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Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Attorneys

Have you suffered from an injury or illness that has kept you from returning to work? If so you may qualify for monthly Social Security Disability (SSD) payments.

Social Security Disability is a program of the federal government designed to provide monthly payments to a disabled individual.  These payments allow you to continue to pay your bills and to live your life as normally as possible. The income you received while you were able to work determines the amount of your SSD payments. You may also receive a yearly cost of living adjustment depending on how long you collect your Social Security Disability benefits. Assuming you are totally, permanently disabled, you may collect Social Security Disability benefits until you reach age 65. At that time, your Social Security Disability benefits will convert to a Social Security Retirement benefit.

If you find yourself unable to work, SSD can be a life saver. If you need to apply for SSD, it is in your best interest to have a qualified Stroudsburg Social Security Disability attorney to help you with your claim.  The process can be time-consuming and if the paperwork is not handled correctly, it is very easy to be turned down the first time.  An experienced Stroudsburg Social Security Disability lawyer can help to ensure that the process is as painless as possible.

In order to collect Social Security Disability benefits, you must have earned wages and paid into the Social Security system in at least 20 of the last 40 quarters. You must also be "incapable of engaging in substantial gainful employment."  If there is any job which you are capable of performing and the job is available in sufficient numbers in the area in which you live, you do not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

If you are denied SSD benefits you may request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. The administrative law judge will hear testimony from you and review your medical records. The administrative law judge may also hear medical evidence or vocational evidence presented by the Social Security Administration in opposition to your claim. If you must request a hearing in order to get your Social Security Disability benefits, you should seek the advice and counsel of a PA Social Security Disability lawyer.

The Stroudsburg SSD attorneys of Munley, Munley, & Cartwright have extensive experience and knowledge of the Social Security laws and regulations of the federal government and Pennsylvania.  We can help you determine if you’re eligible and we will work with you in preparing a solid case.   We have a history of success and have been helping the people of Pennsylvania for more than 40 years. 

Social Security disability benefits are paid under two programs:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits program
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits program

The major distinction between the programs is that Social Security Disability insurance benefits are available for individuals who have worked in recent years and are now disabled.  For most people, the medical requirements for Social Security Disability payments are the same under both programs. The process for proof is the same for a disabled worker.

However, there are differences in the eligibility rules for the two programs:

  • Eligibility for SSD is based on prior work under Social Security.
  • Eligibility for SSI disability benefit payments is based on financial need.

Supplemental Security Income benefits are paid to individuals who are poor and disabled. SSI does not consider whether the applicant has worked in the past. 

Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits are paid to individuals who are at least 50 years old and become disabled within a certain amount of time after the death of their husband or wife who has worked under Social Security.

SSI disability benefits determination is different for children. Disabled Adult Child Benefits go to the children (disabled before age 22) of persons who are deceased or who are drawing Social Security Disability or retirement benefits.

Disability Insurance Benefits for Disabled Widow's or Widower's Benefits and Disabled Adult Child benefits are not affected by whether you are rich or poor. Benefits are determined by a review of a Social Security earnings record.

If you have been filing for or have been denied your SSD or SSI benefits, contact the Stroudsburg Social Security Disability lawyers of Munley, Munley & Cartwright with your questions.  We can be reached for a free consultation by calling 1-800-318-LAW1 or by filling out a quick and easy online contact form. Our Stroudsburg Social Security Disability attorneys’ goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through teamwork and the use of our considerable resources and experience.