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Leading Social Security Disability Lawyers
Personal, Professional Attention
Receive the social security benefits you deserve with the help of our lawyers. We can even help you recover any back pay owed.
- Results-based: You pay nothing unless we win.
- Avoid doing paperwork. We'll handle everything.
- Maximize your benefits with legal help.
"I made the mistake of using the wrong lawyers. After 8 horrible years, and 2 denials, Bross & Frankel had my approval the first time they filed. In months I was approved and ready to begin life again. Legally disabled. Calling these guys saved my life!"
Lisa N Cohen
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Social Security Disability Attorneys
Bross & Frankel
At Bross & Frankel, we understand that dealing with the legal steps of your case can be a confusing and overwhelming time. We work together as a team of professionals who will go the extra mile for you, making sure you get the attention, resources, and answers you need. Our clients receive personal service, as we answer the phone directly with no prompts. In the event we miss a call, we return our calls quickly.
With over 50 years of combined disability experience, the attorneys at Bross & Frankel know what you need to feel comfortable, and what it takes to win.
We Can Help
Bross & Frankel is a law firm solely focused on obtaining disability benefits for clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Our experienced disability benefits lawyers have represented thousands of clients in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.
The attorneys at Bross & Frankel, P.A. can help you earn your social Security disability benefits via a wide range of services, including:
- Disability claim review
- Application assistance
- Appeals for denied/terminated SSDI or
- SSI benefits
Social Security disability claims encompass a difficult and specialized area of the law. It's important to choose attorneys who are well-versed in the practice. Our attorneys have a long track record of success winning benefits claims for clients. Let us fight to earn you what you deserve.
Meet Our Attorneys
David S. Bross
Founder
Richard L. Frankel
Managing Partner
Jennifer Stonage
Associate Attorney
Elizabeth Berenato
Certified Civil Trial Attorney
Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
To qualify for either SSDI or SSI, you must meet specific requirements. For both types of benefits, you must first prove that you are disabled. Generally, you may be considered disabled if you are unable to work due to a long-term disability.
The SSA uses a five step sequential process to determine if a person is disabled:
- A person cannot earn more than $1,260 a month from working (gainful employment) when claiming disability;
- A person must have an impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits their ability to basic work and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death;
- Social Security will review whether a person’s condition meets all of the requirements for a condition on SSA’s list of disabling conditions, or has other factors that equal a condition on that list;
- If not, then the medical impairment must prevent them from performing any of their past work; and
- They must not be able to do any other type of work, considering their impairment, age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills (this last step requires Social Security to identify other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy).
If the SSA determines that an applicant is disabled, then they may qualify for SSDI and/or SSI.
SSDI is available to those individuals who have paid into the system; it is funded by Social Security taxes. For most people, you must have earned 40 work credits (up to 4 per year), 20 of which must have been earned in the 10 years prior to applying. Younger people may be able to qualify for SSDI with a lower number of credits.
SSI is a needs-based program. To qualify, you must meet the income and assets criteria set forth by the SSA. In most states, if you qualify for SSI benefits, you may also be eligible for Medicaid, which is also a needs-based program. Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for Medicare.
The formula for determining which assets and income counts for SSI benefits can be complicated. If you are curious about your eligibility, reach out to a local disability benefits lawyer.
While both SSDI and SSI require proof that you have a disability that is expected to last for 12 months or longer, this doesn’t mean that you cannot apply for benefits until you have been unable to work for a year. You can apply for benefits the moment you become unable to work. The rule is designed to screen out temporary disabilities like broken bones and similar injuries that are expected to improve in less than a year.
Why Choose Bross & Frankel, P.A.?
Team Approach
We work together as a team of professionals to ensure you're getting all of the attention and resources you need to succeed.
Years of Experience
Together, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience that we bring to the table.
Personal Attention
You won't be left in the dark. We make sure all questions are answered and we take calls directly with no prompts.
Do I Need an Attorney for my Social Security Claim?
One of the most common questions I am asked by people applying for Social Security Disability and SSI benefits is: “Do I need a lawyer for this or can I just do it on my own?”
My first response is this: “You need a lawyer only if these benefits are important to you!”
