary to conduct a medical examination to obtain evidence to support your claim
- If your claim is randomly selected for quality assurance review
Waiting Period for Social Security Disability
The five-month waiting period ensures that during the early months of disability the Social Security Administration does not pay benefits to persons who do not have long-term disabilities. SSD benefits can be paid only after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. SSD benefits will be paid beginning with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You do not qualify for benefits before then.
Time Limits on Social Security Disability Benefits
There is no time limit for getting SSD benefits. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work. An experienced attorney will review your case from time-to-time to make sure you are still disabled. If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits.
Effect of Full Retirement Age on Disability Benefits
When you reach full retirement age, nothing will change. For Social Security purposes, your benefits will be called retirement benefits instead of disability benefits. You do not need to take any action. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you will get your benefits with no limit on your earnings. Our experienced advocates can let you know what full retirement age is for you.
Call a Pennsylvania Disability Benefits Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation
If you need help applying for Social Security benefits or need any other assistance with Social Security, call experienced lawyer Perry B. Liss at 1-866-415-6588 for a free initial consultation, or contact a Philadelphia disability benefits lawyer online.