Williamsport Personal Injury Attorney
Social Security Disability
If you cannot work because of an injury or illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. Disability Insurance is based on Social Security taxes paid by you and your employer(s) over the years. To be eligible you must have worked often enough and recently enough. If your spouse is deceased and you are at least 50 years old and disabled, you may be eligible for widow's or widower's benefits under your spouse's work record.
The Supplemental Security Income program is available to aged, blind and disabled persons of limited resources and income.
In order to be considered disabled you must have a medically determinable impairment that is severe and has lasted or is expected to last at least twelve months or result in death. Records of your treatment maintained by physicians and hospitals are used to evaluate disability. In the case of an emotional or mental impairment, this information usually will be found in the records of your psychiatrist or psychologist.
Your impairment must prevent you from doing work you have done within the fifteen years before you became disabled. Your condition must also prevent you from doing all other full-time jobs for which you are vocationally suited, considering your age, education and work experience. In general, the rules governing vocational issues are more lenient for older workers, beginning at age 50.
You can apply for benefits on line at www.ssa.gov or at your local Social Security Office. In Williamsport that office is located on the first floor in the Federal Court House at 240 W. Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 (570-323-9856).
If your claim is denied, you may wish to call me for legal representation. I can assist you in requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, at which you can testify and present evidence from witnesses. At that time the judge will also consider the written medical records and opinions of doctors, hospitals and others who have provided medical services to you.
Further appeals lie to the Appeals Council in Washington D.C. and then to the federal courts. However, claimants are encouraged to make the most of their hearing before an administrative law judge because it provides an opportunity to present in-person testimony to a judge assigned to hear your case.
The Williamsport Social Security Disability attorney at the law office of Warren R. Baldys, Esq., can help you if your application has been denied.
No fee unless a recovery is made!
Call for a Free Consultation 570-327-6000