Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Lawyer

A woman consults her doctor about filing for social security disability in Pennsylvania.

People in Pennsylvania who are unable to work due to disabling injuries or illnesses may seek financial assistance through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA has two main disability programs that provide financial benefits. They are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

Both the SSDI and the SSI programs have complex application processes and a large percentage of disability benefits applicants receive rejection letters every year. Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated, but having an experienced lawyer guide you through the process can improve your chances of success. If you have suffered a disabling injury or been diagnosed with a serious disease that leaves you unable to support yourself, you should talk with a knowledgeable Pennsylvania SSD lawyer about your options for seeking assistance.

At Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA, our experienced attorneys fight for the rights of injured and disabled individuals in Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your social security disability claim.

Do You Qualify For Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits In Pennsylvania?

To qualify for Social Security Disability payments, you must demonstrate that worked enough years and paid taxes into the Social Security system over the course of your working life to qualify for disability benefits. SSDI benefits are paid for by payroll tax contributions

You also must be able to prove that you have a medically diagnosed disabling condition that prevents you from holding substantial gainful employment. This means the ability to perform any work that earns you more than $1,310 per month, or $2,190 per month if you are legally blind.

Do You Qualify For Supplemental Security Income In Pennsylvania?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate program that awards benefits based on financial need.

Since SSI is a need-based program, you will need to show that you have little or no income and less than $2,000 in assets for individuals and less than $3,000 in assets for married couples living together. You must also be able to demonstrate that you are disabled and not performing any substantial work.

If you are blind, medically disabled, or at least 65 years of age and have limited income and assets, an attorney can help you evaluate your eligibility and maximize your compensation.

What If Your Pennsylvania SSD Claim Has Been Denied?

If your disability benefits claim has been denied, you shouldn’t give up hope. According to the SSA, nearly 80 percent of first-time SSD applicants are turned down, including many people with valid claims. Many applications are rejected because of preventable errors and technicalities.

Injured man with neck braces filing for ssd claims.

Fortunately, there is a formal process to appeal denied disability claims. When you receive a denial letter, you will have 60 days to file an appeal asking the SSA to reconsider the decision on your application for disability benefits. If the SSA still denies your application upon reconsideration, you can then appeal and have your cases considered by an administrative law judge.

Our Social Security Lawyers In Pennsylvania Can Help You Through The Process

An attorney can review your application and help eliminate avoidable errors or omissions that could delay your application. Other ways a knowledgeable SSD lawyer can support your claim include:

  • Determining your eligibility for disability benefits
  • Help file your initial application
  • Helping you manage your medical records, documents, and important filing dates for your application
  • Representing you at hearings and helping you promptly appeal claim denials

Contact Our PA Social Security Disability Lawyers For Help

The Pennsylvania SSD attorneys of Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA, have years of experience helping injured and disabled Pennsylvanians access the disability benefits they deserve.

We understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to face the bureaucratic claims process and the challenges of applying for SSD benefits on your own. We understand social security disability in Pennsylvania, and we are ready to help you with your claim. If you’re applying for SSDI, let us apply our considerable knowledge and resources to your case, so you can focus on your health.

To discuss whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI Disability benefits in Pennsylvania, contact our law offices for a free consultation.

Our Pennsylvania attorneys serve clients across the state, including the following communities:

FAQs About SSD

Our disability attorneys provide answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about Social Security Disability benefits in Pennsylvania:

Can I qualify for SSDI benefits if I’ve never had a job?

Yes. If you are the spouse, widower, or minor dependent of a disabled worker, you may be entitled to SSDI benefits based on the work credits of the worker who supported you.

What if I can’t afford to hire a Pennsylvania Social Security Disability attorney to represent me?

It’s understandable to feel concerned about money before your benefits arrive, but there’s no need to worry. At Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA, we handle disability cases on a contingency basis.

This means you pay no out-of-pocket expenses for your case, and there are no up-front fees when you hire us. If we succeed in helping you obtain disability compensation, any fees we collect will come from an agreed-upon percentage of the settlement.

How much money can I expect if my PA benefits claim is approved?

If you are eligible for SSDI benefits, the amount of money you receive in monthly benefits is based on your qualifying lifetime earnings. The more you earned throughout your career, the more benefits you will likely receive.

In 2021, the average SSDI is $1,277, while the highest monthly SSDI payment you can receive is $3,148.

If you are eligible for SSI benefits, the amount of money you could receive will be based on your level of need. If you have no other income and extremely limited assets, you could receive up to $794 per month as an individual or $1,191 per month as a married couple.

What criteria will the SSA use to determine whether I am disabled in PA?

The SSA considers you disabled if you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity as a result of a physical or cognitive impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months. Our PA disability benefits attorneys at Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA, can review the details of your medical condition and work history and discuss whether your condition meets the SSA’s definition of being disabled.