Ohio Social Security Disability Lawyers Safeguard the Rights of the Disabled
Canfield attorneys assist with SSD and SSI disability claims and appeals
When you’re unable to work due to age or disability, federal financial assistance is available to help you pay the bills. Wellman, Jeren, Hackett & Skoufatos, Co., LPA, in Canfield, Ohio represents clients applying for Social Security Disability and Social Security Supplemental Income benefits. With more than 137 years of combined experience assisting claimants, our attorneys are positioned to obtain the full compensation for which you are eligible.
Smart legal guidance for obtaining SSD benefits
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are available to disabled individuals between 18 and 65 years old who have worked paid FICA Social Security taxes in five out of the 10 years immediately prior to the disability.
To qualify for benefits, you must:
- have a medical condition that meets the definition of a disability
- have a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months, or possibly result in death
- be unable to perform the job you held before becoming disabled
- be unable to perform any other job
For 2019, the average monthly SSD payment is $1,234. These benefits do not begin until the sixth full month of disability.
Assisting claimants with benefits based on need
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides benefits to low-income individuals who are disabled, aged or blind and who have never worked or haven’t earned enough work credits to qualify for SSD. Proving eligibility requires a demonstration of your financial assets, which may not be more than $2,000 (or $3,000 for a married couple) after excluding certain property and income sources. If you claim eligibility based on blindness or a disability, it must be proved by medical evidence. For 2019, SSI pays up to $771 per month for individuals and $1,157 per month for couples.
Savvy legal team appeals denied claims
In Ohio, only 30 percent of first-time Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims are approved. If your claim is denied, our law firm will guide you through the appeals process, which involves multiple steps:
- Request for reconsideration — We can file a request for reconsideration to have your claim reviewed by someone who did not participate in the application denial.
- Hearing — If reconsideration is denied, we can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), at which new evidence and testimony can be presented.
- Appeals court review — If the ALJ doesn’t rule in your favor, we can request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council.
- Federal court review — We can bring an action in federal court if the Appeals Council rules against you or refuses to hear your appeal.
You can be more sure-footed in appealing a denied SSD or SSI claim when you have an experienced legal advocate on your side.
Contact a dedicated Ohio social security disability attorney for a free consultation
Wellman, Jeren, Hackett & Skoufatos, Co., LPA in Canfield, Ohio is prepared to assist you in obtaining the full SSD or SSI benefits available to you by law. Please call 330-333-8847 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
