Social Security Disability                                               

Social Security Disability is one of several Federal government programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.  Only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits.  Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

When you apply for Social Security Disability, you must provide medical and other information in order to determine whether or not you meet Social Security’s definition of disability.   The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs.  Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.  "Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work.

Social Security considers you disabled if you meet all three of the following criteria:
· You cannot do work that you did before.
· Social Security decides that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s).
· Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
 
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. To apply for Social Security Disability you can do so online at www.socialsecurity.gov, call Social Security direct at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security Office.  If your application is denied, it is not necessarily the end of the process.  There is an appeal and review system. 

The process of claiming Social Security Disability benefits can be lengthy and confusing- from application through appeal.   Additionally, the majority of claimants will need to have their case heard by an administrative law judge at a disability hearing.  With an experienced attorney by your side, you won’t have to navigate this world alone.  And of course, at Cullen Legal, we don’t get paid unless you are granted benefits. 



Cullen Legal- Championing the rights of PA's workers.   Call 267.812.5870 for a free consultation.