We represent people in both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. There is no charge to the client unless we get you back benefits. We work directly with Social Security from applying online through an Administrative Law Judge hearing, if that is necessary to get you benefits. We use many ways to stay in touch with clients through the months or years that it takes to get benefits for you. We offer home visits in some cases.

The process for applying for Social Security Disability is long and complicated, but we have experience with the entire process and can help you through it.

Applying. You can apply by calling Social Security or online, and we can assist you with the application. You will need a lot of information, such as the names and addresses of your medical providers, and we can help you gather it.

Consultative examination. Social Security may ask you to see a doctor they choose. This is a normal part of the process. The exam is often 40 or 50 miles from where you live, and we can provide transportation if you do not have it.

Showing you are disabled under Social Security’s rules. Social Security has many rules and regulations for deciding if you are disabled. We know them, and we will write a detailed explanation to Social Security showing why you are disabled under their rules. Two of these rules are “the Grids” and “the Listings.”

• The Grids use your age, education, prior work and ability to walk and lift. Once you are 50, if you cannot do physical work, you are likely to be found disabled.
• The Listings set out the requirements for different illnesses, including mental illness. We will work with you to gather the evidence to show you meet them.

The Administrative Law Judge hearing. Stage 3 of the process is a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, done by Teams video. We will represent you at the hearing. The judge will ask about your medical conditions and why you cannot work, and we will look for witnesses, such as family members or service providers, who can also testify.

After you are found disabled. If you applied for SSI, there is one more step before you are paid. You will need to talk with Social Security about your living arrangements and finances, and we can advise and assist you so you get the money you are entitled to.

What you will need. Contact us and we can help you file and gather this information:

• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Mother’s maiden name
• Address
• Last place you worked, with start and end dates
• What your duties were
• A list of your past jobs
• Why you feel you are unable to work
• Whether you can do sedentary (seated) work
• Whether you can lift 20 pounds
• How far you are able to walk
• Whether you can do your own shopping and cooking
• Whether you need a cane, walker or wheelchair
• A list of all your doctors, with names, addresses and phone numbers

We understand that having a family member charged with a crime and held in jail before they have a chance to prove their innocence is traumatic. Contact us and we will work with you to get your family member out of jail. We can make contact with defendants in jail and help with lowering bail and obtaining a bail bond.

Being charged with a crime. A case starts when a person is arrested or sent a summons in the mail. If a person is arrested, they will be arraigned within 6 hours, and a district judge will set bail. If the defendant can pay the bail, they will be released. If they cannot, they stay in jail. We can ask the court for lower bail and help family members get a bail bond from a local bail bondsman.

The preliminary hearing. At this hearing the District Attorney must show that the defendant probably committed a specific crime. We represent you at the hearing and record it so witnesses cannot change their story. If the District Attorney does not prove their case, we explain to the district judge why it should not be sent to the Court of Common Pleas. We can also ask the judge to lower bail if the defendant is still in jail.

We understand people are wrongly accused of crimes, and we will fight to obtain a not guilty verdict. We also understand people make mistakes and need help getting a fair outcome.

What you will need. Contact us and we can help you gather this information:

• Photo ID
• The county where you were charged
• Any paperwork that was mailed to you
• Any documents that help your defense
• Any witnesses, with names and phone numbers

Even if you do not know where your spouse is located, we can help you get divorced. Contact us and we can help you gather this information:

• Date of marriage
• Date of separation
• A list of assets and debts, including real estate, vehicles, pensions, bank accounts and insurance policies

Contact us and we can help you gather this information:

• Ages of all children
• Any documentation you want the court to see, such as conversations and pictures
• Any documentation from Children’s Services, school records and mental health records