Frequently Asked Questions about SSD and SSI in Pennsylvania
How can I find the nearest Social Security office?
Am I eligible
for benefits?
Whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and the amount
of benefits depends
upon your date of birth, the type of benefit for which your applying and, most
importantly, your past earnings.
What If I
don't qualify?
If you have not worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security Benefits
you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. TO be eligible for SSI
you must 1) have an income level at or beneath that identified for eligibility;
2) be living in the U.S. legally and be a U.S. citizen; and 3) be 65 years of
age or older, or blind or disabled. Children may also be eligible for SSI if
their income and assets are below the limit required and they are disabled.
SSI also has a program to assist individuals in returning to work. Contact our PA Supplemental Security Income attorneys for more information.
How do I get
benefits?
You will not receive benefits automatically. If you believe that you are
eligible, file an application at your nearest Social Security office. Some
claims have time limitations so you should act quickly. You should contact the
office when:
- Someone in your family dies.
- You are unable to work because of injury or illness expected
to last a year or more.
- You are 62 or older and plan to retire.
- You are within three months of age 65, even if you don't plan to retire.
What if I am turned down?
If you filed a claim and believe that the decision was not correct, you may have
the decision reconsidered. If you are turned down again, you may request a
hearing before and administrative law judge of the Bureau of Hearings and
Appeals. At this point you should contact a
Pennsylvania SSDI
lawyer. At a hearing before an
administrative law judge, it may be necessary to present complicated medical
evidence. It is also important that the first hearing be properly handled in the
event that a later appeal to a federal court is necessary. An attorney familiar
with Social Security law will be able to assist you in making sure your case is
presented and handled to your best benefit.
If the administrative law judge's decision is unsatisfactory, you may request a review by the Appeals Council. If you are still not satisfied, you may take your case to federal court.
Our Pennsylvania SSD attorneys can explain how you should appeal and will assist you in having your claim reconsidered or in requesting a hearing.
How can I find
the nearest Social Security office?
Information concerning Social Security is available through our office 24 hours a day toll free by
calling 1-800-318-LAW1 or you may contact us between 7a.m.and 7 p.m. on business days.
