Front-banner

HELPING ME, THAT’S HNB

Applying for Social Security Disability in Ohio

Home /  SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY /  Applying

Helping Me, That's HNB

Qualifying 
Denied 
SSI 
Get Help Now 

Who Can Help Me Apply for Disability Benefits?

Applying for Social Security Disability takes a lot of work. It’s hard to win benefits. An experienced Ohio disability lawyer can make the process easier for you.

Let us do some of the legwork and guide you on how to complete your application correctly.

You’re already worried about your health and finances. You can worry less about whether your disability application forms, supporting documents, filing status and more are in good shape.

Benefits make a big difference in your life—restoring your independence and dignity—so don’t hesitate to get the support you need.

Disability lawyers help you apply for disability benefits without charging a fee until you are approved for financial assistance.

But not all lawyers help with initial applications for benefits. Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal (HNB) lawyers do.

HNB has helped thousands of Ohioans for more than 40 years.

We’re an Ohio disability law firm dedicated to hard-working, everyday people who need to reclaim financial stability. We know this system and how to navigate it.

Talk to us if you’re in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton or anywhere in Ohio, if you can’t work, and you need to apply for Social Security Disability.

When our attorneys are done supporting your application for disability benefits, you’ll understand why our clients say, “Helping me, that’s HNB.”

Talk to HNB  Talk to HNB 

Discuss Your Case

    What Do You Need to Apply for Disability in Ohio?

    When you apply for disability benefits, you need to show the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your health problems meet strict standards. They must be severe enough to stop you from working any job for more than 12 months.

    According to recent numbers, only around 35% to 40% of Ohioans are approved for disability benefits the first time they apply. Large majorities are denied and have to appeal.

    Most people have to fight to get approved by Social Security, so it’s important to make your initial application for benefits as strong as possible.

    Our Ohio disability lawyers can help guide you through this process step by step:

    Step #1: Gather your medical records.

    Social Security claims examiners want proof of your work-stopping medical conditions. You’ll need as many medical records as you can gather when you apply for disability benefits.

    Items like test results, psychological evaluations, medical imaging and assessments of your capabilities from your doctors all help you strengthen your claim.

    Records that provide a picture of your ongoing treatment are especially important. They show Social Security that your health problems are serious and that you are taking them seriously.

    Information about treatments and medications you’ve tried, their effects and their side effects can all be valuable.

    Step #2: See if Social Security recognizes your specific impairment.

    The SSA lists some medical issues on its website and gives specific information about how it evaluates disability claims for those impairments.

    This can give you useful information if you have one of these ailments, but don’t despair if you don’t see your medical issue on the list, or if you suffer from multiple health problems and aren’t sure what to list in your application.

    HNB disability lawyers will work to help you build a convincing case no matter what medical issues you’re dealing with.

    Step #3: Be ready to verify your financial records or work history.

    Depending on which kind of disability benefit you’re applying for (more on that later), you’ll either need to show that you’ve worked and paid enough into Social Security or that you meet stringent limits on the financial resources that are available to you.

    For any kind of Social Security Disability benefit, you must show you aren’t currently earning too much from working.

    You’ll need to back up your financial or work history with evidence like bank statements, tax records, dates of employment, employer contacts and more.

    Step #4: Fill out SSA application forms, preferably with help from a disability attorney.

    Many applicants get denied because they didn’t fill out forms properly or gave conflicting information. We’ll make sure your story stays consistent, correct and clear.

    When you have all of your information together, you can apply online, over the phone or at a local Social Security office.

    An attorney from HNB can ensure your claim is correctly filed and moving through the process.

    Our Ohio Social Security Disability attorneys can help you make your case and avoid common mistakes.

    Start with a FREE disability application consultation.

    Get My Free Case Review  

    READ TRANSCRIPT

    TRANSCRIPT

    Stephanie: Most people are denied Social Security disability and SSI. What can help you win benefits?

    Mike: A law firm that helps you apply, to start out right. If denied, a law firm that files appeals in federal court.

    Rob: A lawyer who gets you ready for your hearing with the judge. A lawyer who listens and understands you.

    Fred: Not every law firm does all that. Let HNB help you.

    Announcer: Helping me, that’s HNB. Call 888-66-GET HNB. Horenstein Nicholson and Blumenthal.

    Read More

    What Types of Disability Benefits Can I Apply For?

    If you’re applying for disability benefits, you should know that Social Security runs two different programs.

    The first is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is for people who have worked and paid a significant amount into Social Security.

    If you qualify for SSDI, you receive monthly income support and medical coverage through Medicare after a waiting period.

    The second disability program is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is a need-based program, so you can qualify even if you don’t have a lengthy work history, but you must meet certain financial requirements.

    Individual recipients can only have $2,000 in assets and couples can have $3,000 in financial resources.

    Some assets, like a primary home or vehicle, are exempt from this count, but it’s still a strict limitation that the government hasn’t updated in a long time.

