JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

The Social Security Administration uses a step-by-step process involving five questions in order to determine if an applicant qualifies for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). The questions must be answered sequentially. If the answer to any question shows that the applicant is not disabled, the process stops and the Social Security disability claim is denied.  These questions are:

• Are you working? Social Security benefits are only available to those who are not engaged in substantial gainful activity. This means that you can work, but you may not earn more than $1,040 per month ($1,740 if blind).
• Is your condition “severe?”  The SSA wants to know that your medical condition or combination of medical conditions is severe enough to limit your ability to do basic work activities such as standing, sitting, walking, carrying, handling, following directions, communicating, and working with others.
• Is your condition found on the list of disabling conditions? The Social Security Administrations maintains a listing of disabilities known as the Blue Book. If your listing is included in the list of disabilities and you meet the requirements for that condition, your application will be approved. If you do not have a disability that is listed, or you do not meet the requirements for your disability listing, it is up to you and your Pennsylvania SSDI attorney to show that your disability is equivalent in severity to one of these conditions.
• Can you do the work you did previously? If you do not meet a Blue Book listing, the SSA will determine whether your current level of disability makes it possible for you to hold any job that you have held in the past 15 years.   If you are capable of doing any job you have previously held, your application will be denied.
• Can you do any other type of work? If you cannot do any job you have held previously, the Social Security Administration will determine if you can do any other type of work, given the limits of your disability, your age, education, and experience. If there are other types of work you can do, you will not be considered disabled.

Applying for SSDI in Pennsylvania can be overwhelming. The Philadelphia Social Security Disability attorneys at Mednick, Mezyk, and Kredo can help you get the documentation you need to win your claim. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 888-807-WORK.