If you’re applying for Social Security Disability in Philadelphia, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate the evidence to determine if there are any jobs that you could do on a full-time basis. In order for your application to be approved, you’ll have to show that you’re unable to work for at least a year due to a disability. Many Philadelphia Social Security Disability applicants are surprised to learn that around 70% of applications for disability benefits are denied. Although there is an appeals process in place, only approximately 10% of claims are approved upon first appeal. The majority of disabled Philadelphia workers who eventually receive Social Security Disability benefits are awarded them following their administrative law judge hearing, which is the third step in the process. Around 60% of Philadelphia disability hearings result in the disabled worker being awarded Social Security benefits.
Philadelphia Health Resources
When you apply for disability benefits in Philadelphia, the SSA passes your file on to a claims adjudicator at Pennsylvania Disability Determination Services (DDS.) This person will review all of the evidence in your file before making a decision on your claim, but by far the most important type of evidence is medical records. It’s essential that you obtain regular treatment for the illnesses or injuries that make you unable to work. However, some disabled Philadelphia residents may have trouble obtaining the treatment they need. Luckily, there are some Philadelphia resources for free or reduced-cost medical care, a few of which are listed below.
Broad Street Health Center
1415 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121
(215) 235-7944
Esperanza Health Center
19124 MOB Lower Level
1331 East Wyoming Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19133
(215) 831-1100
Frankford Avenue Health Center
4510 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 744-1302
GPHA’s Health Suite at University
1427 Catharine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-8590
Greater Philadelphia Health Action
432 North Sixth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 925-2400
Hunting Park Health Center
1999 Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(215) 228-9300
The Health Annex
5803 Kingseeing Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 685-2684
Philadelphia Mental Health Resources
If a psychiatric condition such as depression or anxiety plays a part in your inability to work, it’s also important to obtain treatment for this disability. If you’re seeking Philadelphia mental health resources, you can contact:
Philadelphia Office of Mental Health
1101 Market Street, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 685-5400
Philadelphia Supplementary Benefits
If you’re awarded Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in Philadelphia, you could be eligible for an additional payment from the state of Pennsylvania. The amount of this depends on your specific living arrangements and could range from $27-$440 per month. If you’re receiving SSI benefits in Pennsylvania you could also be eligible for medical assistance through Medicaid. For more information, call or visit the Philadelphia County Assistance Office at:
801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 560-3283
Your Philadelphia Social Security Disability Claim
Unfortunately, for some Philadelphia Social Security applicants, obtaining the appropriate treatment isn’t enough for their claim to be approved. Since such a large majority of claims are denied, you may want to consider hiring a skilled Philadelphia Social Security disability lawyer. A skilled Philadelphia disability lawyer can take actions to increase the chances that your application will be improved at any level. Hiring a Philadelphia Social Security lawyer early in the process may allow you to avoid the lengthy appeals process and a wait of two years or more before your claim is resolved. In addition, there is no upfront cost to hire a Philadelphia disability attorney. A Philadelphia Social Security attorney works on a contingent basis, meaning that he or she is only paid if you’re awarded benefits. If this happens, your Philadelphia disability attorney will receive a fee equal to 25% of your “back benefits,” up to $6,000.
For a free evaluation of your case contact a qualified Philadelphia Social Security disability lawyer.