    SSI recipients also qualify for Medicaid after getting approved for monthly benefits, no waiting period required.

    If you’re not sure exactly which benefit would be a better fit for you, let’s quickly compare their requirements side by side:

    Requirement SSDI SSI
    A medical condition that keeps you from working any job YES YES
    A medical condition that will last 12 months or longer YES YES
    Lack of current substantial income from working YES YES
    A history of working and paying into Social Security YES NO
    A limited amount of financial resources to fall back on NO YES

    When you apply for disability, Social Security will determine whether SSDI, SSI or both may apply in your situation. Certain circumstances allow you to receive both, such as if the SSDI payment formula puts your SSDI benefit amount lower than the SSI rate, or if you’re waiting for SSDI and qualify for SSI in the meantime.

    Whichever benefit you get, you can be sure the Ohio disability lawyers at HNB will help you pursue the monthly payments and medical coverage you’re entitled to receive to stabilize your life.

    Intake Specialist Jaci Hollmeyer meets with law firm client Jeffrey Thompson at the offices of HNB. The attorneys at HNB give personal attention to your application for disability benefits.

    Why Work with the Ohio Disability Lawyers of HNB Law?

    When you’re struggling with health problems and worried about paying your bills, that’s personal.

    Some law firms may treat you more like a case number than a person. That’s not how HNB operates.

    We approach your case with personal care and respect because we know that everyone’s situation is different.

    A local Ohio disability lawyer will:

    • Take the time to listen to your story and answer your questions about this process
    • Help you figure out if your medical issues make a good case for Social Security Disability
    • Identify evidence that strengthens your disability claim
    • Guide you on talking to doctors and asking for the right information that could help your claim
    • Build your argument that you can’t work any job due to your health
    • Make it clear to Social Security how your age, education and work history factor into your disability claim
    • Support your appeal if your initial application for benefits gets denied

    Remember, you won’t pay an attorney fee until you win benefits.

    This process is daunting and getting benefits can take a long time, but it’s worth it when benefits finally help you get back on solid ground.

    Our Ohio lawyers have secured more than $500 million in benefits and settlements for people with disabilities and injuries.

    Get the dedicated assistance you need to submit your disability claim in Ohio.

    Contact Us Today.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for Disability in Ohio

    If you’re ready to apply for disability benefits, you probably have questions. Our Ohio disability lawyers can help you understand the process.

    Schedule a free consultation with our team about your individual needs. Here are answers to some of the most common Social Security Disability questions we hear.

    What are my chances of winning disability benefits?

    Winning disability benefits is difficult, with only around 35% to 40% of initial disability claims getting approved in Ohio.

    Social Security has high standards for who gets benefits. People frequently get denied for not having enough medical evidence or not filling out forms correctly and completely.

    It’s a good idea to work with an experienced Ohio disability attorney who can guide you through this process. (There’s no fee until you win benefits.)

    Can I apply for disability due to mental health issues?

    Disability benefits aren’t just for physical health issues. If you’re suffering from anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD or another mental health problem, you can qualify for benefits as long as you can show your case is severe enough to stop you from working.

    It’s always tough to win disability benefits, but it can be especially difficult to get approved for mental health issues.

    These ailments vary in severity. Many people work despite their symptoms. The HNB team can help you show Social Security how your situation is different.

    How much does a disability lawyer cost?

    Our Columbus disability lawyers don’t charge an upfront fee. We get paid when your disability claim is approved.

    Once you’re approved for SSDI or SSI benefits, you won’t just receive monthly payments. You’ll also receive a lump sum of back pay to make up for the time you waited to get approved.

    Our fee comes out of your back pay and is subject to limits set by Social Security rules.

    When should I talk to a disability lawyer?

    Some lawyers will say to contact them after you get denied disability benefits, but we think that it’s valuable to work with an attorney early in the process—as soon as you realize you can’t work because of your health.

    An Ohio disability lawyer can help you gather evidence, fill out forms correctly and do everything possible to get your application for benefits started on the right track.

    Schedule a free case evaluation with our team if you think you’re ready to apply for disability benefits.

    Should I apply for SSDI or SSI benefits?

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can both provide a financial lifeline when your health problems stop you from working, but each program has special requirements of its own.

    SSDI is for people who have earned enough “work credits” by working for a long time and paying into Social Security. You can qualify for SSI regardless of your work history. You just need to show you have few financial resources.

    Our Ohio disability lawyers can help you figure out which benefits program is a better fit for you, and make sure you have the information in your application that confirms it.

    How much does disability pay?

    If you apply for SSDI, your monthly benefits will be based on up to 35 years of your past earnings. SSI recipients start out at a standard maximum payment and then have money deducted based on any income and other benefits they receive.

    SSDI usually offers more money each month, but the main takeaway is that two people who get approved for Social Security Disability can receive very different payments.

    Learn more about how much disability benefits pay.

    For help with your disability benefits application in Ohio, contact HNB now.