We have done Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications and appeals for many years. Our Social Security Disability attorneys have successfully obtained disability benefits for thousands of people in Akron, Ohio and throughout the entire state of Ohio.
We have helped countless clients across Ohio obtain Social Security Disability benefits.
We can help you get disability benefits.
Are you eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?
Do you believe that you are unable to work full-time?
- Are you currently receiving medical treatment from a doctor, nurse practitioner, therapist, or other health care worker?
- Have you had medical testing or imaging that shows you have a serious health problem?
- Do you see a psychiatrist or therapist because you have mental health concerns or a mental impairment that makes it difficult to work?
- Do you have a physical or mental impairment, including a qualifying disability as defined by the Social Security Administration, that prevents you from working?
- Are you over age 50 and no longer able to do what you used to do for work?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Eligibility for SSDI is based on work credits earned by paying Social Security taxes during employment. The SSA website is a helpful resource for checking eligibility and required documentation.
When a person qualifies, it can have a significant impact not only on their own life but also on their family and families who depend on them. If your claim is successful, you may receive a monthly check.
Along with SSI disability, Social Security Disability is the main area of practice for our lawyers. Each one of our Ohio Social Security Disability lawyers have spent their entire career helping the disabled obtain Social Security. If you call our attorneys, an experienced lawyer can help ensure you have a valid claim and avoid common issues such as incomplete applications or insufficient evidence.
There are several types of Social Security disability benefits:
- If you have worked for approximately 5 of the last 10 years, then you may qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits on your work record. To qualify for this benefit, you must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes during your employment. Work credits are required and are based on your history of paid social security taxes.
- If you are disabled and over 50 years old, you may qualify for Widow’s Benefit on your spouse’s work record.
- If you became disabled before age 22, you may be eligible for a benefit on your parents’ work record.
- If you are unable to work and have limited financial resources, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefit.
- If you have limited household income/resources and your child has serious impairments which interfere with their ability to learn, pay attention, socialize, or use their hands/move, then your child may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
If you have any doubt at all about whether you qualify, you should give one of our Social Security Disability attorneys a call. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the application process for social security disability claims, help you gather thorough medical records, and improve your chances to win benefits. Our experienced and skilled disability lawyers offer free phone consultations and we are happy to take your call. If you are out of work or only able to work part-time because of your health (mental or physical), you should give us a call to see if you qualify to receive disability benefits. If we take your case, we charge no fee unless you win. If you have already been denied disability, you should call us right away so that we can help you with appealing your claim denial. Many claim denials are due to incomplete applications or insufficient evidence, so submitting complete documentation is crucial. We can assist you through the appeal process, including representing you at a disability hearing or, if necessary, appealing to the federal district court if your social security claim is denied.
Disability Claim Process
Navigating the disability claim process with the Social Security Administration can be challenging, but understanding each step can make a significant difference in your outcome. The process begins with submitting an initial claim, which requires you to provide detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and any supporting medical evidence. The SSA will review your application and may request additional documentation or schedule a consultative medical examination to better understand your disability.
If your initial claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process often involves several stages, including reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and, if necessary, further appeals to the Appeals Council or federal court. Each stage requires careful preparation and the submission of extensive medical evidence to support your case. Having a social security disability lawyer by your side can be invaluable—they can help you gather the necessary documentation, represent you at administrative hearings, and guide you through each step of the appeals process. With the right legal support, you can improve your chances of a successful claim and secure the disability benefits you need.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Choosing the right social security disability lawyer is a critical step in ensuring your claim is handled effectively. When searching for legal representation, look for a law firm with a proven track record in social security disability cases and a team of experienced disability lawyers who understand the complexities of the system. The right lawyer will take the time to understand your unique situation, explain the disability claim process in detail, and provide the support you need from start to finish.
A reputable law firm will offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions without any upfront fees. Most social security disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if you receive benefits. This arrangement ensures that your lawyer is motivated to win your case and that you can access legal help regardless of your financial situation. By partnering with a dedicated and knowledgeable lawyer, you can increase your chances of a successful claim and receive the financial support you deserve.
Disability Support Services
Accessing disability support services can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with physical or mental impairments. The Social Security Administration offers essential programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), providing financial assistance to those who qualify. Beyond these federal benefits, there are numerous local and national organizations that offer additional resources, including medical care, rehabilitation, counseling, job training, and housing support.
A social security disability lawyer can help you not only with your application for disability benefits but also by connecting you to valuable support services in your community. These services are designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence, improve their quality of life, and access the care and resources they need. Whether you are seeking financial assistance, medical support, or help navigating the system, a disability lawyer can be a vital ally in securing the benefits and services you deserve.
