Last updated 1 year ago
We all encounter hard times in our lives. While most problems are overcome with patience, a major injury can be a serious setback. Luckily, the Social Security Administration distributes disability benefits to those who are injured and unable to take care of themselves—yet the application process is notoriously difficult. Here are a few tips to remember when filing for disability benefits:
Since the application process often takes several months, it’s important to file your disability claim as soon as you are injured. Even if you have some money saved up, it may not be enough to support you in the long run.
As you can imagine, there are many who try to scam the Social Security Administration. In order to avoid getting grouped in with the fraudulent cases, you should always be completely honest, no matter how reluctant you are to share the truth.
- Double-Check for Mistakes
If you make any mistakes on your application, then you could be set back weeks or even months. To speed the process along, it’s crucial that you double- and triple-check your applications for any errors.
- Don’t Let a Denial Dissuade You
It’s always hard to deal with being denied something you truly need. In the case of disability benefits, however, it’s important that you keep trying. Most claims aren’t accepted the first time around—if you have a legitimate claim, then you’ll get your benefits eventually.
Many things can go wrong with the disability application process. For expert help every step of the way, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced Social Security lawyer. An attorney will be able to spot and fix any errors during the initial application and help you appeal should you get denied.
If you’re currently in dire need of disability benefits, then contact the law office of Todd M. Berk, Esq in Philadelphia. Todd M. Berk is happy to work closely with you and address any of your concerns during the difficult application process. Call (215) 687-4432 to set up a free consultation with one of Philadelphia's most sought after social security attorneys.
Last updated 1 year ago
Many people struggle through life thinking that they shouldn’t rely on outside help. However, if you’re truly in need, then public Social Security benefits can be a lifesaver. For more information, take a look at these additional links:
For more information, call the law office of Todd M. Berk, Esq. at (215) 687-4432 for a free consultation. You will not be charged until a successful resolution.
Last updated 1 year ago
There is always a rush of panic whenever you leave your wallet somewhere. You know that your cash and credit cards can be replaced easily enough, but what about your Social Security card?
In this short video, you can learn how to apply for another Social Security card once yours goes missing. All you have to do is call the Social Security Administration and ask them to send you an application, or simply download one from the internet. When you turn in your application, you will need to present a driver’s license or another form of ID.
If you have any questions about getting a Social Security card, then call Todd M. Berk, Esq. at (215) 687-4432. Todd Berk can also help you navigate the difficult application process for Social Security disability benefits.
Last updated 1 year ago
The process of claiming and collecting social security disability income (SSD) can be an arduous task. The sheer numbers of claims the government receives and must process means decisions usually take months to make. To expedite your claim, collecting the proper information for your attorney is essential and should be completed as early as possible.
Claimants must convince the Social Security Administration that they honestly do not have the ability to work any longer. The more objective proof you can provide, the greater your chance of success. This means documenting as much as possible—medications you take regularly; each trip to the doctor; any emergency room visits, physical therapy sessions, or visits to a chiropractor; counseling sessions of any kind; or any rehab stays. Ask for assessments of your condition in writing and get copies of all these documents to give to your attorney when you are ready to apply.
You will also need to provide your complete work history when you apply for SSD. Describe in writing each job you’ve held in the past 15 years and provide this information to your attorney. The claim examiners will be interested in determining whether your injury or illness prevents you from working in your field. Remember to provide your social security attorney with your full work history before meeting with the social security administration or filing an application.
- Personal and Educational History
Your level of education and your age at the onset of your disability may affect your disability claim. The SSA checks your viability for attaining numerous types of work and recognizes that those who are older and less educated have greater difficulty training for new employment. Include any vocational training you may have as well.
The application process allows your claim to be evaluated several times, but the delay between decisions can be financially burdensome. Providing the proper information to your attorney as early as possible improves your chance of attaining approval quickly.
If you are applying for SSD in the Philadelphia area and have any questions or would like to obtain the professional representation of a social security lawyer, then call Todd M. Berk, Esq. at (215) 687-4432. We are committed to resolving your dispute in a timely and effective manner.
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 1 year ago
Most claims for social security are denied at the initial application stage. However, this is actually quite normal and there are several stages to the appeals process. Once your disability claim has been denied, it is important to begin your appeal quickly, and obtaining the services of a social security attorney significantly increases your chances of a successful appeal.
The Social Security Disability Hearing
- In most states, there is a stage of the appeal called “Reconsideration” which asks the same agency that initially reviewed your application to reevaluate. However, it is very rare for an appeal to be successful at this stage, and some states, including Pennsylvania, have done away with this stage of the appeal process altogether.
- Instead, applicants who are denied must file an appeal within 60 days of the denial to be granted a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. There may be a considerable delay between filing for your hearing and being granted a hearing date. An attorney may be able to help you draft a dire need letter to accelerate your hearing date.
- The hearing is an informal process, but an important one. You will be able to make your case before an administrative law judge and the vast majority of appeals are won in favor of the applicant during this stage. You may represent yourself; however, you are much more likely to succeed if you bring an attorney to represent you. A social security lawyer knows how to present your case in a calm and collected manner, can advise you on how to answer questions during the hearing, and knows how to properly question the vocational and medical experts who will be present.
Improperly handling an appeal may mean restarting the entire claim process over again. The long timeline of the claims and appeal process make this is a discouraging prospect. If you are in the process of filing or appealing a social security claim in the Philadelphia area and would like to obtain professional representation, then call Todd M. Berk, Esq. at (215) 687-4432 to schedule a consultation.
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.