The claims process begins with the filing of an application and various related documents, as well as an interview. As I have discussed in earlier columns, the majority of claims are denied and a process of appeals is undertaken, often culminating in a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Sometimes appeals are necessary beyond the hearing stage and cases may have to be resolved in federal court.
Although Disability and SSI claims do not involve what people think of as “going to court,” the Social Security regulations which govern the claims process, are unique and complex. Consequently, you cannot always rely on “common sense” to understand whether or not you meet the strict definitional requirements of “disability” under the Social Security Act. For instance, it is usually not good enough to merely supply a doctor’s report with a statement that you are “disabled,” as there are usually very specific criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether you are in fact disabled under its rules and regulations. In short, the process is not as simple and easy as it may look.
Although there is a great variation from case to case, here are some examples of things Social Security attorneys can do for you:
My first response is this: “You need a lawyer only if these benefits are important to you!”
The claims process begins with the filing of an application and various related documents, as well as an interview. As I have discussed in earlier columns, the majority of claims are denied and a process of appeals is undertaken, often culminating in a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Sometimes appeals are necessary beyond the hearing stage and cases may have to be resolved in federal court.
Although Disability and SSI claims do not involve what people think of as “going to court,” the Social Security regulations which govern the claims process, are unique and complex. Consequently, you cannot always rely on “common sense” to understand whether or not you meet the strict definitional requirements of “disability” under the Social Security Act. For instance, it is usually not good enough to merely supply a doctor’s report with a statement that you are “disabled,” as there are usually very specific criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether you are in fact disabled under its rules and regulations. In short, the process is not as simple and easy as it may look.
Although there is a great variation from case to case, here are some examples of things Social Security attorneys can do for you:
- Advise you as to all of your rights under the Social Security Act (something which the overworked people at your local Social Security office may not always be able to do);
- Participate in the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) hearing through direct examination of you and your witnesses, cross-examination of any vocational and medical experts, making oral arguments, etc;
- Review and evaluate your medical situation as it pertains to SSA’s regulations for qualifying Disability and/or SSI;
- Obtain and review additional medical evidence from your physicians;
- Advise you as to your rights to “reopen” any earlier claims and to maximize your benefits;
- Obtain and review documents from your Social Security file;
- Review actions taken by the SSA and evaluate if they are proper;
- Ensure that appeals are filed timely;
- Prepare and submit appropriate evidence to SSA prior to, at the time of, or following any ALJ hearing;
- Prepare you and your witnesses for the ALJ hearing;
- Prepare and submit legal memoranda and briefs to the ALJ, Appeals Council, etc;
- Request a review of the ALJ decision, if necessary, by the SSA Appeals Council or beyond to federal court;
- Effectively communicate with your disability, health, or other insurers to obtain documents, maximize coverage, and otherwise protect your interests.
Having an attorney who is familiar with Social Security disability claims is vital to the success of your case. This is a difficult and specialized area of the law. Our firm only takes cases that we think we can win, and in most cases, we only earn a fee if we do.
Other Practice Areas
Personal Injury Cases
If you've recently been involved in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation from a negligent party. The attorneys at Bross & Frankel have helped many clients obtain compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and related complications associated with injuries, and we can help you too.
Veterans' Benefits Cases
The VA benefits lawyers at Bross & Frankel put their knowledge as disability attorneys to work in securing the highest possible compensation ratings and best possible outcomes for our veteran clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Client Reviews
Testimonial
Rich Frankel is a great person and made me feel taken care of through all my disability issues with the VA and my employer. He is very knowledgeable of the VA disability and employment law and I thank him for all of his help.
Bernice W.
Veteran's Benefits
Testimonial
Bross & Frankel, wow you guys are amazing! This has been a long tedious process and I thank you all so much for successfully representing me, I would definitely recommend you’re office to anyone!! Thank you again!
Sandra R.
Personal Injury
Let’s get started on your case today.
At Bross & Frankel, we understand that dealing with the legal steps of your case can be a confusing and overwhelming time. We work together as a team of professionals who will go the extra mile for you, making sure you get the attention, resources, and answers you need. Our clients receive personal service, as we answer the phone directly with no prompts. In the event we miss a call, we return our calls quickly.
With over 50 years of combined disability experience, the attorneys at Bross & Frankel know what you need to feel comfortable, and what it takes to win.