Support when injury or illness keeps you from working
When a condition prevents work for a year or more, Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income may provide essential monthly benefits. Liberty Bell Workers Compensation helps Pennsylvanians gather medical evidence, complete forms correctly, and move appeals forward. Many clients come to us while a work injury case is ongoing; our team coordinates with Workers’ Compensation so wage loss benefits and federal disability claims work together without missed deadlines.
Understanding SSDI and SSI Eligibility
SSDI is for workers with sufficient earnings history who paid into Social Security. SSI is needs based and helps people with limited income and resources. Both require proof that medical impairments prevent substantial gainful activity. We translate clinical notes into clear functional limits, outline how symptoms affect standing, lifting, focus, and attendance, and track consultative exams and specialist reports from Philadelphia health systems and regional providers.
Applications, Reconsiderations, and Hearings
Most initial applications are denied. We fix incomplete records, request supportive opinions from treating providers, and file timely appeals. At hearings, we prepare testimony, question vocational experts, and make the record clear for the judge. If a claim involves a workers comp settlement, we advise on offsets so benefits are calculated correctly.
Why Claims Get Denied And How We Respond
Common issues include gaps in treatment, missing diagnostics, and forms that do not explain real world limitations. We organize timelines, obtain updated imaging and specialist notes when needed, and present a consistent medical and work history. For clients already working with our firm on injury matters, read about our About us page to see how experience from both sides of the table informs strategy across benefits systems.
FAQs
Answers That Make The Process Clearer
Can I work part time while applying for SSDI or SSI?
Yes, but earnings must stay below the federal “substantial gainful activity” limit and your work should not contradict your claimed limitations. Keep careful pay records, report changes to Social Security, and make sure medical notes match your real duties, hours, and pace.
How long do SSD decisions take and can anything speed it up?
Timelines vary by evidence, backlog, and whether a hearing is needed. Some cases move faster through programs like Compassionate Allowances, terminal illness procedures, or when you document a serious financial hardship. Strong, organized medical proof and prompt responses to SSA requests help keep your file moving.
What medical evidence helps most at the application and hearing stages?
Consistent treatment notes from specialists, objective testing when appropriate, clear functional limits from your providers, and a simple daily-activity description that matches those limits. Ask your doctors for statements that translate diagnoses into concrete restrictions like sitting, standing, lifting, attendance, and focus.
How do workers’ comp benefits interact with SSDI or SSI?
SSDI can be reduced by a workers’ compensation offset. Settlement language and correct benefit calculations matter so you keep as much of your monthly check as possible. SSI is needs based, so comp payments can affect eligibility. Coordinating both claims prevents overpayments and protects your long-term plan.
What if Social Security denies my claim—what are the next steps?
You can appeal through reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Deadlines are short, so file quickly. We gather updated records, prepare your testimony, question vocational experts, and address any past gaps or inconsistencies so the judge has a clear picture of your limitations.