Are you trying to get the Social Security disability benefits you deserve in Lancaster, PA? The process can be complicated and confusing. But you don’t have to go it alone. The experienced Lancaster Social Security disability lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates can help.
We’ve helped countless individuals with disabilities recover the compensation they need to support their medical and daily living needs. We have over 120+ years of combined experience in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and employment law. Since 2008, we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in life-changing awards for our clients.
Call our Lancaster, Pennsylvania, law office today, we provide a free consultation at (717) 616-2954.
Table of Contents
How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim in Lancaster County, PA
Applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be daunting and frustrating. In fact, most initial applications are denied. It’s not an easy process, and your application is very likely to be denied if you try to do it on your own.
Our award-winning injury lawyers in Lancaster know the process inside and out. We also have Certified Workers’ Compensations attorneys on our team, so we are well-equipped to handle the complexities that arise when seeking compensation from multiple sources.
When you hire our dedicated and compassionate legal team, we’ll:
- Make sure your application is free from errors and submitted on time
- Monitor the progress of your application and submit any required supporting documentation
- Appeal a denial of your claim, if necessary
- Represent you in all administrative proceedings
- Determine all other potential sources of compensation available to you
You’ve worked hard and paid into Social Security. You shouldn’t have to face obstacles when you need the benefits that you’re owed. We can help ease the stress and worry about getting the money you need. Call now for a free case evaluation.
Overview of Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration provides benefits to people with disabilities through two programs—Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI Benefits
The SSDI program provides benefits to people who have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. You earn “credits” toward SSDI eligibility as you earn income throughout your career. You must reach a certain number of credits to qualify for benefits. The number of credits required depends on your age at the time of disability.
The amount of income needed to earn a credit varies from year to year. In 2022, you’ll earn one credit for every $1,510 you earn. You can earn up to four credits per year. Once you earn $6,040, you’ve earned the maximum number of credits available for the year.
SSI Benefits
The SSI program provides benefits to people who are disabled and have limited assets and financial resources. To qualify, single people can’t have more than $2,000 worth of assets. For married couples, the maximum is $3,000. Your residence is excluded from the calculation.
Who Is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Unlike other disability programs, SSDI is available only for individuals with a serious or permanent disability. There are no SSDI benefits for temporary disability or partial disability (although you may be eligible for other benefits, such as workers’ compensation).
To be eligible for SSDI, you must:
- Be covered by SSDI insurance through your work history
- Be younger than the full retirement age
- Have a disability as defined by the SSA
If you’re age 30 or over, you’ll generally need to have earned 20 credits in the past 10 years to be eligible for benefits. If you’re younger when you become disabled, the number of credits and the timeframe within which you’re required to have earned them varies.
The SSA defines a qualifying disability as a physical or mental condition that:
- Prevents you from working or engaging in substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months;
- Is likely to result in death; or
- Is on the SSA’s list of impairments
If you are able to work in some capacity, you may be disqualified from receiving SSDI benefits if you earn more than the amount determined by the SSA. In 2022, if you earn more than $1,350 a month ($2,260 if you are blind), then you aren’t eligible to receive Social Security disability.
What Disabilities Are Covered Under SSDI?
The SSA maintains a list of disabilities and conditions that qualify you for SSDI benefits. They’ve determined that these conditions prevent people from performing meaningful activities.
Some of the disabilities covered by Social Security disability include:
- Some forms of cancer
- Chronic heart failure
- Amputations
- Severe soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cerebral palsy and other neurological diseases
- And many more
The list is extensive and contains many more than the conditions listed here. But, just because your disability is on the list doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll qualify. You must meet the standards set by the SSA which measure the extent to which your disability limits your ability to perform meaningful activities.
A reputable attorney can help review your medical records and ensure the correct supporting documentation for your claim is provided.
What Benefits Can I Get From A Social Security Disability Claim?
Social Security is basically designed to replace your wages. SSDI provides monthly cash benefits based on your earning history. In some cases, cash benefits may be available for spouses or children of individuals with disabilities.
The exact amount of your monthly benefit is specific to you. SSDI is calculated using a complex formula that takes into account the length of your work history and your total earnings, among other factors.
Benefits may be reduced by income from other sources, such as worker’s compensation. The average monthly benefit for SSDI is about $1,200. If you’re eligible for SSI, you could receive additional money. In 2022, monthly benefits for SSI are capped at $841 for individuals and $1,261 for couples.
Can I Get Any Compensation Other Than Social Security Disability?
