Also see "How the Judge Determines Disability", "When You Have Physical Impairments and Mental Limitations", and "Can You Work Part-Time?" in our Social Security Disability Video Library.
Recommended Articles: How to Apply for Social Security Disability, Part-Time Work
New for 2012: Disability Attorney John Aebi to co-host seminar in Columbus, Ohio
John Aebi will be one of two faculty members at a seminar for attorneys and Social Security representatives in Columbus, Ohio on February 13, 2012. The seminar, presented by the National Business Institute, is entitled “Handling a Social Security Disability Case.” More information can be obtained at the following link: Handling a Social Security Disability Case.
Experienced Ohio Social Security disability lawyer also represents clients in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia
I have been handling Social Security disability cases in Ohio and other mid-western states since 1978 and have a wealth of knowledge and experience that I bring to this work. I can explain the process and the pitfalls to you, and guide you through the labyrinth of the Social Security disability application and appeal process.
This 100-page website will introduce you to some of the things that you might want to know about how the Social Security Administration will look at your claim.
Should you apply for disability benefits?
Whether they are from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or West Virginia, the first question that many Social Security disability clients ask is whether they should apply for disability benefits in the first place.
The issue of your qualification for disability benefits requires a detailed analysis that uses a complicated process. However, the simplified version of whether or not you should apply comes down to these questions:
- Do you have an impairment (either physical or mental) that prevents you from working?
- Has this impairment lasted for at least 12 continuous months, or is it expected to last that long?
If the answer to both of these questions is “yes” then it is worth beginning the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits.
You can file your claim by either phoning 1-800-772-1213 for an appointment, or completing your application on line at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/.
For suggestions about applying, see Tips for applying.
What do you do if your disability application is denied?
Don’t give up if your application for Social Security disability benefits is denied. The fact is that most disability applications are denied. Many people give up at this point, but you should keep going and appeal the denial because the percentage of success on appeal is much better than on the original application.
Several significant things are different at the appeal stage than at the initial application stage. One of the most important differences is that at the appeal hearing you have the opportunity to appear before the judge in person and explain about your condition in your own words.
For information about the appeals process for Social Security disability claims, see The Appeal Process.
For a free downloadable e-booklet about appealing a denial, see Appealing a Denial of Benefits.
How we can help Social Security claimants in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia
We represent clients at all phases of the process of pursuing a Social Security disability claim. Some clients file the initial claim themselves, and then come to us after their claim has been denied. Others come to us at the very beginning, and we start helping right at the initial claim filing stage.
There are many things that we can do to help your case, and what we do varies from one client to the next. However, generally we can:
- Make sure that the Social Security Administration has all the information that it needs and that all the forms and other documentation are complete.
- Work with your doctors or therapists to make sure that they provide the appropriate reports to the Social Security Administration.
- Answer your questions about the process, and keep you informed about the progress of your disability claim.
- Prepare you to testify at your appeal hearing. A hearing can be an unusual and uncomfortable environment for some clients, but it becomes easier once you know what to expect.
- Select and prepare witnesses to testify in support of your claim. In addition to the medical evidence from doctors or therapists, we can have some of your friends and family members attend the appeal hearing and testify about how your impairment prevents you from being able to work.
For information about appeal hearings, see Advice for your Social Security disability hearing.
How to contact our Ohio disability law firm
Although our disability law firm is located in Ohio, we represent Social Security disability clients throughout all of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.
The Social Security disability evaluation and appeals process can be complicated and frustrating. You will find that having an experienced Social Security attorney handle things for you will not only increase your chance of success, but it will also give you peace of mind to know that someone is taking care of you.
If you would like us to evaluate your claim, whether you are in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or West Virginia, give us a brief description of your claim using the form to the right.
Otherwise, you may e-mail or call our office at:
The Aebi Law Firm
Social Security disability attorneys
Serving Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan
Phone: 740-397-8875
Fax: 740-393-0781
Toll free: 877-366-9107
111 S. Mulberry St.
Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