SSD Benefits and Taxes
Understanding how SSD benefits are taxed is important for effective financial planning. While Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits provide crucial support, they may be subject to federal income taxes depending on your total income and filing status. Generally, if you are a single filer with a combined income below $25,000, or a joint filer with income below $32,000, your SSD benefits are not taxable. However, if your income exceeds these thresholds, a portion of your benefits may be taxed.
You typically should consult a tax professional with any questions.
A tax professional can help you understand the tax implications of your SSD benefits and ensure you comply with all reporting requirements. They can also advise you on how to properly report your benefits on your tax return and identify any deductions or credits you may be eligible for. By working with a knowledgeable tax professional, you can avoid unexpected tax liabilities and maximize the financial support you receive from your SSD benefits.
Health Insurance and Disability
Health insurance is a vital part of managing a disability, ensuring you have access to the medical care and services you need. If you are approved for SSD benefits, you may become eligible for Medicare, which provides comprehensive health insurance coverage. Typically, Medicare coverage begins 24 months after you start receiving SSD benefits, but certain conditions, such as end-stage renal disease or specific disabilities, may allow for earlier enrollment.
A social security disability lawyer can help refer you to an insurance professional who can guide you through the Medicare enrollment process. These individuals can also assist you in navigating the healthcare system to ensure you receive the necessary medical care and support services. With the right health insurance coverage, individuals with disabilities can better manage their conditions, access essential treatments, and improve their overall quality of life. If you have questions about your eligibility or need help securing coverage, a disability lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need.
Questions and Answers:
Do you need a lawyer to get disability in Ohio? You don’t have to have a lawyer to file and pursue a claim for benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not require you to have an attorney. However, the statistics show that your chances of winning are better with legal representation.
What is the five-month rule for Social Security Disability? Generally, you have to be disabled for five months before disability can be paid based upon your work record. Benefits start either one year before your application date, or five months after you became disabled- whichever is later.
How much can you earn while trying to get disability? To be disabled you must be found incapable of earning $1,620 per month gross in 2025. If you regularly earn over this figure while your case is pending it will be extremely difficult if not impossible for you to prove your disability. If you earn over this figure for more than 9 months you will generally be removed from disability if you are already on it. The longer you work at or near $1,620 per month the more likely it is that you will not win your case, and the more likely it is that you will be taken off of disability if you are already on it.
How much does Social Security pay if you are disabled? SSD is based on your tax record. The amount of SSD you can get depends on how much you have paid in social security taxes (FICA taxes) during your working years. These social security taxes are used to determine your eligibility and benefit amount. Some people receive a very minimal amount of SSD- under $100 per month. Some people can receive over $3,500 per month in SSD. SSI, which is based on financial need, has a maximum of $967 per month.
What can cause you to lose your Social Security disability benefits? The most common reason to lose Social Security is if you go back to work and earn too much for too long. However, work should be encouraged as in most situations you will earn more by working then by being on disability.
Contact us on our website, complete our Social Security disability checklist or call us at 877-230-5500 to talk about whether you may be eligible for any benefits. We regularly represent disability clients at the Court in Akron, Ohio but our clients also come from the surrounding areas of Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Stow, Norton, Wadsworth, Medina, Green, Fairlawn, Richfield, New Franklin, Canton, Kent, Massillon, Ravenna, Rootstown, Tallmadge, Uniontown, Canal Fulton, Brunswick, and Wooster.
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There are different levels of impairment for disability. Find out how the Social Security Administration defines a severe impairment.
The federal government has defined a number of items as qualifying factors to be eligible for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income. Does your impairment fall under one of those already defined by the SSA?
If your impairment(s) already meets Social Security’s strict medical definitions, you may be able to win your case for disability sooner in the process.
- What Medical Requirements Qualify Someone for Disability?
- Disability Evaluation Process: Can You Perform Any of Your Previous Work?
Are you still able to perform some or all of the work you performed within the last 5 years? This can make a big difference in your Social Security Disability case if you are over age 50.
Even if you cannot perform the work you once did, SSA is going to bring in a witness to see if there are other jobs out there that you would be able to perform in the national economy. As you age, it becomes easier to show that there are fewer jobs available for you to perform in the national economy.
Once the Social Security has found someone to be disabled, what happens next?
Are there additional items that may have an effect on your payments for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income? Most of these are discovered and dealt with in the effectuation phase, but there could be others.
There are all sorts of changes that you will be required to report to the Social Security Administration. Many of them have nothing to do with adjusting your SSI or SSD payments, but rather insuring you continue getting your payments.