SSD Application Process in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Lawyers Help Clients with SSD Applications in Erie County and Crawford County, PA

About two-thirds of initial Social Security Disability (SSD) applications in Pennsylvania are denied. Fortunately, the SSD process includes a variety of ways to appeal a negative first decision. Although filing an appeal lengthens the application process considerably, appealing a decision increases the chances of approval. Having an attorney who understands the application and appeals process improves approval chances even more and may prevent the need to file an appeal in the first place.

At the Western Pennsylvania law firm of Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C., our attorneys handle applications and appeals for Social Security Disability in PA. We understand the process thoroughly, allowing us to anticipate issues that could affect the outcome of an application or appeal. Our attorneys advise clients about their chances of success at each stage of the process. Contact us now to discuss your options.

Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits in Western Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the state’s Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) assists the Social Security Administration (SSA) with evaluating initial applications. This means that after the SSA reviews applications for basic eligibility, they forward the applications to the BDD. The BDD reviews medical evidence from doctors, hospitals, and other providers.

When to apply: You should apply as soon as you become disabled.

What information should be supplied: You need to provide the names and contact information of all medical providers who treated you, as well as the dates on which you received treatment. You will need to provide the names and doses of your medications, the Social Security numbers of you and your family members, financial information, a detailed work history, tax returns, a doctors statement attesting to the nature of your disability, and a variety of documents such as a birth certificate, military discharge paper, and workers’ compensation papers.

When your benefits will start if your application is approved: Your SSD benefits will not begin until five full months after your disability began. Moreover, benefits do not start until the first full month after the date the Social Security Administration determines that your disability began.

The factors used to evaluate your claims: The evaluation of your claim will answer questions such as:

• Are you working?
• Is your situation severe, according to Social Security rules?
• Does it limit your ability to do basic work?
• Is the condition listed on the SSA’s list of disabling conditions?
• Can you do the work you did previously?
• Can you do any other kind of work?

If the SSA denies your claim, you will have the option to appeal. Our Erie Social Security Disability attorneys can assist you with the next stage of the process.