Todd M. Berk, Esq.

Social Security Checks Go Paperless

According to the Wall Street Journal, the The Treasury Department is officially going paperless in terms of Social Security checks. 

The official deadline, according to the article, was March 1, but they are being lenient to those who haven't officially made the switch, though the U.S. Treasury strongly encourages it. There are a couple of options as to how recipients can continue to be paid. "You can either set up direct deposit into a bank account or have the money loaded onto a prepaid debit card." Read the full article here, or visit Go Direct for more information. 

Contact Todd M. Berk, Esq. online or by calling (215) 687-4432 for clarification on these and other aspects of Social Security Disability benefits.  The law office of Todd M. Berk has been proudly representing clients throughout the Philadelphia area since 1995.

A Look at SSI Work Incentives

Are you thinking of going back to work, but afraid of losing valuable health insurance and supplemental income? If you currently collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI), you may be eligible to return to work without losing your hard-earned benefits. The following is an overview of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) work incentives:

Trial Work Period
The SSA runs a program that helps individuals get back to work without worrying about losing their safety net. The trial period allows you to find a job and work for up to nine months in a single fiscal year. The newly employed still receive full benefits (with no limits on maximum income) so long as they disclose their work activity and still live with a disabling impairment. Also, individuals on SSDI will continue to receive Medicare Part A insurance for at least seven years after returning to work.

Reinstatement of Benefits
If you begin a period of gainful employment after spending time on SSDI, you may work for up to five years and go back to receiving the same benefits you had when you could no longer work. The SSA waives the need to file a new application for those who exit the workplace for a second time. This can be particularly helpful for individuals whose applications where initially denied. 

Needing an Attorney
While the SSA’s work programs may benefit some Americans, others may not enjoy the full advantages of the initiative. Consulting a Social Security attorney is essential for both SSDI and SSI claims that are delayed, rejected, or otherwise in limbo. A lawyer can help you compile proper paperwork, file a timely appeal, and prepare for a judicial hearing.

Social Security laws and regulations are incredibly complex. If your claim was recently denied or negatively adjudicated, it may be time to call a lawyer. Philadelphia attorney Todd M. Berk, Esq. has been helping Pennsylvania residents for over fifteen years. Call our office today at (215) 687-4432 to schedule a free consultation regarding your Social Security Disability claim.

Differences between SSI and SSDI

This video outlines the differences between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Both programs are run through the Social Security Administration and require a number of forms in order to receive benefits from the government.

SSDI is paid out to those who have suffered injuries and are no longer able to work. The program also offers health coverage to disabled Americans through parts of Medicare. SSI is a supplemental insurance program for older adults. These individuals may only receive this income if they have been paying into the FICA taxes for the majority of their working life. Click play to learn more.

If you need help with your SSDI claim or appeal, look no further than Philadelphia attorney Todd M. Berk, Esq. Our office has been helping area residents fill out applications and receive government benefits for almost two decades. Call (215) 687-4432 to schedule a free appointment at one of our Philadelphia area locations.

Personal Injury Spotlight: Birth Injuries

The birth of a child is almost always a stressful occasion, and mothers often don’t have time to worry if their OB/GYN is following proper protocol or running the right tests. If you suspect that your newborn’s condition was caused by a third party’s error, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the hospital. Here is an overview of three birth injuries that may be the fault of a medical professional:

Brachial Plexus
Doctors are often tasked with helping guide or pull a child through the birth canal. Unfortunately, this action may lead to brachial plexus, or the straining or the nerves between the base of the neck and the shoulder. Medical professionals must be careful not to pull the head or arm too swiftly, as this can lead to stretching, avulsion, or even rupture of the nerve.

Facial Nerve Injury
As the name suggests, this type of injury occurs when a child’s face moves abruptly trough the birth canal. This may strain nerves in the neck that control facial expressions. Newborns with the condition may be unable to move parts or all of their face for weeks or even months. Some newborns even require reconstructive surgeries to repair the severed nerves.

Cerebral Palsy
This disorder involves impaired movement or cognitive function that affects individuals throughout their entire lives. Those suffering from cerebral palsy can experience rigid movements, inability to work, or an abnormal posture. Many palsy cases develop within the brain well before birth – but they are often misdiagnosed or completely missed by doctors.

If you believe that a doctor caused your child’s birth injuries, you may be able to receive compensation for your infant’s future medical care. Proving a malpractice case requires an attorney with experience in the personal injury field. Pennsylvania residents in need of advice should consult the law office of Todd M. Berk, Esq. by calling (215) 687-4432. We offer free consultations and reasonable payment plans.

Use These Resources to Find Out More about Getting SSDI Benefits for Your Disability

If you are unable to work because of a physical or mental disability, you may be entitled to social security benefits. These articles can help to explain the circumstances that may qualify you for disability aid.

• AARP.org breaks down how SSDI and SSI benefits differ.
• Each state has its own set of governing rules for deciding who is eligible for disability aid. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry describes the disability qualifications for Pennsylvania residents.
• Do you suffer from a mental disorder? The U.S. Social Security Administration defines the conditions that may allow you to receive SSDI benefits.
• A large percentage of our nation’s veterans require disability benefits for injuries sustained in combat. USA Today reports on the growing medical needs of U.S. soldiers.
• Discover a few common myths about living with a disability at this page from Psychology Today.

Todd M. Berk, Esq. specializes in helping qualified clients obtain the disability benefits they deserve. If you have a physical or mental disability that has rendered you unable to work, our Philadelphia law office can help. Call us today at (215) 687-4432 to schedule an appointment with a social security attorney.

Disclaimer: The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.