Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI) Attorneys in Pittsburgh

Has your SSDI or SSI claim been denied?

Call 412-351-4422 or contact us to discuss your appeal options. You have 60 days from the denial letter to respond.

The Application Process

The SSA disability application process involves multiple stages. Initial applications are denied in the
majority of cases — often due to insufficient medical documentation or procedural errors, not because
the claimant is ineligible.

Having an attorney involved before you submit your initial application helps ensure your medical records
are properly framed, the right issues are raised, and the application is structured to give you the best
chance of approval at the first stage.

Reconsideration and ALJ Hearings

If your initial claim is denied, you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter
to request reconsideration. If reconsideration is denied, you may request a hearing before an
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The ALJ hearing is often where claims are won —
it provides the opportunity to present testimony, medical evidence, and expert opinions directly
to the decision maker.

Missing the 60-day deadline requires filing a new application and can result in the permanent loss
of past-due benefits you would otherwise have been entitled to collect.

How We Help

We represent SSDI and SSI claimants at the initial application stage, reconsideration, ALJ hearings,
and further appeals. Our role is to ensure the medical record is fully developed, deadlines are met,
and your case is presented as effectively as possible at each level of review.

Why was my SSDI claim denied?

Most initial SSDI and SSI claims are denied — denial at the first stage is the norm, not the exception. Common reasons include insufficient medical documentation, failure to follow prescribed treatment, the SSA’s determination that you can perform some type of work, or procedural errors in the application. A denial does not mean you are ineligible. It means the claim needs to be better developed and presented.

How long does the SSDI process take in Pennsylvania?

The timeline varies significantly. Initial decisions typically take three to six months. If denied and reconsideration is requested, that adds several more months. ALJ hearings in Pennsylvania can have wait times of a year or more depending on the hearing office. The entire process from initial application to ALJ decision can take two to three years in contested cases. Acting promptly at each stage and meeting all deadlines is critical to avoiding further delays.

What is the 60-day deadline and why does it matter?

After each denial — initial, reconsideration, or ALJ — you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to request the next level of review. Missing this deadline generally requires filing a new application, which resets your filing date and permanently eliminates your right to collect back pay for the period covered by the original application. The 60-day deadline is strictly enforced.

What is an ALJ hearing and what happens there?

An Administrative Law Judge hearing is a formal proceeding before a federal SSA judge where you and your attorney can present testimony, medical evidence, and expert opinions in support of your claim. A vocational expert is typically present to testify about your ability to work. ALJ hearings have significantly higher approval rates than initial applications or reconsideration, and they are often where properly developed claims are won.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and requires sufficient work credits earned through Social Security payroll contributions. SSI is needs-based and available to disabled individuals with limited income and assets regardless of work history. Some claimants qualify for both. The medical eligibility standard — inability to perform substantial gainful activity due to a qualifying impairment — is the same for both programs.

Ready to Apply or Appeal a Denied Claim?

Contact our Pittsburgh office to discuss your SSDI or SSI matter. If your claim has been denied, do not wait — the 60-day appeal deadline is strictly enforced.

Call 412-351-4422
Schedule a Consultation