Bristol Township, PA Social Security Disability (SSDI) Lawyer

When people find themselves unable to continue working because of a mental or physical disability, they can turn to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to help them. Please speak to our attorneys about how to begin your case and make the most of your potential benefits.

Social Security disability benefits are not available to everyone. People who should speak to an attorney about applying for these benefits may include those who have become physically injured or ill and cannot return to their jobs. Even family members with disabilities may file for benefits through a spouse or parent. Eligibility criteria are strict, and you may need an attorney to help you make sure all your application materials are accurate and correct. You must have a disability as it is defined by law, and your disability must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity. Benefits may be quite worthwhile and include lost income, family benefits, and compensation for special situations.

Receive a free, private review of your case by calling (215) 515-2954 and talking to our Social Security disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates.

Eligibility Criteria for SSDI Benefits in Bristol Township, PA

The government may provide benefits for people in need, but it does not simply dole them out to anyone who comes asking. You must meet the rigid eligibility criteria to be approved. Our Social Security disability attorneys can review your situation and help you prove that you are indeed eligible for benefits.

Defining a Disability

First, to receive SSDI benefits, you must prove that you have a disability. According to 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a), a disability may be a mental or physical condition that stops you from doing substantial gainful activity. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, your disability should be medically determined to last no less than 12 continuous months or result in death.

To make things a bit easier, the SSA has compiled a list of conditions that are considered disabilities. If your condition is on this list, you are one step closer to benefits. If your condition is not on the list, there might still be hope for your case. The government may evaluate your condition to determine if it should be considered a disability for SSDI purposes.

Substantial Gainful Activity

Your disability should prevent you from working. More specifically, you should not be able to do something known as substantial gainful activity. Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1510, this kind of activity includes mental or physical work performed for profit or payment.

The law under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1572 provides a somewhat more detailed explanation. Activity may be deemed substantial as long as the physical or mental work is considered significant. Even work performed in a reduced or diminished capacity after an injury may be considered substantial.

Furthermore, activity may be gainful whether or not profit is realized. For example, if you are self-employed and working towards a business deal that ultimately falls through, your work may be considered gainful even though the deal fell apart and profits were never realized.

At the end of the day, if you can continue working after becoming disabled, you might be ineligible for benefits. Even if the work you can do is not what you would like or pays less, it may still be substantial gainful activity.

Determining if You Need SSDI Benefits in Bristol Township, PA

If you are not sure whether Social Security disability benefits are right for you, talk to an attorney. While it is true that SSDI benefits are not available in every situation involving injuries, illness, or disability, they might be available to you.

Were you injured, or did you become sick? If so, does your condition prevent you from working? Having a condition that qualifies as a disability and being unable to work are perhaps the two key factors in an SSDI case. If your condition is not a disability or you can continue working with your disability in some capacity, SSDI might not be the right path for you.

Do you have a history of working? SSDI benefits are based on a person’s work and income history. If you have held a job where you paid into Social Security, you might qualify for SSDI. If you have never worked before, do not lose hope. You might be able to file for SSDI benefits through a parent or spouse who works.

Benefits You May Receive Through SSDI

SSDI benefits may provide financial support in various aspects of your life. The kind of benefits you receive depends on your specific situation. Talk to a lawyer to get an idea of how to make the most of your potential benefits.

Perhaps the SSDI benefits are not for you but for a family member. Disabled spouses and children may file for SSDI benefits through a spouse or parent. For example, if a child has a disability and relies on their parent for support but that parent passes away, the child may receive SSDI benefits under their deceased parent.

There are also benefits for special situations. Many people who become disabled also experience other painful complications. In certain situations, you may receive compensation through SSDI. For example, if you lost a limb or experienced significant scarring or disfigurement in an accident that left you disabled, you should talk to a lawyer about additional benefits.

Perhaps the biggest concern here is lost income. SSDI benefits may make up for a portion of the income you miss out on because of your disability. How much your benefits are worth is unique to your situation. Talk to a lawyer about how much money your SSDI benefits should be worth.

What Our Team Can Do to Help You Apply for SSDI Benefits in Bristol Township, PA

Receive a free, private review of your case by calling (215) 515-2954 and talking to our Social Security disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates.