Wilmington Social Security Disability Lawyer
Those who become disabled prior to retirement should be able to seek help from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) through its Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. However, convincing the SSA to give you the benefits you deserve can be a complex and frustrating process—especially without legal assistance.
Instead of dealing with the SSA alone, speak with a Wilmington social security disability lawyer at Doroshow Pasquale Krawitz and Bhaya. Our experienced social security attorneys can explain the criteria for these benefits, collect documentation for a strong initial claim, and help appeal any claim rejections, if necessary.
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
There are two major requirements a claimant must meet to qualify for SSDI. First and foremost, an individual must be disabled according to SSA criteria. Specifically, they must have a physical and/or mental impairment that:
- Prevents them from working the job they held prior to their disability,
- Prevents them from working in any other job or field, and
- Will either result in their death or last for a minimum of 12 months after diagnosis
Second, qualifying SSDI claimants must have earned enough “work credits” through consecutive years of employment prior to becoming disabled. The exact amount of wages or self-employment income necessary to earn one work credit changes each year. In 2021, one credit is equivalent to $1,470 of qualifying income, and workers can earn a maximum of four work credits per calendar year.
Typically, a claimant must have 40 work credits in total, 20 of which were earned in the 10 years immediately preceding their disability. However, the requisite number can change somewhat depending on the age of an applicant when they suffered their disability. Since these calculations are complex and nuanced, it is important to consult a skilled local attorney on SSDI qualifications.
Alternatively, an individual who may not have enough work credits and is not eligible for SSDI may qualify under the SSI program for disability benefits. However, there is an income-resource test, and the assistance of a skilled Wilmington SSD attorney is beneficial in understanding the process.
SSDI Application Process
Individuals seeking SSDI benefits may submit their application online. Alternatively, one can call the SSA during normal weekday business hours and set an appointment to either submit an application over the phone or complete at a local SSA office. While there are no SSA offices within the city of Wilmington, there is one in nearby New Castle, Delaware at 920 W Basin Road, Suite 200.
Regardless of the method of application, a claimant should be prepared with various forms of personal identification, such as their:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Marriage License
- Extensive documentation proving that they are disabled
A Social Security disability lawyer at our Wilmington office can help with the application process, collect relevant medical documentation, and ensure the claim goes as smoothly as possible.
About Linarducci Law and Our Social Security Disability Services
After founder Gary Linarducci’s passing, The Law Offices of Doroshow, Pasqual, Krawitz, and Bhaya acquired Linarducci Law to honor his legacy by continuing to provide compassionate and skilled disability services to those in need. Since 1995, Linarducci Law has been diligently serving clients and making the Social Security Disability process simpler for those entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits throughout Delaware, Eastern Shore Maryland, Southern New Jersey, and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
If you or a loved one are:
- Thinking about applying for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI and/or SSI)?
- Already applied for SSDI or SSI Benefits but need legal representation?
- Dealing with a denial of SSDI or SSI Benefits and wish to appeal?
We are here to help you and to make the process simpler in obtaining the Social Security Disability benefits that you need and deserve. Simply put: We help you understand the Social Security disability process, and more importantly, know what steps have to be taken before a decision is issued. As our client, we will advise you on the law and obtain relevant documentation from your doctors to prove your disability. If you are denied benefits, we make sure that your appeal is timely filed and explain the appeals process to you. What we help with includes:
- Understanding the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income payments and ensuring you’re applying for the right benefit program.
- Filing your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits (Supplemental Security Income/SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance/SSDI).
- Completing forms for your Social Security Disability claim.
- Obtaining status information from the Disability Determination Service.
- Compiling medical evidence from your treating physicians and healthcare providers to help prove you are disabled.
- Appealing a Social Security Administration disability denial.
Our combined teams help clients obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits. The firm’s experienced attorneys and friendly staff help families in need understand the Social Security Disability process and walk you through the steps to obtaining your benefits. It does not matter if you have not yet applied, have already applied, or have already been denied for Social Security Benefits. You are entitled to seek legal representation to obtain benefits, and our team, alongside the team from Linarducci Law, is here to help you win benefits. Highly experienced, compassionate, and caring professionals—welcome to Linarducci Law and The Law Offices of Doroshow, Pasqual, Krawitz & Bhaya.
Consult a Wilmington Social Security Disability Attorney on Your Claim
On the surface, applying for SSDI benefits may seem like a straightforward process. However, successfully obtaining these benefits can be difficult and stressful, especially for someone who is ill or injured. The SSA requires a great deal of information when making decisions about SSDI eligibility, and receiving that decision often takes several months. Fighting a claim denial could further lengthen this process.
By working with an experienced Wilmington SSDI lawyer, you could significantly improve your chances of a positive outcome to your application. At Doroshow Pasquale Krawitz & Bhaya, our legal team has extensive experience in helping disabled people reach efficient resolutions to their claims. In addition to assisting Delaware claimants, our firm assists individuals who reside in the tri-state area, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Southern New Jersey. Call today to learn more.