Social Security Disability
The Ultimate Guide to Social Security Disability Forms for Your Doctor
October 22, 2026Your doctor knows you’re struggling. Your medical records show treatment. Yet the disability paperwork asks questions that your appointment notes may never answer: How long can you sit? Can you stay focused? What happens when symptoms interrupt your day?
A medical source statement, often called an RFC form (Residual Functional Capacity), helps your provider answer those questions. An RFC is filled out by either a Social Security medical consultant or your own treating doctor, depending on the type of form. You cannot fill out the formal RFC form yourself.
If you’re searching for Social Security disability forms for doctors to fill out, start here: There isn’t one universal form every treating doctor must complete. This guide explains which documents you need and how to work with your provider on an adult SSDI or disability-based SSI claim.
Unsure where to start? Schedule an initial free consultation with Pyfer Reese to review the disability process and discuss which documents you may need.
Do I Qualify for Disability in PA? 5-Minute Checklist
September 10, 2026If you are unable to work because of a serious medical condition, you may be wondering whether you qualify for disability benefits in Pennsylvania. You may also be asking a very practical question: “Do I have a real case?”
The answer depends on more than your diagnosis. Social Security looks at your medical records, your ability to work, your work history, your income, your resources, and whether your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability Determination reviews medical eligibility for Pennsylvanians applying for SSDI or SSI, but it follows federal Social Security Administration rules rather than a separate Pennsylvania-only disability standard.
This checklist can help you understand the basics. It cannot guarantee approval, but it can help you decide whether it may be time to speak with a Pennsylvania disability attorney.
Recent Emergency Messages from the Social Security Administration with Policy Updates
July 19, 2024You may have heard about the many recent policy updates from the Social Security Administration office. The new Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Martin O’Malley, has enacted many changes in 2024. Commissioner O’Malley was nominated to his position as the Commissioner and was sworn into office on December 20, 2023.
US Savings Bonds — When Should You Reissue Your Bonds?
June 20, 2024If you are the owner of one or more US savings bonds, it’s advisable to review your bonds periodically. Reviewing your savings bonds is important to help you understand how your bonds work, when they can most effectively be incorporated into your financial plans, and if your bonds need to be reissued or not.
Administrative Professional Day – Gratitude At Work
April 24, 2024Today is Administrative Professional Day, a special day when we express our gratitude and appreciation for the hard work and commitment our staff and administrative professionals at Pyfer, Reese, Straub, Gray & Farhat contribute every day to our clients and our firm. Whether it is preparing custody or divorce pleadings, assisting with will preparation or estate administration, or answering questions regarding personal injury, social security, workers’ compensation or criminal litigation, our administrative staff at Pyfer Reese play a pivotal role in the success of each legal action handled by our firm.
Can You Work While Your Social Security Claim is Pending?
November 16, 2023Working While Your Social Security Disability Claim is Pending
You may have questions as a Claimant for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) or Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits if you are considering working part-time during the long wait for your hearing.
With a free consultation, an attorney at Pyfer, Reese, Straub, Gray & Farhat, P.C. is available to assist you with determining how your work activity will impact your Social Security Disability benefits claim.
Qualifications and Eligibility for SSDI Benefits & SSI
August 2, 2023SSDI & SSI: For which disability benefit(s) should you apply?
SSDI benefits and SSI benefits are two disability benefit programs offered by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) are provided as benefits to individuals that qualify based on a disability that meets SSA statutes. But, which one should you apply for? Should you apply for both or are you not eligible for either SSDI or SSI?
COMMON LAW MARRIAGE IN PENNSYLVANIA
July 18, 2023Common Law Benefits
Pennsylvania stopped recognizing Common Law Marriages as of January 1, 2005; however, if you had established a Common Law Marriage in Pennsylvania prior to that date, Pennsylvania Law preserves the validity of such marriages. An established Common Law Marriage may provide you with certain benefits such as spousal death benefits, Social Security surviving spouse benefits, or zero percent inheritance tax (as opposed to 15% for unrelated persons).
SSDI & SSI: The Importance of Your Medical Records
April 4, 2023Have you seen your SSDI & SSI Medical Records? The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) offers Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits to individuals that qualify based on a disability that meets SSA statutes and, in the case of SSI, are also low-income eligible.
Get Legal Help to File for Social Security Disability Benefits
July 21, 2022The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers monetary benefits to individuals that qualify based on a disability that meets SSA statutes or, in the case of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are low income eligible. The process of filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI will vary for each individual, as each individual’s situation is unique. An attorney at Pyfer, Reese, Straub, Gray & Farhat, P.C. is available to assist you at any stage throughout the filing process, beginning with a free consultation.
Filing an Initial Application
The initial application can be filed in person at a local Social Security office, over the phone, by mail, or online at ssa.gov. If applying via paper forms, these will be sent to you in the mail for you to complete. While the initial application may seem straightforward, there are steps that you can take to best ensure that you are approved at the application level.
Accurate completion of these forms is critical to the decision that will be made in your case. The forms should be filled out appropriately and returned promptly. An applicant may be required to have an examination by SSA doctors during this time. The best steps for an individual to take at the application level are unique in each case and would require review prior to advice being provided. This first level can require approximately 3-6 months before a determination is made on your application.