Social Security Disability

Columbus Social Security Disability Attorney & SSD Benefit Lawyer

Are you struggling to pay your bills because you cannot work due to a disability? Has the Social Security Administration denied your disability claim? Regardless of whether you need assistance filing an initial disability claim or appealing a denial of SSD benefits, I invite you to call Philip Gauer Law to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Columbus Social Security Disability lawyer to learn more about your legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.

I represent disabled individuals and injured workers on a contingency fee basis, meaning I am only entitled to a fee if compensation is recovered. Under Ohio law, SSD attorneys are entitled to a fee of 25% of the past-due benefits awarded or $7,200 (whichever is less), meaning that a fee is not assessed on future benefits. Further, it does not cost any more to get highly experienced representation. I have represented thousands of claimants over the past three decades, filing thousands of initial cases and representing clients in countless appeals hearings. If you suffered a disabling injury or illness, I invite you to call my office to schedule a free consultation to learn more about the disability benefits to which you may be entitled.

What Qualifies As A Disability Under Social Security Disability Law?

As a Columbus disability attorney who has handled thousands of disability and workers’ compensation claims, I am routinely asked what the Social Security Administration considers to be a disabling condition.

There are two types of disability claims administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA):

  • Claims for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI); and
  • Claims for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The same definition of disability applies for both types of claims; it is the inability to work because of – or due to – a medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year, or that is expected to result in death.

SSA defines it this way: “Disability” under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

  • You cannot do work that you did before;
  • We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
  • Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

This is a strict definition of disability. SSA program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during short-term periods of disability, such as workers’ compensation, private disability insurance, or savings and investments. These other resources are not always available, however, so the one-year duration requirement causes hardship for many claimants.

What Types of Benefits Can A Disabled Person Recover Under Social Security?

The Social Security Administration offers a number of benefits to people who cannot work due to a medical condition, including Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are unable to work because of your medical condition and you have worked enough quarters in the past, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

What Is The Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?

The major difference between SSDI and SSI benefits is the way they are determined. An SSI determination is based on age/disability and limited income and resources, whereas an SSDI determination is based on disability and work credits.

In addition to meeting the SSA definition of disability, an individual must have worked long enough-and recently enough-under Social Security to qualify for SSDI. The SSA tracks individuals’ work history by assigning work credits, which are based on total yearly wages or self-employment income. Workers can earn up to four credits annually. Generally, to qualify for SSDI, an individual must have accrued 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the ten years preceding the date of the disability.

Conversely, the SSI program provides monthly compensation to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below a specific financial threshold. SSI is also available to nondisabled individuals age 65 and older who meet the financial qualifications.[1] If you are interested in finding out if you qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, I invite you to call Philip Gauer Law to schedule a free disability consultation.

I Was Denied Social Security Disability Benefits. What Can I Do?

In the event that your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is denied, do not panic. The SSA has a multi-step appeals process that allows you to pursue all possible avenues for obtaining disability benefits. The SSA offers four consecutive levels of appeal, including:

  • Request for Reconsideration
  • Administrative Law Judge Hearing
  • Appeals Council
  • Federal Court Review

Your first step should be to discuss your claim with a top-rated Social Security disability attorney, as this will significantly increase your chances of obtaining approval after being denied. As an experienced Columbus disability attorney, I can help you understand the law and how it applies to your specific situation. I can also help develop a strong case for appealing an initial disability benefit denial.

Why Can A Denial Be Costly In Ohio Social Security Disability Cases?

A denial of Social Security Disability benefits in Ohio can be costly for several reasons. First, it can be financially devastating for individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Second, it can require the applicant to go through a lengthy and challenging appeals process, which can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. For example, the formal appeals process typically takes twelve months or more.

Additionally, if benefits are denied and an individual is unable to work due to their disability, and they do not have other sources of income, this can make it difficult to pay for medical treatment, housing, and other basic needs, causing significant financial hardship.

Lastly, a denial of SSD benefits in Ohio can be psychologically and emotionally draining, as it can be discouraging and frustrating for applicants who are reliant on these benefits to help them maintain their qualify of life despite their disability.

If you were denied Social Security Disability benefits, it is critical to speak with an experienced Columbus SSD lawyer to help ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and compelling, as well as to help navigate the appeals process (if necessary).

How Much Does It Cost to Hire An Experienced Columbus Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Attorney fees in Social Security disability matters are normally “contingent fees,” meaning that if the client receives a favorable decision, the attorney’s fee is a percentage (25%) of the past-due benefits up to a maximum of $7,200.[2] Further, a fee is not assessed on any future benefit amounts. My representation agreements with clients are always in writing, and the attorney fees in SSD matters must be approved by the SSA.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Dedicated Columbus Disability Attorney.

In order to stay current in this area of law, I am a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), as well as a member of the Social Security Disability Committee of the Columbus Bar Association. I have helped countless clients obtain SSDI and SSI benefits through initial applications and appeals.

If you (or a loved one) have a disabling condition, I encourage you to call Philip Gauer Law to schedule a free consultation. As a tenacious and dedicated disability lawyer with over two decades of legal experience, I can listen to the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and zealously advocate for the full and fair disability benefits to which you are rightfully entitled.

[1] Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Administration, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSA.

[2] Fee Agreements, Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_agreements.htm?tl=3%2C4.