Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Legal Questions

While I don’t handle SS disability myself, I know of many firms who do and I would be happy to refer you to one.  I trust this answers your question but do not hesitate to call or email me on a free initial basis. Matthew R. Nahrgang, Esquire 35 Evansburg Road, Ste 400 Collegeville, PA 19426 610 489-3041 o 610 489-3042 fax mnahrgang@verizon.net nahrganglaw.com ... Read More

If you are seeking disability, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a disability attorney who can advise you regarding your rights.  You may be able to appeal, but time is of the essence.   I trust this answers your question, and,. if you live in the Delaware Valley, feel free to call or email me on a free initial basis. Best Regards,   Matthew R. Nahrgang, Esquire 35 Evansburg Road, Ste 400 Collegeville, PA 19426 (610) 489-3041 o (610) 489-3042 fax nahrganglaw.com... Read More

Good afternoon.   You can apply online at www.ssa.gov.  You are not required to have an attorney but it is recommended to have someone that has expereince in this are assistnt in the procurement of the medical evidence used to determine your eligibility.    Attorney Scott F. Bocchio, Esq President Legal Rights Advocates P 855-254-7841 www.legalrightsadvocates.com  ... Read More

Depends on what stage of the process you are in.  If you are waiting for a hearing it can take upwards of 12 months or longer for a hearing.    Attorney Bocchio Legal Rights Advocates P 855-254-7841 www.yourlegalrightsadvocates.com            ... Read More

Social Security Disability Insurance eligibility is based not just on disability but on the disability causing someone to be unable to function for a projected 12 months or more.  Your situation has changed.  You may well want to reapply.  A lawyer is usually only needed if you have to appeal to an administrative law judge.... Read More

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance is based on both having paid into Social Security and, due to a listed illness or its equivalent, being unable to participate in substantial gainful activity (earning more than about $1200/month) for an expected 12 months or having a condition expected to result in death.  You can read more at www.ssa.gov.... Read More

I am sorry to hear that you have lost your recent Claim for Social Security Disability Benefits.   Recent amendments to the Social Security Regulations preclude a Claimant from filing a new claim while and Appeal is pending. Depending upon what stage your current case is at, along with other factors, you may wish to continue to pursue your current Claim rather than filing a new claim. There are also issues to consider as to whether, or not, you are still "insured" before you can make such a determination. If you are now passed your date last insured, and do not appeal the current Claim, you will forever be barred from applying for Social Security Disability and must apply for SSI, in the future. SSI Benefits have financial requirements that you may not be able to meet.   Given the paucity of information provided in your question, it is impossible to provide you with a proper response.   Accordingly, it is my recommendation that you promptly contact a Social Security Attorney to discuss your current Claim and whether, or not, it will be more beneficial to continue your current Appeal and/or file a New Claim.   If you are unable to locate such an Attorney on this website, you may contact NOSSCR and request an attorney from their referral list.... Read More

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”), you must have earned enough work credits, which are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. If you’re self-employed, you report your earnings for Social Security purposes when you file your federal income tax return. For spouses that operate a business together, you should each report your share of the business profits as net earnings on separate self-employment returns even if you file a joint income tax return. It may be best to consult a tax lawyer to see if there is a way to file amended returns to indicate your share of the earnings in order to build work credits to be eligible for SSDI. Refer to this article for additional information on Social Security Disability... Read More

Quality review is used for decisions that are made and completed by claims examiners.  Files are pulled randomly.  Regardless of what the examiner decided, SSA may tell them either: It needs to be revised in some way. The decision is approved and can be issued. Your time is better spent following doctor's orders, taking medications, and keeping appointments than calling SSA.  Check your mailbox each day and you will get a decision.  You need to be patient in an incredibly frustrating process.... Read More

This link can be helpful concerning attorneys and fees paid before the Social Security Administration (SSA). In cases that I handle, the fee is paid directly to me by SSA after a favorable result.  Certain elements are required including, among other things, a fee agreement.  That direct payment is the result of a number of factors, one of which is approval of the agreement as meeting the SSA standards.  Anytime an attorney represents you, insist on a fee agreement.... Read More

Resubmit the pay-stubs or have your employer provide you with a print-out that provides the information contained in a pay-stub and submit that.   Always assume that whatever you give to the Social Security Administration (SSA) may get lost.  Take the time and make the small investment cost to copy everything before you give it to SSA.  It is just good practice to   Currently there are serious reductions in staff and hours at SSA which can increase the likelihood of error.  These are human mistakes, not intentional ones.   Have a backup plan.  Copy everything you submit.  Keep everything SSA sends you. Finally, your son has appeal rights if "cut off" and should exercise them immediately should that happen.  He may be able to get his benefits continued if the appeal is filed within 10 days and he agrees to pay back any benefits if the final determination is against him.... Read More

Now you know not to take legal advice from someone that is not a lawyer.  SSA employs fine people that are overworked and underpaid but when your benefits and well being depend on the answer, verify it with another knowledgeable source, preferably a Social Security Lawyer. There is nothing preventing you from applying, but yours is not an easy case by any stretch of the imagination.  You will want to contact your work comp lawyer to see if medical records from your case are still available from that office.  You can also contact the employer.  Finally, medical records from anyone that provided medical treatment to you after your work injury would be important. Your date last insured is very important to know as if you were disabled before that date, you have a chance.  Note that your past due benefits will be paid no more than 12 months before the date you apply in 2013 unless you have some way that you documented the information from the agent of SSA. I do not know your financial status, but you may be eligible to apply for SSI.... Read More

If the medical records support the conditions as you describe,apply for disability with the Social Security Administration.  SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits are available if you have 20 quarters of coverage out of the previous 40 quarters before you became disabled.   Submit copies of what records you already have and give a complete list to SSA and they will obtain them for you.   You can apply in person, by phone, or online.  If you are denied, seek competent counsel by going to this link and finding someone near you.  Hire counsel now if you feel uncomfortable proceeding alone or due to your health are not up to the task.   I am sorry for the many health challenges you face.  ... Read More

You have come to the right place!  However, you may have trouble finding a new lawyer if the lawyer you are unhappy with won't waive their right to charge and collect a fee.   Go to this link http://www.lawyers.com/social-security/pennsylvania/all-cities/law-firms.html?N=1290&r=0&ac=2|14 for a list of Social Security Disability Law Firms.  If the cities listed are not near you, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see if other cities are closer. There are several excellent articles on www.lawyers.com about choosing a lawyer.  Be sure to read  http://goo.gl/3nG5F  I also encourage you to read the articles found at http://www.lawyers.com/find-a-lawyer.html in the box titled: “Things to know BEFORE you …” PLEASE NOTE that an in person consultation is always best when you have a legal problem. DO NOT RELY on information for a legal remedy without having contacted a lawyer. Facts and circumstances of every case have to be applied to the law that is relevant for the state or location in question. NEVER rest on a right or defense you may have. Legal rights are not like wine - they don't improve with age or time. Time limits can completely prohibit recovery. SEEK LEGAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY. Be sure to visit my website for answers to Social Security Disability questions... Read More