Disability Benefits Process

Understanding the Social Security Disability Process

Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits are meant to provide a safety net for working people whose medical impairments make gainful employment impossible for an extended period of time. If you need advice about the Social Security disability benefits process, or if your application for benefits has been denied, contact a knowledgeable SSDI benefits attorney at the law firm of Berman & Asbel in Media, Pennsylvania.

Most applications for SSDI benefits are denied the first time around

Most people can apply for Social Security disability benefits by themselves, but don't be surprised if your first application is rejected. The next move is to apply for reconsideration of the denial of your SSDI application. Most applications are also denied at this reconsideration stage.

Your first real chance to explain your eligibility for SSDI benefits in any detail comes at the third step of the process, known as the administrative appeal stage. This is your first chance to put evidence before a judge, and our lawyers can assist you with your claim.

Whether you are just starting to apply for SSDI benefits or your application has been rejected, we can help you with your claim.

The SSDI claimant bears the burden of proving his or her eligibility

The attorneys of Berman & Asbel have a history of success in getting SSDI benefits approved at the administrative appeal stage of your case. We concentrate on providing clear proof of your right to benefits by meeting the following criteria:

• Demonstrating your qualifying work history, especially during the previous two years
• Documenting your physical or mental impairments with reference to solid medical evidence
• Showing how your physical or mental impairments, or any combination of impairments, has prevented or will prevent you from working for at least one year

In some cases, it's not enough to show that you can't return to your former job. We'll also have to prove that there aren't any jobs available that you can perform with your disability.

Our lawyers help clients with traumatic injuries, chronic injuries, occupational illnesses, degenerative diseases, cognitive deficits, and other physical or mental problems. Some clients aren't sure which Social Security benefits program is right for them — for example, if you haven't been able to work much over the last two years, you'll probably need to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits rather than SSDI.

For a free consultation about your Social Security disability or SSI claim, contact an attorney with a track record of success in administrative appeal hearings. Call Berman & Asbel in Media, Pennsylvania.