As of the 2010 census, Allentown, Pennsylvania had a population of about 118,032, making it the third largest city in the state. Allentown is traditionally an industrial manufacturing town, and manufacturing continues to play a central role in the local economy, though the healthcare and retail sectors also contribute to the city’s contemporary economic foundation.
Allentown is among the communities serviced by the Region 3 district office of the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Philadelphia. The regional office distributes Social Security Disability benefits to nearly 496,000 individuals annually and additionally reviews more than 40,000 new claims for disability benefits each year.
Social Security Disability Insurance is issued to those who are unable to work for twelve or more consecutive months due to total or complete disability. To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the SSA’s medical requirements and must also have enough work credits accumulated over the course of your employment, particularly during the last decade prior to filing your claim for disability benefits. Work credits are achieved through standard payroll deduction contributions to the disability fund. If you meet the medical but not the work credit requirements for receiving SSDI according to the SSA’s guidelines, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Apply for Allentown Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for Allentown Social Security Disability benefits is a complicated, lengthy process and one that is best undertaken with legal help from an Allentown disability lawyer. The SSA finds only about 31 percent of initial applications for SSD eligible for benefits. Claims are processed by the Philadelphia regional office and those not deemed eligible during the initial review must go through a reconsideration process.
Only about 12 percent of reconsidered claims are approved. All others who wish to continue pursuing SSD must file an appeal, and having the help of an Allentown Social Security Disability attorney greatly increases your chances of being approved for benefits.
The majority of Allentown Social Security Disability claims which are denied are lacking sufficient medical documentation proving the applicant’s disability. The SSA requires particular tests and types of treatments based on the type of disability or the different conditions which contribute to disability. An Allentown disability attorney can assist you in getting the right medical care and will thoroughly review your case file in order to ensure the documentation is all in order.
Having legal assistance early in the application process may help prevent the need for additional reviews or appeals. Even if you are initially denied, an Allentown Social Security attorney can help improve your chances receiving benefits in the long run.
Below is the primary local Social Security office that accepts initial applications for Allentown Social Security Disability:
Allentown Social Security Office
41 N 4th St.
Allentown, PA 18102
Allentown Social Security Disability Resources
To be eligible for Allentown Social Security disability benefits you must show you’ve received ongoing and appropriate medical care for your disability condition. Paying for healthcare with limited financial resources can be very difficult. Here are some of the Allentown disability resources for free and low cost medical services.
Neighborhood Health Center
218 N 2nd St.
Allentown, PA 18102
(610) 841-8400
19th Street Health Center
1736 Hamilton St.
Allentown, PA 18104
(610) 770-8741
Your Allentown Disability Claim
All successful SSD claims contain the substantial medical documentation. Before submitting your initial claim, consider having your case evaluated by an Allentown Social Security attorney. Doing so makes it more likely you’ll see a favorable outcome.
Your Allentown disability lawyer will review all of the documentation in your application and make sure it meets SSA guidelines. If your case ends up in the appeals process, your Allentown Social Security lawyer can help you prepare for testifying before the Administrative Law Judge and can argue your claim at the appeals hearing as well. Disability attorneys charge no fees upfront for their services and only get paid if you’re approved for disability benefits.