Social Security Disability Lawyer in Philadelphia

Each year, millions of Americans apply for Social Security disability. As a federal program funded by the Social Security Administration, it pays monthly checks to disabled individuals with a sufficient work history. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays monthly checks to those who become disabled for over 12 months and have limited income and resources. Eligibility for SSDI depends on a person earning a minimum of 40 work credits, with at least 20 credits being earned in the past 10 years.

Even if you are sure you are eligible for benefits, the application process can be tedious. By working with our personal injury lawyer, you can rest assured that potential errors will be corrected so that you receive maximum benefits.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability?

SSDI is available to disabled individuals who meet the following criteria:

• You have a medical condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (a maximum of $1,620 monthly for non-blind individuals; $2,700 monthly for blind individuals).
• You are unable to perform basic job duties or to be employed at a job that you previously held, with the inability to adjust, and are unable to return to work.
• Your condition will require ongoing medical treatment, lasting at least one year, or is expected to result in death.

Work Credit Requirements

To receive SSDI benefits, you must have a sufficient work history, and your work must have been performed recently enough. You can earn up to four work credits per year, so typically, you must work at least 10 years to earn a minimum of 40 work credits. No matter the number of work credits, 20 must have been acquired in the past 10 years.

Income Threshold

SSDI is designed to provide for individuals unable to partake in substantial gainful activity (SGA). You cannot provide for yourself by being unable to engage in SGA. As of 2025, the income threshold for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month, with blind individuals having a threshold of $2,700 per month. If you attempt to return to the workforce while receiving SSDI, you may do so if you earn less than the current SGA amounts.

What is SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to individuals who are disabled, blind, or over 65 and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you don’t need a work history to qualify for SSI. It’s a needs-based program designed to support the most vulnerable members of society.

Social Security Benefits Increase by 2.5% in 2025

Social Security provides a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year, with recipients across the board receiving a 2.5% increase in 2025. This COLA will benefit 72.5 million Americans, with benefit checks increasing on average by about $50 per month.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney to Apply for Social Security Disability

Applying for SSDI and SSI is an invasive process, requiring that you provide your complete medical history, including the dates that medical tests were administered, the list of providers that treated your ailment, and the medications prescribed. Any inaccuracies can result in a denial of benefits. While denying benefits is not uncommon with an initial application, nobody wants to deal with such a hassle.

At DiBartolo Law, we assist our clients in providing the necessary documentation to avoid any delays in the payment of benefits. If your situation warrants an appeal, our legal team can walk you through several levels of appeal. We understand the importance of receiving social security disability to support yourself and your family, and we are prepared to keep fighting until you retain the benefits you deserve.

Tenacious Representation from a Professional SSD Attorney

If you have a condition that prevents you from working, our legal team is here to support you in applying for ample benefits. At DiBartolo Law, our Philadelphia Social Security disability lawyer has successfully helped hundreds of clients acquire the disability benefits they need to help them live comfortably despite rising costs. Attorney Philip A. DiBartolo, Jr., works to make his clients feel comfortable while addressing their concerns. To discuss your case, contact us online or call (215) 874-8553 to arrange your free consultation.