Last updated 7 months ago
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.
Last updated 7 months ago
Visitors who enjoyed our recent posts may also like the following links:
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If your initial Social Security disability claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. Learn how to do so on the Social Security Administration website.
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Most personal injury cases settle out of court, and the American Bar Association helps explain this extrajudicial process.
Pennsylvania attorney Todd M. Berk, Esq. has decades of experience helping injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve. Whether you need personal injury or Social Security representation, we can fight for you. Call our Philadelphia law firm at (215) 687-4432 for a no-cost case evaluation.
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.
Last updated 7 months ago
Social Security disability paperwork may seem simple enough to figure out. However, this does not mean that you should represent yourself and forgo hiring an attorney for any legal proceedings having to do with your claim. Doing so may result in a smaller judgment or even a possible denial of compensation. Here is how underrepresentation can hurt your chances of having your Social Security disability claim approved:
Missing Evidence
If you are hurt and unable to work, the Social Security Administration needs to understand the severity of your injuries. If you represent yourself, you may not have all of the necessary paperwork handy when you turn in your forms. A lawyer can track down medical bills, employment records, and other evidence to ensure that you paint the most complete picture possible. In addition, your attorney will ensure that your paperwork contains all appropriate details. Your lawyer can also contact expert witnesses and other medical professionals who can help the Social Security judge fully understand your claim.
Lack of an Appeal
One of the main reasons why you should hire a lawyer with experience in Social Security disability law is that he or she will be able to help you file an appeal. If your initial request for disability benefits is denied by the judge, you may file a timely appeal of your claim to be heard by another magistrate. An attorney will ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame and contains up-to-date legal research to support your unique disability situation. Going without a lawyer may mean that an initial denial is your only chance to ask for compensation.
Do not fall into the trap of representing yourself in Social Security disability proceedings. Pennsylvania attorney Todd M. Berk, Esq. has decades of experience helping Philadelphia-area residents receive just compensation for their pain and injuries. Call our office at (215) 687-4432 to schedule a consultation to discuss how to get your disability claim approved.
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.
Last updated 8 months ago
Social Security benefits are designed to assist those who are no longer able to earn a living wage pay for necessary expenses. This video explains the Social Security Administration’s initiative to expedite payment to ill Americans.
The Administration looks through applications to identify the applicants with the most need. As of 2011, over 100 conditions guarantee approval under the program. Around 45,000 individuals receive an answer within 14 days of turning in their application to the Social Security Administration. Watch this video to learn more.
Hiring an attorney to help you fill out disability paperwork is always a good idea. Pennsylvania attorney Todd M. Berk, Esq. has decades of experience helping Philadelphia-area workers receive income assistance while they recover. Call (215) 687-4432 for more information.
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.
Last updated 8 months ago
Millions of accidents occur all over the country every year. If you sustained injuries due to a third party’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against that party. Damages can be either compensatory or punitive. Here are four specific categories of damages for which you can receive compensation:
Past Medical Costs
The most cut-and-dry personal injury damage claim is that of medical bills. If you go to the emergency room, consult a physician, or go to a chiropractor sometime after the accident due to the injuries you sustained, you will begin to accrue a paper trail of your economic losses. These expenses and records become essential for your lawyer when he or she asks for specific compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Lost Wages
Another common compensatory damage category is that of lost wages. You qualify for relief under this category if you missed work as a result of your accident or lost benefits or wages due to medical appointments. In addition, a skilled lawyer will fight for your right to receive this compensation if you were denied a promotion due to the accident or sustained injuries that will prevent you from getting ahead in the workplace. Due to the quantifiable nature of wages, this is a relatively simple form of economic damage to calculate.
Pain and Suffering
The hardest type of damage to quantify is that of pain and suffering. These are known as general damages, and are much more subjective in a personal injury proceeding. Your specific reimbursement for this type of damage may vary, but insurance companies and juries often award up to 50% of the total compensation as quantification of pain and suffering.
Todd M. Berk, Esq. is a skilled personal injury attorney who helps clients from all over the Philadelphia area with personal injury cases. Our skilled team has years of experience in obtaining appropriate compensation for clients. Call (215) 687-4432 today for a free case evaluation.
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.
