If you are seriously disabled, you may be qualified for Social Security Disability benefits. However, it isn’t simply a matter of applying. Social Security Disability is a type of insurance provided by the government. It provides monthly payments to those who qualify.  The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) website can provide information on filing for SSDI, but some states may have additional steps that can be important to consider. In Pennsylvania, the Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) evaluates eligibility for SSDI benefits. Because of this added bureaucracy, it can be vital to work with an experienced disability attorney who can help you every step of the way.

Qualification comes from providing detailed documentation that shows that you meet the government’s definition of a disability. You also have to show that you have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for these benefits. To be considered disabled for Social Security Disability, you must be disabled and not be expected to recover for at least 12 months. Usually, the local SSA office for your state or county will make the determination. For Pennsylvania, the BDD works with the SSA office to make the determination.

Because the application is complex and up to interpretation, many individuals consult with an experienced disability attorney to help them have a better chance of approval. Unfortunately, the application process can take months. Many individuals who rush the process can end up getting rejected and may suffer greatly as a result. By working with an experienced disability attorney, you can limit the risk of getting denied. Your attorney can work with you and your medical care team to create a greater chance of positive results.

From the start of your application process through any possible appeals, you will want an experienced disability attorney on your side. There is a substantial amount of paperwork you must undertake to make a successful claim. Many fail even to get all the forms filled out properly and on time.

The D’Agostino & Associates team does more than just file your paperwork. It is our goal to advocate for you and help provide the best outcome possible for you and your family. We also make sure to educate our clients about the application process. We keep you in the loop every step of the way. When you work with D’Agostino and associates, our team helps you every step of the way. Our team can help with:

• Proper documentation of all appropriate medical information
• Tracking down relevant medical evidence
• Explaining hearing expectations
• Following the developments in your case
• Answering your questions with clear explanations
• Returning phone calls promptly
• and more.

Unfortunately, over 90% of all applications for SSDI are rejected. The majority of these filings do not get seen by a judge, but rather, by employees of the state’s SSA office. In Pennsylvania, the state’s BDD may also deny a claim. This office also may not go directly through a judge for the majority of claims. If you are denied your claim, you will have 60 days to request a reconsideration. In the event that the reconsideration is denied, your attorney may request a hearing with a Social Security Judge. When approved, the judge can go over your filing and conduct a hearing to review your case.

If your SSDI claim is rejected, it is not over. Your attorney can fight for you. Our team can help identify valid reasons to overturn an unfavorable decision.

D’Agostino & Associates can help you sort through all the details, understand what you are entitled to, and fight to get what you deserve. If you are applying for SSDI in  Pennsylvania, schedule a free consultation with our disability insurance attorneys.