Do you need help applying for Social Security disability benefits in York, PA? Or was your Social Security claim denied? If you suffer from a severe or long-term disability – whether you were injured on the job or in a car accident – you could be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Even when you’re entitled to federal benefits, you could face obstacles to getting the money you deserve. The experienced York social security disability attorneys at Marzzacco Niven & Associates put their more than 120+ years of combined legal experience behind the fight to recover your disability benefits. We have a long history of standing up for accident victims. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in financial awards for our clients since 2008.
We can determine whether you’re eligible, help you apply, or fight a denial. Call today for a free consultation at (717) 995-8998 with a Social Security disability lawyer in York, Pennsylvania.
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How Can Marzzacco Niven & Associates Help With a Social Security Disability Claim in York, PA?
Most applications for Social Security disability benefits are initially denied. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in York, PA can increase the chances of your claim being approved on the first review or on appeal, if necessary.
When you hire our award-winning lawyers to handle your disability claim, we’ll:
- Ensure your application is complete and meets all submission requirements
- Coordinate with your doctors to make sure all of your medical needs are documented
- Handle all communications with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Advise you on all issues that could affect your disability payments
- Represent you in and prepare you for all administrative and court proceedings
We have decades of experience with disability claims. Our insight will help us prepare you for the process, give you realistic expectations, and give you the best chance for a favorable outcome. We offer free initial consultations, so call today to speak with a member of our compassionate legal team.
Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security disability benefits are available to people who cannot work due to an injury or illness that is expected to last a year or result in death. Social Security disability doesn’t provide benefits for temporary disabilities. To qualify for benefits, the SSA must determine that you’re unable to perform substantial gainful activities.
The SSA administers two programs that provide benefits to people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must:
- Have a qualifying disability; and
- Have earned enough “credits” during your career by paying payroll taxes
The number of credits required to qualify for benefits varies depending on your age at the time you become disabled. You earn credits as you earn income, and you can earn up to four credits each year. In 2022, for every $1,510 of income, you’ll earn one credit.
To be eligible for benefits, individuals over 30 years old generally need to have earned 20 credits in the 10 years immediately before their disability. Younger people with disabilities may qualify with fewer credits and shorter eligibility periods.
SSI Eligibility
SSI is income-based and doesn’t use your work history as a factor for eligibility. Single people with less than $2,000 worth of assets and married couples with less than $3,000 may qualify for SSI. Your residence is not included in the asset limit for eligibility.
What Disabilities Does Social Security Cover In Pennsylvania?
Social Security disability payments are available to people with a wide range of disabilities. The SSA website has an extensive list of disabilities that qualify for benefits. The list is just a guide – you could be covered even if your disability or illness isn’t on the list, or you could have a condition on the list but still be denied.
That said, some common disabilities covered by Social Security disability include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Respiratory disorders
- Diabetes
- Cystic fibrosis
- Immune disorders
- Bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental illnesses
- Hearing loss
- Leukemia and other forms of cancer
- And many others
The key is the extent to which your disability prevents you from working. An attorney with experience handling disability claims will know how to show the SSA how your disability affects your ability to work. Sometimes that involves explaining the effect of multiple disabilities on your ability to perform work tasks.
What Social Security Disability Benefits Can I Get in York, PA?
Social Security benefits are designed to replace your wages. You could be eligible to receive benefits from SSDI, SSI, or both, depending on your situation.
SSDI Benefits in York, PA
SSDI benefits are monthly payments based on your total earnings and how much you’ve paid into the Social Security system over your lifetime.
The average SSDI monthly benefit is about $1,200, but again, it varies based on your work history. The SSA has online calculators to give you an idea of how much you could receive.
SSI Benefits in York, PA
You could receive additional money if you’re eligible for SSI based on your asset and/or income level. In 2022, the maximum benefit available from SSI is $841 for individuals and $1,261 for couples.
If you’re receiving other benefits, such as workers’ compensation, your Social Security disability benefits could be reduced.
Are Social Security Disability Benefits Available to Family Members?
