SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Advocating on Behalf of Pennsylvania Clients for 40 years

No one ever plans on becoming disabled. If a debilitating injury or illness renders you unable to work or live your best life, it is easy to feel like you are out of options. That is why the federal government offers Social Security Disability benefits to people who can no longer work to support themselves or their family members through no fault of their own.

At Larry Pitt & Associates, our experienced and talented team of Social Security Disability lawyers has spent more than three decades helping victims just like you obtain the benefits they need to survive. We walk you through each step of the process and answer your questions along the way so that you can regain control over your life and your future. If you have suffered a long-term, permanent, or even fatal disability anywhere in Berks, Bucks, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, or Philadelphia Counties, we want to hear your story.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?

This is an insurance program for workers who become unable to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for the operation and administration of this fund. Money for this fund comes from the “FICA” tax withheld from workers’ pay and employer contributions. People who have worked and paid FICA tax for at least five of the ten years prior to the onset of their disability are usually covered. Dependent upon age, others may be qualified to receive benefits with fewer years of work.

Eligibility in Pennsylvania and throughout the country is dependent upon three factors:

1. You must be able to prove to the Social Security Administration that you cannot perform your job because of your disability.
2. The SSA must decide that you cannot do another kind of work, either, because of your disability.
3. Your disability must be one that will last or is expected to last, 12 months or longer.

The Social Security Administration uses a formula based on your average lifetime earnings and the total number of years you have worked to calculate the benefit amount. You can receive up to a maximum of approximately $1,500 per month, depending on your past earnings. If you have a family, you could receive additional benefits – up to 50 percent of your own monthly benefit amount.

At Larry Pitt & Associates, we help you and your family obtain the benefits you need in order to live your best possible life. We handle all aspects of the SSD process, from filing the initial application to filing an appeal, to representing you in administrative hearings.

What Types of Conditions are Eligible for SSD?

Certain medical conditions are considered automatically eligible for SSD – but that does not mean your application for benefits will automatically be approved. There are many factors that go into a claim for Social Security Disability benefits. At Larry Pitt & Associates, we have filed successful SSD applications for benefits on behalf of clients with a disability affecting their: Cardiovascular System, Digestive System, Musculoskeletal System, Respiratory System and Special Senses & Speech.

We also represent people with:

• Congenital disorders affecting multiple bodily systems
• Endocrine disorders
• Genitourinary disorders
• Hematological disorders
• Immune system disorders
• Malignant neoplastic disorders
• Mental disorders
• Neurological conditions
• Skin disorders

People with HIV/AIDS may qualify for Social Security disability benefits when they can no longer work, or they must limit their work due to the disease.

The laws affecting children are a bit different than those affecting adults, so it is smart to seek the help of our skilled SSD attorneys if you have questions, or if you have a child who has a permanent disability or medical condition. More than 700,000 children with disabilities currently receive Social Security Disability benefits, and we can help your child obtain them too.