If you can no longer work, Social Security Disability (SSD) programs can be a crucial financial resource, enabling you to pay your bills and care for your family. However, applying for SSD can be long and frustrating, taking months and sometimes even years to finally get approved for benefits. If you don’t want to contribute to this delay, ensuring your application is correct, comprehensive, and well-documented is critical. This is when a Philadelphia SSD lawyer can be your strongest ally. 

Do you need a lawyer to apply for disability? Absolutely not. But can a lawyer help you navigate the application process so your disability claim isn’t caught on the Social Security Disability merry-go-round? Absolutely. Let’s take a look. 

How Long Does it Take to Be Approved for Social Security Disability in Pennsylvania?

Applicants are officially told to expect a three to five-month wait before they hear back from Social Security about the status of their application. Still, the reality is that the average wait today is over seven months. This wait is difficult enough when you have no income coming in. But if Social Security returns with a request for more documentation or a denial, you can add months, if not years, to get a final decision. 

Having guidance from an experienced disability attorney when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can offer significant advantages that can improve your chances of success.

Why Does the Social Security Disability Approval Process Take So Long?

The approval process for Social Security Disability is notoriously time-consuming. The application undergoes a multi-layered review by a combination of local Social Security field office personnel and Pennsylvania’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) staff. The biggest culprits for the lengthy process are staff shortages in both these offices and budget constraints. In the meantime, it’s the individuals who need benefits the most who suffer. 

When you apply for disability benefits, the field office performs a basic review of your file to verify any non-medical eligibility criteria, such as employment status, work credits, and document completeness. Once the field office has completed its review, the file is then transferred to DDS for medical review and evaluation. 

DDS will assess any medical evidence to determine the severity of your disability and whether you meet Social Security’s criteria. If there are any questions or insufficiencies, they may arrange for you to undergo a Consultative Examination with another physician. They will also assess whether you can still perform some level of work despite your condition. An application will be approved or denied based on the evidence submitted and the DDS’s evaluation.

The problem? 

After this whole process, the majority of initial applications are denied, leaving the applicant to enter a whole new process of appealing the decision. Unfortunately, most denials are caused by a basic lack of understanding of the eligibility process or insufficient medical evidence and supporting documentation submitted with the claim. This is when having a Philadelphia SSD lawyer can make a huge difference. 

Can a Philadelphia SSD Lawyer Streamline This Process?

The approval process for Social Security Disability is complicated, time-consuming, and frustrating for most applicants. Every application requires a thorough review of the applicant’s work history and medical records. Applicants often have extensive medical histories and complex conditions that must be reviewed and evaluated. Add this complexity to the high volume of applications Social Security reviews annually, the lack of staffing at SSA and DDS, and the significant backlog of disability claims, and you have a system that is slow and plodding at best. 

While an SSD lawyer’s assistance will not circumvent Social Security’s complex and tedious case-by-case evaluation process, it can ensure that your application is correct, comprehensive, and well-supported upon submission. 

An experienced disability lawyer will review your initial application to ensure it is complete and correct and that your evidence is medically comprehensive. If you’ve already received a denial, a disability attorney will guide you through the appeals process to ensure that your appeal is as concise and evidence-supported as possible and that you are prepared for any court hearing it may involve. 

How Can Hiring a Philadelphia SSD Lawyer Benefit You as a Disability Applicant?

If you are applying for or appealing a disability claim in Philadelphia, having the representation of an experienced Philadelphia SSD lawyer can offer many advantages, making the process easier and potentially more successful. 

Has Expertise in Navigating the Process

An attorney specializing in Social Security Disability claims understands the criteria and nuances of the application and appeals process. Your attorney will evaluate your eligibility and determine how best to support it properly. Furthermore, your lawyer will ensure that all forms are correctly completed, deadlines are met, and necessary supportive documents are included with your application, reducing the risk of errors or insufficiencies that could result in a denial.

Understands What Medical Evidence is Needed

An experienced Social Security Disability attorney knows what medical evidence the SSA requires to support your claim. Your lawyer can help you obtain relevant medical records and doctors’ statements, ensuring they reflect the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work. Furthermore, your attorney will check for any inconsistencies in your paperwork and help you arrange additional medical examinations or expert opinions to support your claim further, if necessary. 

Communicate with the Social Security Administration on Your Behalf

Most disability applicants find communication with the SSA overwhelming. Your lawyer will act as your advocate, presenting and managing any communication with Social Security representatives to ensure that your information is properly conveyed and compelling and that any responses are timely. 

Assists in Navigating Your Appeals Process

If your initial disability claim has been denied, a Social Security Disability attorney will help identify and correct any issues and help you strengthen your case for appeal. Your lawyer will guide you through the appeals process, from the reconsideration phase to representing you during your hearing before the Administrative Law Judge. If necessary, an experienced SSD lawyer can guide and represent you through a federal court appeal. 

Maximizes Your Benefits

Because of their unique insight into Social Security Disability’s complex rules and regulations, your SSD lawyer can ensure you receive any benefits you may be entitled to, including any auxiliary benefits for your dependents or back pay.

Offers Peace of Mind

Handling a disability claim can be overwhelming, especially given the challenges of dealing with health issues. An SSD lawyer can remove much of the burden of the process, allowing you to focus on your health and your family. Having an experienced professional managing your disability claim can offer significant peace of mind during an already challenging time. 

If You Are Applying for or Appealing a Disability Claim, Our Philadelphia SSD Lawyer Are Here to Help

Social Security Disability benefits are critical when you can’t work. Unfortunately, most applicants are denied these benefits, often because of simple errors or lack of medical evidence. The experienced Philadelphia SSD lawyers at Silver & Silver are here to help ensure that your initial application or appeal is best positioned to get you the benefits you deserve. As proud National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives members, we can provide you with the most comprehensive disability claim support possible. Schedule a free consultation at (610) 638-7255 or contact us via our website contact form. We are dedicated to getting you the disability benefits you deserve. 

Disclosure:

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.