Social Security Disability

Whether you need legal representation for a Small Business, Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Will preparation, DUI charges, or other criminal or civil matters, you can rely on The Stichler Law Office for effective legal counsel and personal client service.

To learn if we can be of assistance to you, please contact us today by phone, e-mail, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation and case evaluation. The Stichler Law Office represents clients throughout Western Pennsylvania from its office in Pittsburgh.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

It is important to have a qualified attorney able to guide you through the qualifications and regulations of the disability programs.

If you have been diagnosed with a physical or mental condition for which you are undergoing treatment and have been unable to work for twelve months, or if your disability is expected to last for twelve months or could be expected to cause death, you may be entitled to Social Security benefits.

Two different types of benefits are available to individuals and their families. These benefits are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

To be considered for either SSDI or SSI, you have to be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration. To be found disabled:

(1) You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s).
(2) Your medical conditions must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months, or be expected to result in your death.

SSDI is intended to help individuals who have worked in recent years and are now disabled. While working, these individuals will have had to work a job that paid into Social Security for at least 20 of the last 40 quarters. In addition to aid for individuals, Social Security Disability benefits may also be available to widowed spouses and children.

Supplemental Security Income is different from SSD in that an individual's work history is not considered during the qualification process. SSI is generally available for the blind, the disabled, and those aged 65 or older who have little to no income. While an individual may not be entitled to SSD, they may qualify for SSI.

To apply for SSD or SSI, you must be able to prove a disability or illness that prevents you from working. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 5 months to be made. Paperwork mistakes or omission of any essential details make it more likely that benefits will be denied.

If you have been denied benefits, you can appeal the process. The average wait time for an appeals decision is currently approximately 17 months. In both the initial application and the appeal of an unfavorable ruling, it is in your best interests to have a skilled attorney to review your claim. The Stichler Law Office can help guide you through the Social Security system.

Helpful Links:
Social Security Administration
Social Security Administration, Disability Benefits FAQ

For a free consultation and evaluation of your legal issue call today at (412) 609-7202, (724) 201-1102, email jms@stichlerlaw.com, or fill out the online contact form to the left of this page. We are available to meet with you at the location that is best for you and Saturday and Sunday consultations are available.