SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, may be available to those who have been disabled, either due to a medical condition or a serious injury, and who are now unable to work. However, Pennsylvania applicants should note that it can be a complex process to obtain these benefits, and an initial claim may be denied. Due to the complexity of the SSDI system, it may be necessary to obtain the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney.
If someone is suddenly unable to work, it can be a major financial setback for the individual and his or her family. If the disabled individual is expected to be unable to work for at least a year or is not expected to ever make a full recovery, Social Security Disability Insurance may be granted. In some cases, benefits may be granted retroactively, starting at the date the initial application was filed.
Pennsylvania individuals may wish to receive benefits in a lump sum or in payments over time. It should be noted that Social Security Disability Insurance laws will not allow for retroactive payments beyond 12 months from the date of the original application. For answers regarding complex disability questions, it can be useful to seek a complete evaluation with a knowledgeable lawyer.
An attorney cannot make a guarantee on the outcome of a case. However, an applicant has a greater chance of success when he or she obtains legal assistance for Social Security or SSDI issues. Although many claims are initially denied or a case may seem particularly complex, that does not mean that there are no other options available.
Source: USA Today, “Answers to tricky Social Security questions“, Robert Powell, June 21, 2015