SSDI is not welfare but an earned insurance program — Workers fund it through taxes, and it provides financial support to individuals who can no longer work due to medical conditions.
The application process is complex, and most initial claims are denied — Over 70% of first-time applicants are rejected, making legal guidance crucial for both applications and appeals.
Different programs exist (SSDI vs. SSI) — SSDI requires prior work and tax contributions, while SSI is based on financial need for individuals with minimal or no income, with age playing a role in eligibility standards.
The U.S. government recognizes that illness and injuries, both sudden and chronic, can prevent individuals from continuing in their employment. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to assist Americans who find themselves medically unable to work.
SSDI is not a handout or a welfare program; it’s an insurance policy that employees contribute to automatically through taxes on their employment income. A percentage of every paycheck is directed to the SSA’s Disability Trust Fund, which disburses those funds to disabled individuals of all ages and employment histories. Any person who is disabled by any medical condition that prevents them from working and meets certain eligibility requirements may apply for and potentially receive SSDI benefits.
Because the application process can be confusing, complex, and unfamiliar to those inexperienced with navigating large bureaucratic institutions, it is highly recommended that applicants find support from legal experts like Pond Lehocky Giordano to guide them every step of the way.
Disabling Conditions
The first step in applying for SSDI benefits is proving the existence of a disability to the SSA. Medical conditions that may result in a determination of disability include (but are not limited to):
Back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Hip, knee, or hand issues
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Diabetes
Headaches
Heart Disease
Anxiety and Depression
Crohn’s Disease and IBS
Cancer
Lupus
Epilepsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Chronic Fatigue
Stroke
Over 70-percent of individuals are denied SSDI benefits the first time they apply for them. A determined and knowledgeable legal team is essential to streamlining what can be an arduous process that is fraught with potential pitfalls. Additionally, even if an individual has been denied in their application for SSDI, they are entitled to reapply through an appeals process.
Eligibility
SSDI is available to individuals who have paid into the SSA through their taxes for a period of time before becoming disabled. That length of time varies but is generally five of the last 10 years.
However, individuals who have not worked or paid taxes in many years, have only worked for a brief period of time, or who have never worked or paid taxes may still be eligible for a different SSA program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The eligibility requirements for SSI are based on financial guidelines similar to public assistance or welfare. Individuals that are not working or earning less than $1,310 in gross income per month and have a medical condition which prevents or significantly limits their ability to work are eligible.
The SSA takes age into consideration when making determinations for both SSDI and SSI. Individuals between the ages of 18-49 must show they have conditions so severe that they are unable to continue in their prior type of employment or any other type of work in the national economy.
The bar for a successful application is lower for individuals over the age of 50, particularly if the work they previously performed was physical in nature.
Client, a machine operator, suffered a serious hand injury while working. We pursued both workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims, securing a $1.3 million settlement.
Workers Compensation (Hand Injury)
$1.3M
Client’s right hand was crushed under heavy machinery, resulting in permanent damage. Our firm fought for both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, securing a $1.3 million settlement.
General Injury (Premises Liability)
$1.5M
Client was injured while working at a premises in New Jersey. We held the responsible parties accountable and secured a $1.5 million settlement.
General Injury (Slip and Fall)
$1.5M
Client slipped on black ice at a Walmart in Carlisle, PA, resulting in serious back injuries. Our firm secured $1.5 million in settlement for the client’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
General Injury (Premises Liability)
$1.75M
Client was injured while making a delivery. The accident occurred due to unsafe conditions at the workplace. We successfully recovered a $1.75 million settlement for our client.
General Injury (Premises Liability)
$1M
Client sustained a serious knee injury while working at a remodel job site. After extensive negotiations, we secured a $1 million settlement for the client.
Slip and Fall Injury
$2.2M
Our client slipped and fell on unmaintained property at Villanova University. We held the responsible parties accountable and obtained a $2.2 million settlement to cover medical costs and other damages.
Asbestos Exposure (Mesothelioma)
$2.475M
Client was diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of workplace asbestos exposure. We fought for justice and secured a $2.475 million settlement to cover medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering.
Automobile Accident
$3.3M
Our client was injured in a car accident when another driver made an illegal U-turn. We secured compensation for our client’s physical injuries, pain, suffering, and loss of income.
Workers Compensation Injury (Foreman Injury)
$570K
Client was injured at work and required ongoing medical care. Our firm successfully helped our client receive a $570,000 settlement.
General Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury)
$30M
Client sustained a traumatic brain injury while on a construction site. The injury occurred while setting up equipment, and our client received a $30 million settlement to cover medical costs, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Medical Malpractice
$42M
Our client suffered severe complications due to a medical error. We helped to hold the responsible parties accountable and secured a multi-million dollar settlement for the victim.
Construction Injury
$3.5M
Client was injured while working on a construction site. We were able to secure a $3.5 million settlement for our client, covering both medical expenses and lost wages.
Automobile Accident (Pedestrian)
$600K
Client was struck while crossing the street and suffered serious injuries. We secured $600,000 in compensation.
Wage & Hour Claim
$668K
Client filed a wage and hour claim against their employer for unpaid overtime. Our client received a $668,000 settlement after holding the employer accountable.
General Injury (Premises Liability)
$675K
Client suffered a back injury after slipping on ice at a commercial property. Our client was awarded a $675,000 settlement to cover their medical bills and lost wages.
General Injury
$675K
A client with ongoing workers’ compensation injuries sought a third-party claim. We secured a $675,000 settlement on their behalf.
Workers Compensation Injury (Arm Injury)
$750K
Client’s arm was injured at work when a steel door slammed on it. We secured a $750,000 settlement for ongoing medical care and lost wages.
General Injury (Back Injury)
$750K
Client sustained a back injury while working at a construction site. We successfully recovered a $750,000 settlement for the client.
Medical Malpractice (Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis)
$750k
Client was misdiagnosed with a prostate condition, leading to delayed treatment. Our firm helped to secure a $750,000 settlement to compensate for the pain and suffering caused by the delay.
Automobile Accident
$800K
Client was injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver. We secured a settlement to cover medical treatment and other damages.
General Injury (Slip and Fall)
$890K
Client slipped and fell while delivering products at a customer’s location. Our firm secured a $890,000 settlement for the client’s medical bills and lost wages.
General Injury (Third-Party Claim)
$900K
A client suffered a work-related injury but sought compensation from a third-party due to unsafe work conditions. Our team negotiated a $900,000 settlement.
General Injury (Slip and Fall)
$925K
Client slipped and fell on a poorly maintained surface at a commercial property. We fought for justice and secured a settlement for the client.
If an applicant is approved for SSDI benefits, they may receive:
Monthly payments
Retroactive payments (depending on the date disability was determined)
Health insurance under Medicare within two years of the disability entitlement date
Additional monthly benefits to any of the applicant’s children under the age of 18
If you cannot work due to a medical condition and need a lawyer for social security disability guidance, contact Pond Lehocky Giordano today at 1-800-773-1300 or visit our website at pondlehockydisability.com.
