Being disabled can greatly impact a person’s quality of life, presenting a variety of challenges to the individual and their loved ones. While Social Security disability benefits are available to address these challenges, often times claims are denied. This can leave a person anxious and unsure of how to proceed with their case. Fortunately, there are options available that can increase the chances of your claim being approved. An experienced Oregon, Ohio Social Security disability attorney can provide a better understanding of these options and help you navigate the claims process.
If a physical or psychological impairment has left you unable to work, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. As a leading personal injury and disability law firm based in Toledo, Schaffer & Associates LPA understands how to successfully navigate the claims and appeals process. To schedule a free consultation, consider contacting our team of Oregon, Ohio Social Security disability attorneys at (419) 350-8277 today.
How Do Social Security Benefits Work in Ohio?
Social Security benefits are granted based on an individual’s ability to work and earn income. It is a common misconception that when a person applies for benefits, the claim goes directly to the federal Social Security Administration. While Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Insurance Benefits are federal programs, all claims go through state offices at the initial stage. The Division of Disability Determination in Ohio is responsible for determining medical eligibility for Ohio residents.
How We Serve Individuals with Disabilities in Ohio
Schaffer & Associates LPA is dedicated to representing individuals with disabilities who are unable to earn an income in Ohio. We accomplish this through a range of services, including:
- Filing claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (Title II) and Supplemental Security Insurance (Title XVI)
- Fulfilling eligibility requirements for both children and adults with disabilities
- Navigating the appeals process for denied claims
- Obtaining benefits for adults over the age of 50
- Understanding the medical-vocational grid for Social Security disability benefits
Having spent years navigating the claims process, we understand the most common pitfalls and errors that occur during the application process. Our team of Oregon, Ohio Social Security disability benefits attorneys tirelessly fight for the rights of individuals with disabilities. We provide representation through all stages of the claims process, ensuring that people obtain the benefits they deserve.
Can You Receive Other Types of Benefits Along with Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two separate programs that have different eligibility requirements. A person can be eligible for both programs concurrently, however, obtaining benefits from both programs may affect the total amount payable. A similar situation may happen if you receive other types of benefits along with social security disability. Workers’ compensation and other public disability benefits may impact Social Security benefits.
Examples of public disability payments that may reduce your Social Security benefits include:
- Civil service disability benefits
- State temporary disability benefits
- State or local retirement benefits that are based on disability status
A person can receive workers’ compensation payments or any of the aforementioned public disability benefits in addition to Social Security benefits. The total amount of these payments cannot be more than 80% of the person’s average current earnings before they were disabled.
If an individual receives Social Security Disability Insurance, their benefits will not be reduced if they also receive any of the following benefits:
- Veterans Administration benefits
- State and local government benefits, as long as Social Security taxes were deducted from income
- Supplemental Security Income
Understanding how different disability benefits work together is complicated, but it is important to leverage the fullest amount of benefits possible. Speaking with an experienced Oregon, Ohio Social Security disability attorney can be helpful for understanding which benefits you are eligible for.
Are There Any Conditions that Automatically Qualify You for Disability?
There are conditions that allow a person to automatically qualify for disability and expedite the application process. These conditions are listed in the Compassionate Allowances Conditions, featured on the Social Security Administration’s website. Some of the conditions that qualify a person for benefits include:
- Certain cardiovascular diseases
- Certain neurological disorders
- Certain spinal disorders
- Organ transplantation
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Edwards syndrome
For individuals with a condition listed in the Compassionate Allowances Conditions, they may be granted a decision within a month of applying for benefits. It is still necessary to provide the appropriate medical records, diagnostic tests, and other pertinent documents.
What Forms Will I Need to Complete to Apply for Social Security Disability?
When a person applies for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration requires a range of forms and documentation. Some of the required documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship, if applicable
- W-2 forms and/or tax returns from the prior year
- An Adult Disability Report
- Medical records
- Award letters, settlement agreements, and/or information about other benefits and compensation that you receive
It is possible to apply for Social Security benefits either online or via phone. It is essential to have all relevant documents ready and available when applying for benefits. Moreover, there are a range of questions that will be asked when applying for Social Security benefits. Being adequately prepared for the application process is crucial to the success of a claim.
Navigate Your Claim with an Oregon, Ohio Social Security Disability Attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA
Filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits is rarely easy. The process is highly complex and one mistake can have a grave impact on your application. Seeking legal assistance from an experienced Oregon, Ohio Social Security disability attorney can help ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve in a stress-free and timely manner.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, our practice is centered around securing benefits for individuals living with disabilities. We handle each case individually, crafting a unique and effective strategy that optimizes the chances of approval. If you or a loved one is seeking Social Security benefits in Ohio, the process can be overwhelming. Consider scheduling a free consultation. Contact Schaffer & Associates LPA at (419) 350-8277 to learn more about how we can help.
