Social Security Disability

Contact Our SSDI Lawyers If A Medical Condition Prevents You From Working

At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we have decades of experience helping ill, injured and disabled people in Pennsylvania secure Social Security benefits. Our attorneys have litigated over 1,000 disability cases, and have the experience and knowledge to know what to do with your particular case. While we have handled a large number of claims, we treat every single client like the individual they are. We will listen to you to fully understand your goals and work with you toward a solution.

Attentive Service Backed By Experience

We work as a team to protect your rights and get you the benefits necessary to improve your life. We are the legal team that stands behind you. We believe you are disabled, and we keep fighting until all avenues are exhausted in the litigation of your disability claim.

After your initial meeting, you will know the game plan. It is important that when you leave our office you know the strategy which will lead us to the resolution of your claim. We don’t keep your case a secret. We make every effort to ensure that you understand where we are going so that we can get there together.

What Kinds Of Benefits Are Available?

There are two basic programs available to disabled individuals through the Social Security Administration. The first is Disability Insurance benefits. In order to qualify, you must have participated in the Social Security system through payment of the FICA tax. You must show that you have earned a specified number of work credits within a certain number of years, depending upon your age. Generally speaking, you must have worked five out of the last 10 years in order to qualify for this benefit. However, there are special rules for younger individuals and those who have had a break in their work history.

The second program is Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. This program requires a disabled person to meet the financial requirements set forth in the regulations of the administration. This is a needs-based program, which is similar to that found in the Welfare Office in terms of financial eligibility.

Is a physical disorder keeping you from performing your job? Have you been denied Social Security Disability (SSD) Insurance benefits despite suffering from a physical disorder? An experienced SSD attorney can help you pursue the benefits you need.

If a mental disorder is keeping you from performing your job duties, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Dealing with the Social Security Administration can be intimidating, time consuming and an unnecessary burden when you are already struggling with illness. An experienced Social Security lawyer can help ease this burden.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes its sufferers to endure muscle pain, fatigue and sore joints. If you are suffering from fibromyalgia and it is keeping you from working, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

Why You Need A Lawyer

Whether or not you are starting a new application or appealing a denial, having legal representation helps navigate the complex Social Security regulations. The process is difficult, and an experienced attorney is a must. Not only does evidence of your disability need to be supplied to the Social Security Administration, but the correct paperwork has to be filed within the correct period of time in order to protect your legal rights. Simply having a doctor write a letter that you are disabled is not sufficient to meet the standard for disability. The Social Security Administration’s own statistics show that claimants who hire experienced attorneys are more likely to obtain disability benefits than those without representation. In fact, most are denied benefits the first time they apply. Dealing with the Social Security Administration can be intimidating, time-consuming and an unnecessary burden when you are already struggling with illness. Contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., so that our SSD lawyers may advocate on your behalf.

Not only is winning your Social Security claim important, but being efficient in the manner that it is won is just as significant. Though the Social Security Administration sets the ultimate time line as to when or how a case can be litigated, an attorney can help move a case along. Specifically, gathering all of the evidence and having the case prepared will assist an administrative law judge in setting a date for a hearing and perhaps even paying a case without one. Because these rules are complicated, it is important to have the support and assistance of an experienced attorney to help you move your case forward. After all, winning the case does you no good unless you can reap its benefits when you need them most.

We Take The Tough Cases

The law firm of Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., is one of the few law firms in Pennsylvania that routinely takes children’s cases. Children are entitled to receive Social Security Disability benefits, only if they meet certain requirements. The rules for Social Security in children’s cases are different from those of an adult. Only an experienced SSDI attorney can master these complex rules to present your child’s case in such a way that the judge will understand how difficult it is for your child to function both at school and at home.

If your child suffers from physical illness or mental health issues such as ADHD, our experience will help to gather evidence form doctors, schools, neighbors and others who can document the difficulties that your child faces at school and at home. Childhood disabilities also may affect the way your child grows and develops; we will work hard to document those effects as well.

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The Support You Need While We Build Your Case

We understand that disability takes a toll on you not only physically and mentally, but economically as well. Therefore, our firm advances the costs to obtain the necessary medical records to be successful in your disability claim. We will ask that these costs be reimbursed only if we are successful in obtaining benefits for you. Otherwise, no payment is expected. We stand behind you by advancing the costs necessary to ensure that your case is well-prepared and well-presented.

To talk with a Social Security Disability lawyer and get answers to your questions about SSDI, contact the Pennsylvania law office of Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., by calling our Pittsburgh office at 412-391-9860 or toll free at 866-466-5789. You may also complete our online contact form. Initial consultations are free and confidential.

