Dugan & Associates: Social Security Disability Lawyer in Greensburg, PA

If you live with a disability that is eligible for benefits, you should receive financial aid. Even so, It can be difficult to know if you qualify for Social Security Administration (SSA) support. Unfortunately, most initial Social Security disability claims are denied.

Dugan & Associates aims to help you file a social security disability appeal. Filing for benefits can be a challenging process. Yet, the government denies people who are deserving of Social Security disability benefits. Since so many people are rejected, we want to help you fight for your benefits. 

Here are some of the most important things you need to know.

The SSA has two government programs that provide disability benefits. For people who are disabled, one must be classified as unable to perform any substantial gainful activity for 12 months or longer taking into account their age, education, past work experience, and severe impairments. This means people who can’t make a living because of their disability considering their impairments but also considering age, past work experience, and education. 

SSDI or SSD is based on disability and work earnings. With this program, Social Security taxes are deducted from your paychecks. These are accumulated over time and compared to your previously earned income.

Benefits from SSI depend on disability, age, and limited income. SSI usually applies to people who have never worked or have a very limited income. The government funds SSI from general tax revenues. 

The terms that the SSA provides include guidelines to all applicants:

1. You suffer from a severe impairment.
2. Your condition is chronic or expected to last for at least 12 months or longer. 
3. You are unable to perform past relevant work.
4. You can’t work at another job. 

Exceptions include people who are visually impaired. Even so, many peoples’ first claims are denied. This can make it difficult to know if you’re eligible for disability benefits. 

If you are denied on an initial application we can help you file a reconsideration. If you are denied on reconsideration we can help you request a hearing and go before an Administrative Law Judge.

If you file for benefits and your claim is denied, you’re not alone. Many people are denied upon their first claim, even if they deserve benefits. Once you’re ready to appeal, the process is time-sensitive and must be done within 60 days of the initial notice. 

If you’re in need of a Social Security Disability Attorney in Greensburg, we’re here to help. We work with you and your medical team to fight to get you the benefits you deserve. At Dugan & Associates, we aim to show SSA that you’re not a number. 

We take many things into consideration when determining eligibility. These include age, work experience, and severe impairments. We also work with everyone in your care team to figure out the best course of action. Since it’s very common for initial claims to be denied, we can help you appeal your case.

The process of appeals must start within the first 60 days of the initial denial notice and/or notice of denial of reconsideration. Although it can be challenging, our experienced lawyers are here to help you through every part of the process. Appealing a denied claim can include the following steps:

• Request for Reconsideration: This applies to initial claim denial. When this happens, we will work with you to draft a request for reconsideration. This will outline a compelling, persuasive, and effective appeal.
• Administrative Law Judge Hearing: This happens after a request for reconsideration is denied. In the case of a hearing, our lawyers will help you prepare evidence and testimony. This will be presented in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). 
• Appeals Council: This step occurs after an ALJ denies your appeal. Even if this happens, there is still a chance to defend your benefits. Our lawyers can approach the Social Security appeals council and fight against that decision. 
• Federal Court Appeal: If all other steps have failed, there is still one option left. The final opportunity for social security appeals takes place in federal court. Although this can seem daunting, our lawyers are well prepared.

Hiring an attorney to represent a Social Security disability appeals case increases your chance of success. There are situations where you may be ineligible. But, the best thing to do is fight for your rights as a person with a disability. The highest appeals court would take it to the federal level, and our lawyers are well prepared for it. Even so, it is likely that a lesser appeal will give you benefits. 

Hire a social security disability attorney in Greensburg or Westmoreland Country. Our passionate team of lawyers have 40 years of experience. We understand how difficult the appeals process can be. Even if you’re not sure that you qualify for SSDI, our lawyers are happy to answer your questions. Our consultation sessions are always free and our goal is to get you the social security disability benefits you deserve.