Helping Disabled People Get the Benefits They Deserve
If you cannot work in any generally available job due to a physical or mental disability, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits from the federal government. These benefits act as a valuable safety net for the many people who become unable to work each year.
At Barkan & Barkan Co., L.P.A., we help people throughout Ohio pursue applications for disability benefits from the Social Security system and other sources. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us at our offices in Columbus to schedule a free consultation. Our fee will be limited to a reasonable percentage of your recovery.
Understanding the Standards of the SSD Program
Social Security disability (SSD) insurance is a federal program for people who have been employed and paid Social Security taxes in the past but have become disabled to the point where they are unable to work for at least one year. SSD also covers people who have become disabled by terminal illness.
If you claim SSD benefits, the Social Security Administration has a legal duty to evaluate your disability status and medical background. However, these evaluations are often insufficient.
When necessary, we work with experienced, qualified medical experts to fully document our clients' disabilities. In this way, we can demonstrate that our client's injuries and impairments qualify them for SSD coverage.
By law, a lawyer cannot help you complete your initial application for SSD benefits. However, we can help you at any other stage of the process, whether you want us to evaluate your pending application, help you seek reconsideration of a denial or represent you in the hearing process.
Pursuing All Available Sources of Disability Benefits
SSD overlaps with several other government insurance programs. While only people who have been employed at some point qualify for SSD, your disability need not have been caused by a workplace injury, as would be the case when seeking workers' compensation. If your disability was caused by a workplace injury, on the other hand, you may be entitled to both SDD and workers' comp benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another program for people in financial need who have not paid enough Social Security tax to qualify for full SSD benefits. Our attorneys are experienced at examining and pursuing all possible sources of benefits for our disabled clients. Contact us to discuss your options.
