If you live with a permanent disability, it is likely that you qualify for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The United States Government established these programs to provide benefits and insurance to citizens who may not be able to work on their own due to a disability incurred at any point in their life. If you believe you or a loved one may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, working with a Social Security Disability attorney at Barkan Meizlish, LLP could be massively beneficial for you. Our attorneys work with clients throughout southeastern Ohio.
The unfortunate reality of applying for federal benefits is that the Social Security Administration is quick to deny a large portion applications. Often, the process involves multiple denials and appeals. This process may ultimately end in a court case in the event of continuous denied applications.
At Barkan Meizlish, LLP, our lawyers have actively worked with SSDI and SSI applicants from across the United States for the last 60 years. We pride ourselves in the fact that we were among the first firms to focus on helping the most-vulnerable members of society take on the SSDI program.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), an individual must either have been born with a significant disability or become permanently disabled at some point in his or her life.
The qualifying guidelines for an SSDI applicant are as follows:
There are several exceptions to these guidelines. Collaborating with your SSDI attorney can help ensure you properly analyze your situation and account for any exceptions. With that in mind, it is important to note that the cause of a disability is not important to the claims process. However, the disability itself must significantly impede the applicants ability to work. When a work-related injury or illness impairs an individual’s ability to work for a year or less, the case may be better handled by private insurance or the Ohio workers’ compensation program.
Along with your initial application for SSDI benefits, you will be required to submit several important records. These required documents included medical and employment records, as well as relevant information regarding your education. At some point during this process, you may be asked to report for an additional physical or mental examination. These assessments are conducted by trusted medical providers who have been selected by the Social Security Administration.
In addition to Social Security Disability Insurance, disabled individuals may qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits. SSI is a needs-based program with similar applicants’ guidelines to SSDI. Supplemental Security Income applicants must suffer from a physical or mental condition that will last 12 months or longer or may result in death. The applicant must provide information on their investments, spending, and household income. This may include assets like cars or other vehicles, or any property that the applicant owns. It is normal for a qualifying applicant to apply for both Social Security Disability Income and Supplemental Security Income. Consulting a SSDI/SSI attorney will help you to figure out what the best way to approach your application process is.
As with many federally funded programs, applying for SSDI and SSI benefits can be a confusing process. Loopholes and confusingly worded documents can cause an applicant stress. Often, forms get submitted without being completed and important application supplements can get forgotten. These seemingly innocent mistakes can lead to application denials. Through collaboration with an experienced and careful Social Security Disability Insurance attorney, you can ensure that all your information is properly organized and submitted to the Social Security Administration.
If your claim is denied, appealing quickly and supplying whatever missing documentation is requested to the Social Security Administration is vital. Barkan Meizlish, LLP have decades of experience navigating the trickiness that is the SSDI and SSI programs, and will help you correct your application promptly.
We recognize the stressful nature of applying for Federal disability benefits and supplemental income. We know that our clients are often working through their health problems, financial strain, and other hardships. Our SSDI attorneys will make it their responsibility to work on any elements of your application that may wind up forgotten due to their overwhelming nature.
It costs nothing to speak with an experienced and caring attorney at Barkan Meizlish DeRose Wentz McInerney Peifer, LLP. You can email questions to info@barkanmeizlish.com or connect with us online to set up a FREE CONSULTATION. In addition, you can call us in southeastern Ohio at (740) 373-3875 or visit our offices at 250 Front Street, Marietta, OH 45750.
“I had an amazing experience working with Sandy and Robin on my case. Robin was just a short email or call away from all of my questions. The communication I had with Sandy was just as great. Both Sandy and Robin made sure I knew exactly what was going on with my case at all times. I will be recommending them to others. If I ever need help legal matters in the future, I know I can get the help from Sandy Meizlish.” -Anonymous
“Hi Mr. Sanford A. Meizlish,
Just want to thank you and Robin Griffin for taking care of my case. You were very helpful from my very first call. I appreciate it very much.” – Marina S. (email published with permission)
“I could not be any more pleased with my experience with Jason Cox and Barkan Meizlish. The service, care, and communication with my legal counsel was outstanding and I truly appreciate the quick and thorough resolution to my case. I am grateful for the dedicated hard work of the legal team, they deserve all the thank I can give.”
-Anonymous
“Barkan Meizlish, LLP brought great attention to my case when I needed it. They fought right by my side and were fair with the entire process. Their team was a great help. I’d recommend them to anyone.” -Anonymous
“A-1 team to work with indeed” – TJoy Knice
“Sam Marcellino is a great attorney! I’m very satisfied with the outcome of my settlement. He really cares about who he represents and the condition of your health after your injury. He is also hard working and gets the job done as quick as possible. I will definitely recommend him in the future.”
– Aareona W.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Sam did a great job with my workers’ compensation case. He took the time to explain the process and got me a great result!” – S. Cecil
“Barkan Meizlish has bargaining and litigation experience in the public and private sector. Their firm is unique because they have decades of experiencing representing unions under the NLRA, the RLA and in the public sector.” Sarah,
Local Union President
“Barkan Meizlish’s union lawyers are always there for our members. They are an excellent resource for our staff representatives. We know we can count on them in arbitration and at the negotiating table.” Mike, International Staff Representative
“This group of lawyers are very honest, professional, and courteous. They made a really bad event a lot easier to go through. I highly recommend Leslie Albeit and Jason Cox for representation on your behalf. They sincerely have the client’s best interest at the top of their list! Thanks to leslie and Jason, and all the staff. We will never forget!” – Larry and Gloira
Fill out the form below to get started.