What is Social Security Disability?

If you suffer from a condition that prevents you from working but have previously worked, you may be eligible for Social Security disability. Social Security disability is a government program that provides individuals with monthly checks. The amount you receive is based on your average lifetime earnings, with individuals who earn money receiving higher benefits.

If you have a limited work history, income, or resources and become disabled, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). At DiBartolo Law, we will discuss your eligibility for SSI and SSDI and guide you through the application process.

An Overview of SSDI in Philadelphia

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides support payments to individuals with a disability that prevents or limits their ability to work. Your payment amount will be based on your income before becoming disabled. To qualify, you must have earned at least 40 work credits, with 20 credits earned in the past 10 years. If your work history is insufficient or if you have not worked recently enough, you may be ineligible for benefits. If you earn below the designated income thresholds, you may qualify for SSD benefits.

What Is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to individuals who are disabled, blind, or over 65 and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you don’t need a work history to qualify for SSI. It’s a needs-based program designed to support the most vulnerable members of society.

Why It Makes Sense to Contact a Social Security Lawyer

Many people assume applying for SSI or SSDI is straightforward. Unfortunately, most SSI and SSDI applications are denied due to paperwork errors, missing documentation, or misunderstanding of eligibility rules. That’s where an experienced SSI or SSDI lawyer comes in. Here’s how an SSI or SSDI attorney in Philadelphia can help:

Determine Eligibility: Many clients are unsure whether they qualify. An SSI and SSDI lawyer can review your situation and determine if you meet the strict income, asset, and medical criteria.

Prepare a Strong Application: Our attorney can see that your application is complete and properly documented, from collecting medical records to accurately reporting your income and resources.

Handle Appeals: If your claim is denied, a skilled lawyer can file a timely appeal, prepare you for a hearing, and present evidence to an administrative law judge.

Local Knowledge: Philadelphia SSI and SSDI lawyers are familiar with the local SSA offices, judges, and procedures, which gives them insight into effectively presenting your case.

No Fees Unless You Win: SSI and SSDI lawyers work on a contingency basis, and you only pay if your claim is successful. The government regulates its fees.

What is Considered a Qualifying Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step evaluation process to determine if you have a qualifying disability:

• If you are not working or if you are working and your income is less than the income thresholds set by the SSA (as of 2025, monthly limits are set at $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals—known as substantial gainful activity amounts).
• Your medical condition is severe, making you unable to do basic work activities for at least 12 months.
• If your condition is listed or comparable to the medical conditions designated by the SSA. These conditions prevent a person from completing work for pay or profit.
• Your condition prevents you from participating in the work you previously performed.
• If your condition prevents you from doing any other type of work, or adjustments cannot be made to complete any job.

Information You Need to Apply for SSDI or SSI

The Social Security Administration requires that individuals applying for SSD provide the following:

• Names and contact information of treating physicians
• Medical tests and results
• Names and phone numbers of the hospitals where you have been treated
• List of current medications
• Date of injury and claim number for workers’ compensation (if applicable)
• Permission to access medical records
• Where were you born
• Your Social Security number
• Verification of your earnings history
• Your work within the last five years, including names of employers, dates worked, average hours worked weekly, and pay rate
• Name of your spouse or former spouse, including their social security number and birthday
• Date you got married/divorced
• Where and when you got married
• Direct deposit information
• Names of your children, if they are 17 years of age or younger, ages 18-19 and enrolled in school full-time, or any age if they developed a disability at 21 years old or younger

Guidance in Navigating the Complexities of a Disability Claim

Whereas you may apply for workers’ compensation if you are injured while on the job, SSDI and SSI allow you to access benefits for a condition unrelated to your job that has prevented you from earning a meaningful income. Unfortunately, applying for SSDI and SSI benefits is complex and requires a keen eye for detail. When you work with Attorney Philip A. DiBartolo, Jr., at DiBartolo Law, you have retained the services of someone with the knowledge and experience you need to streamline the process.

We will help collect the documentation necessary to complete the application, providing supporting information as requested. While the waiting time to receive benefits can be between six to eight months or longer, there is no reason for an error or lack of information to hold up your ability to receive benefits.

Unable to Work? Contact Our Social Security Disability Attorney Today

Social security disability provides individuals with monetary compensation when they cannot work. Suppose you have experienced an injury or illness that inhibits your ability to work. In that case, DiBartolo Law in Philadelphia is here to guide you from the application stage to a hearing with an administrative Judge. If you have been denied government disability or are unsure how to get started, we are here to answer your questions or concerns. To learn more, contact our Social Security disability lawyer online or by phone at (215) 874-8553 to arrange your free consultation.