Social Security

The attorneys and staff of the Pisanchyn Law Firm also focus their resources on providing representation to our clients seeking disability (SSDI) and supplemental income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration.  As we advise all of our clients, filing for these benefits initially is something most people can do on their own through their local Social Security Office. 

Once someone files for benefits, they will either receive benefits or be denied.  More often than not we see disabled people be denied by the Social Security Administration.  DO NOT LET THIS DISCOURAGE YOU. 

Once you receive your initial denial you will have 60 days to file an appeal.  The moment you receive your denial you should contact the Pisanchyn Law Firm.  One of the partners of the firm will explain the process to you in detail. For you, filing the appeal is as easy as a few signatures to start the process, the Pisanchyn Law Firm will do the rest!    

The best part about choosing the Pisanchyn Law Firm to represent you for your Social Security Appeal is that we will NEVER charge you a fee until we are successful in obtaining your benefits.

HOW THE APPEAL PROCESS WORKS

	Once the appeal is filed, we will request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and hope to get a hearing as soon as possible;
	Unfortunately, the appeal process can take from 12 to 18 months depending on the quantity of pending appeals at your local office;
	The Social Security Administration has established a Five-Step Evaluation process to determine whether a person is disabled.  If a person fails to meet the requirements of any one step, they are determined to be “not disabled” under the Social Security Act.
	Step 1-Known as the “substantial gainful activity” step, requires the ALJ to determine if a claimant engages in significant mental or physical activity that is done for pay or profit.  The Social Security Act requires that claimants either have not worked in at least the previous 12 months or have a disability that is expected to last beyond 12 months.
	Step 2-Known as the “Severe Impairment” step, requires the ALJ to determine if the claimant has a medical condition that is “severe” or a combination of impairments that is “severe.”  “Severe” is defined as an impairment that significantly limits an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities.
	Step 3-Known as the “Meets or Equals” step, requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant’s impairments or combination of impairments meets or equals the criteria of an impairment listed in the Social Security Act-if it does the claimant is disabled-if not the analysis proceeds to the next step.
	Before getting to Step 4, the ALJ must determine the claimant’s Residual Functional Capacity, or a claimants ability to do physical and mental work activities on an ongoing basis despite the limitations from the impairments discussed in previous steps.  At this step the ALJ considers all impairments-not only those that are “severe.”
	Step 4-Known as the “Past Relevant Work” step, requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has the residual functional capacity (described above) to perform the demands of his or her past relevant work, or work they have done in the prior 15 years-if they can they are not disabled, if not the analysis proceeds to the next and final step.
	Step 5-Known as the “Any Work” step, requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant is able to do any other work considering the residual functional capacity, age, education and work experience.  If the claimant is able to do other work, he or she is not disabled.  If not able to do other work the claimant is disabled.
The Pisanchyn Law Firm is confident that we can help you in the fight to obtain the benefits which you are entitled and pledge to do all they can to make that happen.  If you have been denied benefits or believe your entitled to benefits, contact our Law Firm immediately so that we can discuss your case in detail. Remember, you will never have to pay any money out of your own pocket; we will get you the money you deserve.