At Earner & Weaver we help with all aspects of Social Security Disability claims. We know this is a critical time for you and your family.
We offer (for free) everyone in the state, a no obligation consultation where we will review your case, explain all your rights and options to you, and help you make the best decision on how to proceed with your situation.
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I was lost when I got into my accident. Everything I worked so hard for was gone and I didn’t have the money to get back on my feet. Michael was a godsend. With his advice and help I was able to pick myself back up and get what was rightfully mine. I cannot say how grateful I am Michael, thank you, thank you so much for helping me and my family.
Olivia (York)
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
Who is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
First, to be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits, you must be fully disabled. The benefits under this program are not available if you can work part time or are temporarily out of work. Generally, benefits are available
to workers who between the ages of 18 and retirement age; who have been employed for 5 out of the last 10 years (or 20 out of the past 40 quarters of work – each year is 4 quarters).
However, there are special rules for people under the age of 31. If you become disabled before age 31, you must have worked a minimum of 6 quarters or at least 1/2 of the time since you turned 21 (but you need six to even qualify).
I asked Mr.Earner for some advice on how to handle a problem that I was having. He not only gave me the advice that I need he went above and beyond and walk hand and hand with me through the whole thing. I would definitely recommend Mr.Earner to anyone that is look for legal help and I’m so glad I have him on my side.
Lenny (Kittery)
What does it mean to be disabled?
It means that you are unable to hold any substantial, gainful employment because of medical reasons that are expected to last more than 12 months.
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What benefits can I receive if I qualify?
You have the right to disagree with any fault determination and the appeal the decision as a matter of course. Every single insurance company has a mechanism for you to appeal and state your position as well as offer evidence of why you believe the fault determination to be incorrect.
You will receive payments for the rest of your life, or until your disability resolves, subject to a 5 month waiting period (Basically your benefits don’t start until the 6th month after your disability occurs).
You will also automatically qualify for Medicare coverage after your second anniversary, including Medicare Part A, which covers hospital room and board, at no cost and Medicare Part B, which is regular doctor visits, surgery, lab tests and other routine care. Part B has a cost associated with it that comes directly out of your benefit.
I first reached out to Mike after I had problems with an insurance company not paying for what they should. Within a week we had a plan together and had a letter out to the company explaining why they were wrong and what they needed to do to make it right. They responded about a week later and agreed to make it right. His knowledge of the law and ability to get people to do what is right is awesome. There is nobody I would recommend more.
Mark (Sanford)
Who you work with matters.
Who will I be working with at your firm?
In York County, you will be working directly with Attorney Michael Earner. Attorney Earner is a founding member of the firm. He is in charge of the day-to-day operations and ensuring that clients are properly cared for.
Michael has always had a passion for helping people and always seeks out opportunity to serve others. When Michael was in his early 20’s, he answered a call to give back by joining the US Army shortly after September 11, 2001.
Michael was injured during a combat patrol in Afghanistan and he opted to undergo an early, honorable, medical discharge from the military. He is now a disabled veteran rated at 100%.
Michael decided to continue his service to others as a lawyer and used his GI Bill to go to law school. In Maine, Michael is a Master Mason (Raised in Naval Lodge #184), he also serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America and he can be found working with youth as a sports coach on football, soccer and lacrosse fields around the county.
Michael has earned five college degrees including two undergraduate (A.S, B.A.) and three graduate degrees (J.D., L.L.M., M.B.A) and has completed additional graduate coursework at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cornell University. Most people would describe Michael as exactly the type of attorney you want working on your side. He is smart, he is tough, he stands for what is right, and he is also very down to earth, easy to work with, and really easy to talk to.
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Attorney Earner helped me with a legal issue that I didn’t expect to be in and that caused a lot of immediate stress and potential hardship for me and my family. He got involved immediately and within a few days I knew everything was going to be ok. He completely resolved the issue for me and it turned out exactly the way I had hoped. He will always be my first call and I recommend anyone in Eliot or anywhere in York county do the same.
Megan (Eliot)
Why do I need an experienced Social Security Disability attorney?
You typically only need an attorney if you are denied benefits initially (estimates are that between 22% and 36% of all initial applications get denied). An experienced attorney can help you understand what your rights are, what the Social Security Administration’s obligations are, and more importantly, help you perfect your claim and work to help get it approved. The regulations surrounding Social Security Disability are extremely complex and can be confusing. We can help you navigate them.
I need help with Social Security, what do I do now?
The best way to get started is to simply give us a call. We have a pretty easy to remember phone number: 877-8MaineLaw. You can call any time, day or night. If we cant answer, you will get a call back very quickly. If you prefer that we call you first, you can simply fill out a form on the right side of the screen and we will contact you shortly.
Have you recently been in an car crash (or know someone who has)? We help with those too. Check out this article on 7 things you should do after a motor vehicle accident.
