Columbiana Social Security Disability Lawyer

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial support to eligible citizens who suffer an injury or illness that prevents them from working. But understanding the Social Security system is confusing for many Ohio residents. In particular, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and what it takes to qualify for them.

Talk to a knowledgeable Columbiana SSD lawyer at Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA. Our attorneys can determine whether you qualify for disability benefits and help you navigate the red tape that often prevents hardworking people from getting the benefits they need and deserve.

Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping individuals in northeastern Ohio and the Mahoning Valley to get the SSD benefits they’re entitled to. Time and time again, we’ve seen valid claims denied due to errors or technicalities that cause frustrating and time-consuming setbacks. Let us get your claim back on track again.

If you believe you qualify for SSD payments or have had your claim denied, call or contact our Ohio SSD lawyers for a free consultation. We understand disability law in Ohio, and we can help you with your claim.

How Social Security Disability Works In Columbiana, Ohio

All Social Security Disability benefits are handled by the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are two kinds of disability benefits offered by the SSA: Social Security Disability Insurance (often called SSD or SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSD is what most people think of when it comes to Social Security Disability benefits. SSD benefits are paid for by taxes that are taken out of your paycheck. Once you’ve earned enough credits through your taxes to be “insured,” you can apply for SSD if you or someone in your family has a qualifying disability.

To qualify for SSD, you must have a total disability that is expected to last for at least one year or result in your death. If your claim is approved, you will receive monthly benefit checks for the duration of your disability or until you pass away.

SSI works differently. These benefits are not paid for by taxes on your paycheck, and they’re meant to help people with limited incomes and financial resources. If you meet the income and medical requirements for SSI, you will receive monthly benefits for as long as your disability lasts or until your death.

Though each state has its own agency that administers Social Security benefits, the initial application must be made through the SSA directly. In your application, you will need to include information such as:

• Your name, date of birth, and Social Security number
• Your education history
• Your employment history
• Your medical history and the nature of your disability, including how you were injured
• The names of any doctors you saw or clinics you visited to get treatment for your disability
• Your bank account information

It’s very important that these forms are completed carefully and completely. Otherwise, you stand a good chance of having your benefits denied.

Were You Denied Social Security Benefits In Ohio?

Because of the complexity involved in obtaining Social Security Disability benefits, many individuals do see their first application denied. This can be very discouraging, but an initial denial does not mean that you’re out of luck.

The SSA has an appeals process for denied claims. There are four levels of appeal, and you have 60 days from the notice of your denial to request an appeal.

If your initial claim was denied, a knowledgeable Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand the reasoning for the denial and prepare an appeal on your behalf.

Common Questions About Social Security Disability Benefits In Columbiana, Ohio

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits raises many questions for claimants. The following are some of the most common ones that our Columbiana SSD lawyers hear from Ohio clients:

Is it true that a majority of Social Security disability claims are initially denied?

Unfortunately, yes. More than 70 percent of disability claims are initially denied. The most common reasons for denial include incomplete applications or a disagreement over what someone’s medical records show about their disability.

Can I appeal a denied claim for benefits in Columbiana?

Yes. There are four levels of appeal if your claim is initially denied. The first level is a request for reconsideration, which can be done online.

The second level is a hearing before an administrative law judge, which can be held in-person or via videoconference.

Next, you may have a hearing before the SSA’s Appeals Council. Finally, you can file a lawsuit in federal court if the Appeals Council denies your claim or refuses to consider your case. Our Columbiana county disability law attorneys can help you file an appeal if your SSD claim has been denied.

Do I need to work a certain number of years to qualify for SSD in Columbiana?

Yes. To qualify for SSD, you need a certain number of work credits, which are earned by paying certain taxes on your paychecks. The amount of money you need to make and the number of credits you need varies depending on your age and how long you’ve been working. You can consult this page on the SSA website for more information.

Do I need a Columbiana Social Security Disability attorney to apply for SSD benefits?

While it’s not a legal requirement for you to have an SSD lawyer to apply for benefits, it’s a good idea to get one. There are lots of hoops to jump through to obtain Social Security Disability benefits, and an attorney can help you get through these hoops with minimal fuss. You need the right documentation to qualify for benefits. You may also need to see a specific doctor or clinic selected by the state.

An attorney can also ensure that your initial application is completed accurately. If you don’t fill it out correctly the first time, you’ll be forced into the appeals process, which will lengthen the claims process and could cause significant financial strain for you and your family. You’d be well-advised to have an SSD lawyer assist you with any appeals.

Call An Experienced SSD Lawyer In Columbiana Today

If you need Social Security Disability benefits, don’t take the risk of filing a claim alone. Put Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA, to work for you. Our skilled team of Columbiana SSD lawyers has the knowledge and resources to handle any obstacles that stand between you and the Social Security Disability benefits you have earned.

When you work with us, you get experience and dedication on your side. Contact us today for a free case review. There’s no fee unless we win benefits for you.