Turned Down for SSDI or SSI Disability Benefits?
If you cannot work due to a physical or mental impairment, you and your dependents may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. It is important to retain an experienced lawyer who understands the law and what evidence the Social Security Administration requires.
The attorney and staff of Laputka, Bayless, Ecker & Cohn, PC, have years of experience in this complex area of the law. Our law firm serves clients in Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Allentown and all across northeastern Pennsylvania.
Help is a phone call away. Contact us today for a free consultation if you are applying for Social Security Disability or if your claim has been denied.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability
The Social Security system provides monthly income and medical benefits for the disabled under two separate programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for workers who have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes and who were recently in the workforce. SSDI benefits are based on how much you paid in to the system (up to a maximum).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for disabled individuals who have never worked or do not have enough recent work credits. SSI provides subsistence income based on financial need criteria.
Spouses, dependent children and widows of SSDI recipients may be eligible for Social Security benefits as well. After two years of receiving SSDI, you are automatically eligible for Medicare coverage, regardless of your age. (SSI recipients are immediately eligible for Medicare.)
To qualify for SSDI or SSI, you must be unable to return to the workforce for at least 12 months because of a qualifying condition. The Social Security Administration recognizes many illnesses and physical impairments as well as mental impairments under its definition of disability. Attorney Jeffrey Majikas has represented disabled individuals for 20 years. He can help document your impairments and represent you throughout the disability claim process.
Experienced Advocates for Disability Claims, Hearings and Appeals
The vast majority of applicants are initially turned down by the Social Security Administration, even if they have a diagnosis. Our disability lawyer and support staff are knowledgeable about the listed impairments and the specific criteria. We work with clients and medical professionals to detail their claims for initial consideration or to resubmit rejected claims to the SSA for administrative reconsideration.
Most SSDI/SSI claims are won or lost at the administrative law judge (ALJ) level. This is a hearing before a judge who only handles Social Security Disability cases. We prepare you for the questions the judge is likely to ask and one of our lawyers will be at your side during the hearing. Our lawyer can protect your rights by cross-examining the SSA's expert witnesses and objecting to improper evidence or procedures.
If you win your hearing, we make sure that your benefits are correctly calculated, retroactive to your eligibility date. If the ALJ judge rules against you, our firm can appeal of the adverse decision to the SSA's Appeals Council.
Hazleton Social Security Disability Lawyer · Scranton SSI Lawyer
We have a good record of winning benefits for our clients across all categories of impairments. If you decide to retain our services, there is no fee unless we succeed in getting you qualified for SSDI or SSI.
We serve Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Monroe, Montour and surrounding counties. For a free evaluation of your claim, e-mail us or call us at 570-861-5905. Disability lawyer Jeff Majikas will personally speak with you or respond to your e-mail.
