According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 2.3 million adults in Ohio live with a disability. When living with a disability, a person is more likely to experience a host of other health disparities, such as depression. Disabled adults are often unable to work and earn a steady income as a result of their condition. For this reason, state and federal programs have been put in place to protect disabled adults and provide assistance/benefits to people living with life-altering disabilities. Navigating these programs is easier said than done, however, leaving many people unsure as to how to secure the benefits, which is why it’s important to talk to an experienced Fremont social security disability attorney.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, our team of dedicated Fremont social security disability attorneys have the skill and experience necessary to secure benefits for our clients. Above all, we serve individuals who suffer from physical and/or mental impairments that prevent them from earning a living. For years, we have guided Ohio residents through the Social Security disability claims process, advocating for their rights at every step. If you or a loved one is living with a disability, seeking assistance from Schaffer & Associates LPA can make all the difference. Schedule a free consultation at (419) 350-8277 today.
What Do We Do?
We help individuals obtain the injury and disability benefits they deserve. This is the heart of our practice and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the full dollar amount in benefits. After spending years dedicating our time and effort to handling Social Security disability claims, we have a keen understanding of how to navigate this process. This, in turn, saves our clients time and financial stress.
Disability benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration, a federal agency that handles the application process. While Social Security disability benefits are managed at the federal level, approval and denial rates vary greatly from state to state. The approval rate for Ohio disability applications is only 30%, a low number compared to many other states. For this reason, adults in Ohio who are seeking disability benefits often turn to a Fremont social security disability attorney to increase their chances of success. At Schaffer & Associates LPA, this is precisely what we do.
We are proud to offer a range of services to our clients, which include:
- Navigating eligibility requirements
- Applying for Social Security benefits
- Appealing the denial of Social Security benefits
- Filing an application as an adult over 50
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we tailor our services to fit your needs. Regardless of whether you’re considering applying for Social Security benefits or are in the midst of the process, we are here to help.
What Is Considered a Disability?
Even though there are two different types of disability benefits, namely Title II (Disability Insurance Benefits) and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income), the definition of a disability is the same in both cases. United States law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gain activity due to a physical or mental impairment. According to the law, an impairment is considered a disability as long as the condition lasts for a continuous period of at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
Children are eligible for disability benefits under Title XVI. For a child under the age of 18 to be considered disabled, they must possess a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that result in serious functional limitations. A functional limitation is when a person is unable to perform the routine activities of daily life, either for physical, cognitive, or psychological reasons. Again, the disability must be expected to result in death or last for a long-term period of over 12 months.
What Is a Medically Determinable Impairment?
The law defines a medically determinable impairment as one that is caused by anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities. These abnormalities must be proven through a medical diagnosis. A report of symptoms is not sufficient to prove a medically determinable impairment.
Are There Any Conditions that Automatically Qualify You for Disability?
The Social Security Administration keeps a list of Compassionate Allowances Conditions that qualify an individual for Social Security disability benefits due to their severity. The list of Compassionate Allowances Conditions is comprehensive and includes over 200 conditions. If a person has any of the listed conditions, their application will most likely be expedited and approved.
It should be noted that even if an individual has one of the impairments listed on the Compassionate Allowances Conditions, they must still go through the application process to receive benefits. A Fremont Social Security disability attorney can assist with applying for benefits under the Compassionate Allowances.
Some of the conditions that automatically qualify an individual for Social Security benefits include:
- Advanced stage cancers
- Certain cardiovascular disorders (chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, central cyanosis)
- Certain neurological disorders (early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, mixed dementias)
- Certain Spinal disorders
- Organ transplantation
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Edwards syndrome
When a person files a claim for Social Security disability benefits under one of the listed conditions, their application will be expedited. This means that a decision may be given within a month of applying. Even in these cases, it is still be necessary to provide medical records, diagnostic tests, and other relevant documentation.
Obtaining Benefits with a Fremont Social Security Disability Attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA
Living with a disability can present a range of difficulties to a person and their family. Many times, children and adults who live with a disability are unable to work or operate in society as expected. For this reason, federal law has established Social Security disability benefits to overcome these obstacles for people living with disabilities. Being approved for benefits can be difficult, however, and thousands of claims are denied every year.
Our team of Fremont Social Security disability attorneys are here to help navigate all steps of the application process and appeal denied claims. We believe in advocating for the rights of anyone living with a disability. Consider setting up a free consultation with Schaffer & Associates LPA today. Call (419) 350-8277 to learn more about how we can help secure Social Security benefits for you.
