Todd M. Berk, Esq.

Browse Through These Links to Learn About Social Security Disability Benefits

Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a daunting process. A Social Security attorney is the best resource to answer your questions about your claim. The following links will provide helpful information to prepare for your meeting:

• The Social Security Administration oversees assistance programs for people with disabilities. Two of these are the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs. Learn more on this page from SSA.gov.
• Persistence pays off when it comes to Social Security disability claims. Check out this article that details one couple’s nine-year fight.
• The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. This Huffington Post article explores the history and purpose of the program.
• The Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability Determination works with the federal government to determine disability benefits. Visit this site to learn more.
• Read through this page to learn about SSI and how to qualify.

Do you have questions about your benefits claim? Contact Social Security lawyer Todd M. Berk, Esq. at (215) 687-4432.

10 Things You Must Know About Social Security

We wanted to share a very informative article from Kiplinger naming the ten essential things you must know about Social Security. 

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/27/10-things-you-must-know-about-social-security/?icid=maing-grid7|maing7|dl9|sec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D238483

Photo credit: shutterstock

4 Common Reasons Why Your SSDI or SSI Disability Benefits May Be Denied

There are two large and important programs designed to provide assistance for people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs pay benefits, but SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI pays benefits based on your work history. Both disability programs require an extensive application process. The following are all common reasons your claim may be denied:

You Do Not Satisfy the Definition
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at the reasons for your claim and how long your disability is expected to last in determining whether you qualify. To satisfy the definition, you must be likely to be impaired for at least 12 months.

Technical Errors Occur
As frustrating as it can be, technical errors are a common reason that disability claims are denied. The denial is typically based solely on nonmedical reasons, such as a failure to provide proper documentation.

You Have Too Much Income
There are limits on how much income you can earn for both the SSDI and SSI programs. If you earn too much income, you will not be considered disabled, and your claim will subsequently be denied.

You Are Impaired Due to Addiction
If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, and you are impaired due to this addiction, your claim will likely be denied. The SSA will often decide your claim based on whether you would still qualify as disabled if you stopped using drugs or alcohol.

Do you believe you are entitled to Social Security benefits? Have you applied and been denied? Todd M. Berk, Esq. is a Social Security lawyer helping those in need get the benefits they deserve. If you have questions about your Social Secuirty benefits, visit us online or call our Philadelphia-area office today at (215) 687-4432.

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.

Can You Receive Social Security Benefits Based on Your Former Spouse's Income?

If you and your former spouse have divorced, you may wonder if you are entitled to Social Security benefits based on his or her income. This video explains that you will be entitled to these benefits as long as you were married for 10 years and you have not remarried. If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your former spouse’s earnings if they are higher than your own.
  
To speak with a Social Security lawyer about your benefits, contact Todd M. Berk, Esq. Our office has years of experience representing people in Social Security cases, so call (215) 687-4432 today to learn how we can help you.

Answers to Your Questions About Supplemental Security Income

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides benefits to people with little or no income who are 65 or older or have a disability. Applying for benefits can be challenging, and many people are denied when they first apply, which is why it is often a good idea to seek advice from a Social Security lawyer. Here are the answers to a few common questions about the SSI program:

What Counts as Income?
To qualify for SSI, you may not exceed a set amount of income. This amount varies, in part, depending on where you live. Income includes money you receive through wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. The definition also includes food and shelter.

What Are Resources?
The Social Security Administration looks at your resources when determining if you qualify for SSI benefits. Resources that will be factored into determining whether you qualify for benefits include real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds. However, there are many resources that will not be considered, including the home where you live, burial plots for you and your family, and your car.

What Information Will I Need?
When you are applying for SSI benefits, you will need a variety of documents and information. This includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security card, birth certificate, a copy of your mortgage or lease, payroll slips, insurance policies, and contact information for your doctors.

What If My Claim Is Denied?
If your SSI claim is denied, you have a right to appeal the decision. Denials are quite common, which is why it is important to be persistent and fight for your rights.

If you believe you are entitled to Supplemental Security Income, contact Todd M. Berk, Esq. by calling (215) 687-4432. Our office represents clients throughout the Philadelphia area, and we believe in providing exceptional, courteous service to all of our clients.

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.