Do You Need Help Getting Disability Benefits?
Obtaining Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance benefits can seem like a distant goal — out of reach and unattainable. But the Social Security Administration (SSA) has established guidelines and a process that governs the approval of disability claims. With the help of an experienced lawyer, it may be possible to obtain approval of your Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income claim.
Turner & O'Connell, Attorneys at Law, is a firm that helps disabled adults and children, and those suffering from diseases, to obtain Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. We provide quality representation and responsive service. We want to help you get the benefits you need to live a better life.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
How SSA Determines Disability
The Social Security Administration performs a five-step analysis when looking at disability claims:
1. Can the claimant perform substantial gainful activity?
As of 2012, if you earn more than $1,010 per month, you are not eligible for benefits. However, this figure can and has changed frequently.
2. Is the impairment severe and will it last for 12 months or more?
Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, you will be found not disabled. Your condition must last for 12 months or more in order to be considered disabling.
3. Is the impairment one that meets the definition of or is equivalent to one of the recognized disabling conditions?
We understand common disabling conditions. Our firm will apply this knowledge, tying it directly to the information in your medical records. For a full list of disabling conditions please see this link.
4. Is the impairment such that the claimant cannot perform the work he or she performed over the last 15 years?
Our firm will gather information on your work history with the aim of satisfying this criterion or number 5 below.
5. Are there any jobs in the national economy that the claimant can perform?
SSA has a complex set of guidelines regarding this issue. We will seek to satisfy SSA regarding this step. These guidelines take into account, age, education and prior work history. Contact us for further details.
Dauphin County Disability Insurance Attorney
Johanna Rehkamp, an experienced Harrisburg attorney for determining disability, has a comprehensive understanding of the factors SSA uses to evaluate claims. In addition, she knows the Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance claims and appeals process, and the criteria and reasoning by which administrative law judges make their decisions. Johanna Rehkamp will put this knowledge and experience to work for you.
Free Consultation With an Attorney
Contact Turner & O'Connell for a free consultation. We have offices in Harrisburg and Newport, Pennsylvania, to serve you.