FAQs about SSDI

After an injury in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering how you will support yourself and your family if you cannot return to work. At Spence | Custer Attorneys at Law, we often counsel clients on when and how to file for Social Security Disability benefits. 

Here is an overview of the program. 

How does the program work? 

According to the SSA, by law, employers must withhold a certain amount of each employee’s paycheck for Social Security Disability Insurance. This insurance, like other insurance programs, goes into the fund to provide benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more after an injury or condition, or whose health issue is likely to result in death. You must have paid into the system for a certain amount of time in order to be eligible for benefits based on your age, your recent work history and the duration of time you have worked. 

Statistics indicate that, looking forward from age 20, workers have a 1-in-4 chance of sustaining a disability before retirement. 

What information does the SSA need? 

In your application, you will need to provide complete information about your medical condition, including test results, medication, contact information of all health care workers who have provided you care, tax returns and your work information, as well as any other relevant information. 

What if you receive a denial? 

The SSA will include a reason for the denial in a letter, and you can use this to appeal the decision. You may simply need to provide more evidence of your disability or other information. A different representative will review your appeal to determine whether the denial was reached in error. 

More information about applying for SSD benefits is available on our webpage.