It’s possible. It depends on how you became disabled. If you were in a car accident, for example, you might be able to recover compensation from a personal injury lawsuit filed against the party who caused your accident. If you have a valid negligence case, you could seek compensation for medical bills, the full value of your lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
If you became disabled after a workplace accident, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Remember, workers’ comp may affect the amount of SSDI you could receive. Our workers’ compensation attorneys know how all of these benefit programs work together. We know how to avoid common mistakes in applications, we know what type of supporting documentation is needed, and we know how to present successful appeals if needed.
What Can I Do If My Social Security Disability Claim is Denied?
If your claim is denied (most initial claims are), don’t panic. You can appeal. The SSA’s most recent Annual Statistical Report shows that only about 20% of applications are initially approved. The percentage of applications denied for technical deficiencies increased by about 4% between 2010 and 2019.
Hiring our experienced social security disability attorneys will ensure that your claim is submitted free of errors. However, that doesn’t mean that the SSA won’t try to find other reasons to deny it. If your claim is denied, we’ll be ready to file for reconsideration or an appeal, as necessary.
Appealing Social Security Disability Rejection in Lancaster
If the Social Security Administration denies your initial claim for SSDI, you may appeal the decision.
There are several stages to the appeals process, depending on whether the SSA or decision maker accepts or continues to deny your claim:
- Reconsideration. The SSA will reconsider its initial determination.
- Hearing. If the SSA denies your claim after reconsideration, you can appeal the hearing to an administrative law judge. The judge will hold a hearing on the decision and assess the evidence related to your claim. The judge will then issue a decision on your claim.
- Appeals Council. If the judge approves the SSA’s denial of your claim, you may appeal the decision to an Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council agrees to hear your case, they will issue a decision granting or denying your appeal.
- Federal Court. If the Appeals Council denies your appeal, you can initiate a civil action in federal court. You can only file a case in court after exhausting your other appeals.
We know the system and every step in the appeals process, and our Lancaster Social Security disability lawyers can help you and your family. Don’t wait too long and contact us today to schedule a free consultation online or via phone to learn more.
Social Security Disability Hearing in Lancaster County
As noted above, you have the opportunity to request a hearing if the SSA denies your claim for disability benefits. You will request this hearing after the reconsideration stage of your claim.
An administrative law judge will preside over the hearing. Your lawyer and the SSA will both have the opportunity to present evidence regarding your claim. You will also have the chance to present witnesses.
After asking questions and hearing the evidence, the judge will render a decision on your claim. Suppose they approve the SSA’s denial of your claim. In this case, you can appeal the decision to an appeals council.
Am I Able to Work in the Job I Used To?
Social Security Disability Insurance is for recipients who cannot perform previous work or other types of work due to a disability. Moreover, the condition must last for at least 12 months. Therefore, you will not be able to work your previous job and still qualify for disability benefits.
A Social Security disability attorney can help you determine whether working a certain job would disqualify you from receiving SSDI. Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case review.
Can I Do Another Type of Job After a Disability in Lancaster, PA?
It depends. As noted above, to qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that keeps you from performing your previous work. The condition also must be expected to last for at least one year.
You must also earn less than $1,350 per month on average in 2022. So, working a job that provides this much income will disqualify you from receiving benefits.
Contact Our Lancaster Social Security Disability Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Are you seeking disability benefits in Lancaster, PA? Contact the Lancaster Social Security disability lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates to help you through the process. You’ve worked hard — we’ll do the same in fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Initial consultations are completely free, so call today for more information.
Visit Our Law Office in Lancaster, PA
Marzzacco Niven & Associates
2173 Embassy Dr Ste 123, Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 616-2954
Get directions with Google Maps.
What Our Clients Have To Say About Us
Read more clients’ testimonials here.
Our Team Of Social Security Lawyers At Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help In Any City In Pennsylvania
If you need an attorney in Pennsylvania, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
- Social Security Disability Attorneys in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Social Security Disability Attorneys in York, Pennsylvania
- Social Security Disability Attorneys in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
- Social Security Disability Attorneys in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
- Social Security Disability Attorneys in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
- Social Security Disability Attorneys in Carbondale, Pennsylvania
- Social Security Disability Attorneys in Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Areas We Serve In Lancaster, PA
Woodlawn, Conestoga Woods, Bausman, East Petersburg, Eden, Neffsville, West Lancaster, Lyndon, Rohrerstown, Millersville, Willow Street, Strasburg, Leacock-Leola-Bareville, Mountville, Salunga-Landisville.