Social Security Disability (SSD/SSI) in Pennsylvania FAQ

What is the difference between SSD and SSI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn sufficient work credits before becoming disabled (42 U.S.C. § 423). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for disabled individuals with limited income and resources (42 U.S.C. § 1382). Some Pennsylvania residents may qualify for both programs depending on eligibility requirements.

How do I qualify for Social Security disability benefits in Pennsylvania?

To qualify for disability benefits, you must have a medical condition expected to last at least twelve months or result in death while preventing substantial gainful employment (42 U.S.C. § 423(d)). SSD applicants must also meet work credit requirements (42 U.S.C. § 414). SSI applicants must satisfy financial eligibility rules regarding income and resources (42 U.S.C. § 1382). The Social Security Administration evaluates medical evidence, employment history, and other supporting documentation before deciding.

How long does it take to receive a disability decision?

Processing times vary depending on application volume, medical evidence, and whether additional information is needed. Initial decisions often take several months. If your claim requires further review or an appeal, the process may take considerably longer. Providing complete records and responding promptly to requests may help avoid unnecessary delays during the evaluation process.

Can I work while receiving Social Security disability benefits?

Many beneficiaries may work within certain limits without immediately losing benefits. SSD recipients may qualify for work incentive programs allowing them to test their ability to return to employment. SSI benefits may decrease as earnings increase (20 C.F.R. § 416.1100). Reporting wages accurately and understanding program rules helps avoid overpayments and protects eligibility for continued assistance.

What medical conditions qualify for disability benefits?

Many physical and mental health conditions may qualify if they significantly limit your ability to work. Eligibility depends on the severity of the condition rather than the diagnosis alone. The Social Security Administration reviews medical records, treatment history, physician opinions, and functional limitations to determine whether the disability meets program requirements under federal standards (42 U.S.C. § 423(d)).

What should I include with my disability application?

A complete application should include medical records, physician contact information, treatment history, prescription medications, employment history, education details, and documentation describing how your condition limits daily activities. Providing accurate and complete information allows disability examiners to evaluate your claim more efficiently and may reduce delays caused by requests for additional evidence during review.

What happens if my disability claim is denied?

A denial does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for benefits. Applicants generally have the right to appeal through several administrative stages, including reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court (20 C.F.R. § 404.900). Meeting appeal deadlines—typically 60 days from receiving notice—and submitting additional supporting evidence may strengthen your case significantly.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability benefits?

You are not required to hire a lawyer to submit an application. However, some applicants seek legal representation when gathering evidence, completing paperwork, responding to requests, or appealing denied claims. A representative may help explain procedures, identify supporting documentation, and present information clearly throughout the disability claims process when appropriate.

Can I receive disability benefits for mental health conditions?

Yes. Mental health conditions may qualify if they substantially limit your ability to maintain employment and satisfy Social Security disability standards. Conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder may qualify when supported by comprehensive medical evidence demonstrating ongoing functional limitations and treatment history over time.

Will my disability benefits be taxed?

Federal taxation depends on your total income and financial circumstances. SSDI benefits may be taxable if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds set by the IRS. SSI payments are generally not taxable. Because tax situations vary, reviewing current tax rules and consulting a qualified tax professional may help determine whether reporting requirements apply.

Can I receive both workers’ compensation and disability benefits?

Some individuals receive both workers’ compensation and Social Security disability benefits. However, receiving workers’ compensation may reduce the amount of SSD benefits through an offset calculation (42 U.S.C. § 424a). SSI eligibility may also be affected by income and resources. Understanding how multiple benefit programs interact helps applicants plan for potential adjustments to monthly payments.

How often will my disability case be reviewed?

The Social Security Administration periodically reviews disability cases to determine whether beneficiaries continue meeting eligibility requirements. Review frequency depends on the likelihood of medical improvement. Some cases are reviewed every few years, while others may have longer intervals. Continuing medical treatment and maintaining records can support ongoing eligibility during these evaluations.

Can children qualify for SSI benefits in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Children with qualifying disabilities and families meeting financial eligibility requirements may receive SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration considers the child’s medical condition, functional limitations, household income, and available resources. Periodic reviews may occur to determine continued eligibility as the child’s medical condition and circumstances change over time.

What should I do after my disability claim is approved?

After approval, carefully review your award notice, understand your payment schedule, report changes in income, work activity, address, or medical condition when required, and keep copies of important records. Following reporting requirements helps maintain eligibility, avoid overpayments, and ensure benefits continue according to Social Security program rules and regulations throughout your participation.

Can my disability benefits stop in the future?

Yes. Benefits may stop if medical reviews determine you are no longer disabled, if you exceed program income limits, fail to meet reporting requirements, return to substantial employment, or no longer satisfy other eligibility rules. Staying informed about program obligations and promptly reporting required changes helps reduce the risk of benefit interruptions.