Talk to a lawyer about Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits.
What happens when illness, disease, or other medical conditions make it difficult to keep working? Fortunately, a lifeline exists for many workers – Social Security Disability, also referred to as SSD. But what is Social Security Disability? Is there a difference between SSD and “regular, age-related” Social Security? And how do people know whether or not they qualify for Social Security Disability?
The Pennsylvania Social Security Disability attorneys at The Law Offices of O'Malley & Langan answer these questions for clients all the time. "We understand the challenges workers face," says retired workers' compensation judge and O'Malley & Langan attorney Joseph Grady. "That's why we want to help."
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance, is a federally-funded program created to provide financial support for workers who have not yet reached full retirement age and who cannot work due to a long-term injury or illness.
Long-term means the injury or illness is expected to last a minimum of 12 months, according to the Social Security Administration. In addition, to receive SSD benefits , sick or injured workers must have worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years in a job covered by Social Security.
Who can receive Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability pays sick or injured workers who:
1. Qualify for SSD
2. Have not yet reached full retirement age
When a worker who receives SSD reaches full retirement age, SSD payments convert to “regular” Social Security retirement benefits.
What medical conditions qualify for Social Security Disability payments?
- Arthritis
- Asbestos exposure
- Back injuries
- Blindness
- Burn injuries
- Cancer
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- COVID-19 (long-haul)
- Diabetes
- Hearing loss
- Heart attack
- Hip replacement
- HIV or AIDS
- Liver disease
- Lupus
- Mesothelioma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Neck injuries
- Sick building syndrome
- Silicosis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
"Sick or injured workers deserve to be fairly compensated if they cannot work," says O'Malley & Langan attorney Mary Anne O. Lucas. "Our goal is to help you get the Social Security Disability benefits you rightfully deserve."
What is the average SSD payment?
Although the Social Security Disability Administration regularly updates how much money people can receive, the average monthly SSD payment is $1,358. However, such figures vary widely from one person to another. That's why it's important to talk to an experienced Social Security Disability attorney right away to learn more about your legal rights and available options.
Who decides if I qualify for SSD?
According to the Social Security Administration, each state has its own Disability Determination Services office which processes SSD applications and issues an initial determination on whether someone qualifies for SSD benefits.
Nearly half of the time, Social Security Disability applications are denied. When that happens, applicants may appeal their denied SSD application to an Administrative Law Judge. But that's usually the first step in a long, complicated legal process.
How can a Pennsylvania Social Security Disability attorney help?
Obtaining Social Security Disability benefits can be very challenging, especially for individuals who have never dealt with the Social Security Administration before. Many rules, regulations, and procedures must be followed to successfully apply for SSD benefits. That's why many people choose our law firm to help them navigate the process and look out for their best interests.
"We understand the challenges facing sick and injured workers when they try to claim their SSD benefits," says O'Malley & Langan Founder and Senior Partner Todd J. O'Malley. "Let us put our knowledge and expertise to work for you when applying for or appealing a denied SSD application."
Why struggle with this complicated legal process alone? Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers can help you understand the qualification process and file your Social Security Disability application.
Schedule an in-person appointment at our Scranton, Pittston, or Towanda office, or contact us for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.
