Helping the disabled receive the benefits they need

Many people in Pennsylvania suffer from disabilities that the Social Security system was created to provide for. However, a majority of these people's applications for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are initially denied. An experienced Social Security attorney can help you appeal that decision and secure the benefits you need.

At the Law Office of Deborah Hargett-Robinson, we help clients file for Social Security benefits and represent their interests in appeals before the Social Security Administration (SSA). We focus on providing our clients with effective and knowledgeable representation in hearings, interviews and at trial. Our firm has helped many clients throughout Central Pennsylvania receive the benefits they deserve, and we are ready to assist you today.

Learn more about Social Security Disability:
There are two programs under the Social Security Act. The first is the Social Security Disability (SSD) program, which most people are familiar with. It involves a certain amount of money being withdrawn from your paycheck every week (your FICA taxes) to cover benefit payments and Medicare when you reach retirement age, or if you become disabled. Additionally, there is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which pays monthly cash benefits to disabled persons who cannot work because of an injury, illness or worsening medical condition. Almost everyone knows about the retirement function of this program; however, few are familiar with the disability function of Social Security. With more than 20 years of experience in practice, Attorney Hargett-Robinson understands the policies, process and potential loopholes affiliated with this type of law. She and her professional staff are committed to seeking sound resolutions as well as educating clients on this process so they receive the financial compensation they deserve.

Why was my claim for benefits denied?
Many applicants for Social Security Disability benefits are shocked when they are denied coverage. They often point out the fact that their doctors have stated that they were disabled. However, doctors can only tell what you can and cannot do, not how it affects your vocation. We consult with vocational experts to help applicants prepare for their appeals and develop arguments to use in hearings.

Sometimes applicants are denied simply because they did not present their arguments in the correct manner. The SSA follows its own set of rules to determine whether applicants are disabled or require additional income. Applications are often denied because they do not provide the SSA with enough evidence to satisfy these rules. We make sure that you gather all appropriate evidence for submission to the SSA, including medical records, financial records and any documentation of disability.

The Social Security appeals process:
There are four stages of the appeals process:
-Reconsideration
-Hearing
-Appeals Council review
-Federal court review

-Reconsideration
If your application has been denied, you have the right to file an appeal within 60 days. We help clients file requests for reconsideration of that decision. At this phase, the SSA will review your claim again, along with any additional evidence that is submitted.

-Hearing
If your claim is again denied at the reconsideration phase, you can request a hearing in front of an administrative judge to argue your case. We provide effective representation for clients in these hearings and have successfully resolved many cases at this stage of the process.

-Appeals Council review
If you are turned down at your hearing, you can review that decision in front of the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can do one of three things decide your case itself, deny your request for review or return it to an administrative judge for further review.

-Federal court review
If you disagree with the Appeals Council's decision, we can file a lawsuit against Social Security in federal court. This is a rare occurrence, but we have the experience and skill to successfully secure the benefits you need at trial.