Spivak Law Firm

Based in Pittsburgh, PA

412-344-4900

Spivak Law Firm is BBB Accredited

Social Security Disability:

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to apply for Social Security Disability benefits – can you help me win?
Yes. At Spivak Law Firm, we do everything possible to win the Social Security Disability benefits you need and deserve. We will handle your claim for you from the beginning, or at any other stage of your case. We can apply for you to ensure that the application is completed properly. To apply for Social Security Disability benefits, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

I was denied Social Security Disability benefits – can you help me win?
Yes. Most people are initially denied Social Security Disability benefits. The key is to never give up. We have significant experience appealing Social Security Disability cases at every level to win the benefits you need and deserve. There are three levels of appeals: first to an administrative law judge, then to the Social Security Appeals Council, and finally to the federal district court. To appeal your denial for Social Security Disability benefits, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

How much money do I get if I win?
Though each case is different, on average people who receive Social Security Disability benefits get more than $1,000 per month. You also may receive a one-time lump sum payment totaling several thousands of dollars. To have an attorney review your case, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

Do I get free health insurance if I win?
Probably. If you win Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you will be eligible for Medicare after a two-year waiting period. Medicare, however, does not include prescription drug coverage. If you win Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you will be eligible for Medicaid immediately. Medicaid includes prescription drug coverage. To learn more, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

Should I apply for Social Security Disability benefits?
You should apply for Social Security Disability benefits if you expect to be out of work for more than a year due to a physical or mental disability. You may file for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as you stop working. To schedule an appointment with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

How long does it take?
The process for winning Social Security Disability benefits is often frustratingly long. A response to your initial application usually takes about five months. About two-thirds of these initial applications are denied. If you appeal your case to an administrative law judge, it can take an additional year or longer before you get a hearing. At Spivak Law Firm, we take care of every aspect of your case and continually update you on its progress. To speak with a Social Security Disability lawyer, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

I can’t find a job – does that mean I automatically qualify for benefits?
No. The Social Security Administration considers whether you are capable of doing jobs, not whether you’d be hired. You may win Social Security Disability benefits only if you are too disabled to work on a full-time basis. To learn more, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

Isn’t Social Security just for older people who are retired?
Many people know Social Security as a retirement fund. But Social Security also includes federal insurance programs for people with disabilities. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is funded by a federal payroll tax on employers and employees. SSDI benefits are payable to disabled workers, widows, and children or adults disabled since childhood. For more information on SSDI, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

What’s the difference between SSD and SSI?
Whether you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) depends on your work history. To qualify for SSD benefits, you must have paid into the Social Security system by working for a certain amount of time. To qualify for SSI benefits, you need not have any work history at all. Unlike SSD, SSI is similar to a welfare program. SSI recipients must be disabled and have a monthly income that does not exceed a certain level. To have an attorney determine your eligibility for SSD or SSI, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

Can I win Social Security Disability benefits based on my back problems?
Yes. In fact, physical impairments such as back pain and disorders of the spine are the leading cause of Social Security Disability claims. Such impairments may limit your physical ability to stand, sit, walk, lift, bend, or work with your hands. Other common physical conditions include: arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic joint pain, diabetes, stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, lupus, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C, obesity, and sleep apnea. To make an appointment with an attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

Can I win Social Security benefits based on my depression and anxiety?
Yes. Nationally, about one-third of people who receive Social Security Disability benefits were diagnosed with a mental disorder. Such disorders include: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and schizophrenia. To speak with an attorney about winning Social Security Disability benefits, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

Can I win Social Security benefits if I already get Workers’ Compensation?
Probably. You can receive benefits from Worker’s Compensation and Social Security Disability. But if you receive both, the total monthly amount of the combined benefits cannot be greater than 80 percent of your average earnings before you became disabled. If your Workers’ Compensation payments stop, your Social Security Disability benefits will usually increase. To learn more, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

How much does an attorney cost?
At Spivak Law Firm, there is never a fee unless you win. The federal government determines how much we can charge. Currently the approved fee is 25 percent of your back benefit or $6,000, whichever is less. You may also be charged for the cost of ordering your medical records or other associated costs. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

Do I need an attorney to win Social Security Disability benefits?
We strongly recommend that you retain an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to help you win your case. At Spivak Law Firm, we have helped hundreds of people win Social Security Disability benefits. To schedule an appointment with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Back to top

Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today

Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.

Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.