Possibly. If you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits, your spouse or children may also be able to receive benefits.
Your child could receive benefits if they are:
- Unmarried and under 18 years old; or
- A full-time student (up to grade 12) age19 or under
Your spouse could receive benefits if they are:
- At least 62 years old; or
- Caring for your child who is under age 16 or who became disabled before age 22
If your spouse is receiving other Social Security or pension benefits, the amount they receive based on your disability benefits may be reduced.
Am I Still Allowed to Work While Receiving Social Security Benefits in York, PA?
Yes. Social Security disability benefits are available as long as you are unable to perform substantial gainful activities. You may earn a limited amount of income and still qualify for SSDI benefits. In addition to the financial benefits, working can be helpful to your mental health, even if you aren’t doing the same job as before you became disabled.
In 2022, you won’t be eligible for SSDI if you earn more than $1,350 per month. If you’re blind, you’re disqualified if you make more than $2,260 monthly.
There are some exceptions depending on whether you’re applying for initial benefits or whether you’re already receiving benefits. SSI income limits are a bit more complicated. Consult a qualified attorney who can explain the limits and exclusions in your case.
Can I Get Any Other Disability Benefits?
There may be other benefits available to you, depending on what caused your disability. If you were injured or contracted an illness on the job, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you are disabled because you were injured in a preventable accident caused by someone’s negligence, you might have a valid personal injury case.
While Social Security disability provides wage replacement, a personal injury settlement could provide compensation for additional economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earning capacity
- Renovations to your home or vehicle to accommodate your disability
- Physical therapy
- Home medical equipment
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Additionally, you could seek compensation for non-economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit, such as:
- Physical pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life activities
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety and depression
- Disfigurement
We’ll help you pursue all compensation available to you. There are strict deadlines for filing personal injury cases in Pennsylvania, so it’s important to contact us as soon as possible after you’ve become disabled.
Keep in mind that other forms of compensation could affect your Social Security disability benefits. Your lawyer will help you coordinate other benefits and make sure you don’t jeopardize the payments owed to you.
Why Was My Social Security Claim Denied?
Remember, most initial claims are denied. In many cases, claims are approved on appeal. If your claim is denied, don’t lose hope.
Your claim may have been denied because:
- You’re expected to recover within one year
- You’re earning too much money to be considered disabled
- Your disability does not prevent you from performing some kind of work
- You moved, and the SSA can’t communicate with you
- You didn’t follow treatment protocols
- Your medical documentation was incomplete
- You didn’t complete the required medical examinations
- Your disability is caused by drug or alcohol abuse
There are lots of reasons your claim could be denied. Luckily, there’s an appeal process, but you have limited time to file an appeal. You have 60 days from the SSA’s decision to appeal.
Contact the Trusted York, PA Social Security Disability Lawyers At Marzzacco Niven & Associates For a Free Consultation
Are you seeking Social Security disability benefits in York, PA? The legal team at Marzzacco Niven & Associates is standing by to help you navigate this complex process to get the benefits you deserve.
Don’t be discouraged if your claim for benefits was denied. Our York Social Security disability attorneys are highly skilled at obtaining successful results in appeals of denied claims. Call today for a free case evaluation.
Areas We Serve in York County, PA
West York, Grantley, Farquhar Estates, Brook Hill South, Tyler Run-Queens Gate, Ore Valley, Locust Grove, Yorkana, Stonybrook, Yorklyn, Mt Zion, Pleasureville. Emigsville, and surrounding areas of York, PA.
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 Attorney in Harrisburg, PA
- Social Security Disability Attorney in Wyomissing, PA
- Social Security Disability Attorney in Chambersburg, PA
- Social Security Disability Attorney in Carlisle, PA
- Social Security Disability Attorney in Carbondale, PA
- Social Security Disability Attorney in Lancaster, PA
- Social Security Disability Attorney in Lebanon, PA
What Our Clients in York, PA Have To Say About Us
Read more clients’ testimonials here.