Filing for disability benefits can be a tedious and complex process depending on your disability and current work situation. Knowing the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines ahead of time can help you gather the information you will need for the application process. You can apply for disability insurance by phone or online. If you encounter obstacles along the way or feel like you were wrongfully denied benefits, be sure to talk to a Pennsylvania individual disability lawyer.

Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Before going through the tedious process of applying for disability benefits, much time can be saved by making sure you qualify for those benefits first. The SSA has certain limits on who can apply for disability benefits. One of the first things you should do is to make sure you meet their definition of a disability.

The SSA definition of a disability is not a short-term or partial disability, but a long-term disability that prevents you from working. This disability must prevent you from working the same way you used to. Your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from adjusting to a different job. Lastly, your disability must either last a year or be diagnosed as a terminal medical condition. 

There is no moving past these requirements because the SSA will assess your diagnosis, prognosis, and your ability to work. They will also look at your current work income. If this income exceeds $1,260 in a month, you may be disqualified. In a situation where you had to quit your job because of your disability, the SSA will look at the severity of your condition, whether you can perform at other types of jobs, and to what degree you can perform the same work tasks you used to.  

You will also need to have enough work credits when you apply. This will tell the SSA that you have worked long enough to qualify for benefits. Talk to a local lawyer to calculate this. 

Applying for Disability Benefits

You can apply for benefits online or over the phone. Be expected to provide basic information about you and your family if you are married or have children. Prepare in advance by collecting copies of your medical records that concern your disability and how this disability limits you. 

Do not forget about collecting work information like your wages, employer information, and Social Security Statement. Make a list of the last 5 jobs you have had over the past 15 years before your acquired disability. 

If you wish to appeal a letter of denial, the process is different in Pennsylvania. You will automatically be filing for a Request for Hearing. Talking to a lawyer in Pennsylvania can help you with this process.

Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania

Filing for disability benefits can be frustrating in some cases, but you do not have to settle for no benefits if your application was denied. Consider hiring an experienced Pennsylvania denied benefits appeal lawyer if you have questions about the process or received a letter of denial. Call Edelstein & Nelson at 1-800-300-0909 today for a consultation. We will work with you to help you earn the benefits you need.