Social Security Disability (SSD)

Experienced, Caring Social Security Disability Lawyers in Cleveland, Ohio

Rubin Guttman & Associates in Cleveland can help you get benefits. Whether you qualify for the Social Security Disability program (SSD-Title II) or for Social Security Insurance (SSI-Title XVI) really depends on whether you have a work history. To qualify for SSD, you must have worked at least 20 calendar quarters in the preceding ten years. But eligibility for either program requires first that you be disabled.

“Disabled” means that:

• You are not working and earning more than $1,010 a month for 2012 ($1,000 a month for 2010 and 2011)
• Your condition interferes with basic work-related activities
• Your condition is found in the Listing of Impairments
• You cannot do the work you did previously
• You cannot do any other type of work
• Or, if by virtue of your age, education, impairments and work history, you satisfy the Social Security Disability “Grids”

We Help People Like You

Our law firm is passionately committed to helping our disabled clients obtain Social Security Disability benefits. We have extensive knowledge of the lengthy applications and appeals processes and we have been able to help numerous people obtain the benefits that they deserve.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits in Ohio

If severe enough, some kinds of diseases, illnesses and other conditions may qualify you to receive Social Security Disability benefits. In order to qualify for these benefits, it will not be sufficient merely to show that you have a disease, illness or disabling condition. You must also show that your condition prevents you from working at substantial gainful activity (SGA) level for a period of one year or more.

In 2012, you are considered to be working above SGA level if you earn more than $1,010 per month (the amount is $1,000 for 2010 and 2011) or, if you are legally blind, more than $1,690 per month. SGA for the blind does not apply to SSI benefits and, as a practical matter, to SSI benefits in general. So, while the test for being found disabled is that you are unable to work at a sustained 40-hour week due to your impairments, if you earn more than the SGA amount, even from part-time work, you still will not be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. In short, this is a first threshold for determining whether you may receive disability. Once it is determined that you are not working at SGA level, Social Security will then proceed to the rest of its analysis in determining whether you are disabled and entitled to benefits.

Some of the diseases, illnesses and conditions which may make you disabled for Social Security Disability purposes include:

• Arthritis (Listing 14.00)
• Diabetes (Listing 9.00)
• Fibromyalgia
• Cancer (Listing 13.00)
• Kidney Failure (Listing 6.00)
• Heart Disease (Listing 4.00)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Depression (Listing 12.00)
• Bi-polar Disorder (Listing 12.00)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Listing 12.00)
• Parkinson’s Disease (Listing 11.00)

There are many other illnesses and diseases which may cause disability as well. And sometimes, while an individual impairment may not be disabling, the combination of all your conditions together may mean that you are disabled and eligible for benefits.

The process can be complex and even overwhelming. That’s why you need the seasoned, medically knowledgeable Cleveland Social Security Disability attorneys at Rubin Guttman & Associates to get you the benefits you deserve.

Our attorneys and staff are caring, compassionate people who are all easy to talk to. When you share your story with us, you will know that we are listening and will do whatever we can to get you the benefits you deserve.

Free Initial Consultations: (216) 696-4006 or E-Mail

We welcome you to come to our office, but if that is inconvenient, we will be happy to begin the process by telephone. We can then send you forms to complete in the comfort of your home. Once you return these forms to us, our firm can begin to represent you. Contact us today. Russian, Hebrew and Spanish language services are available.