Crystal Sivert, owner of Disability Assist, 33489 Lake Road in Avon Lake, works with residents to assist them in applying for Social Security benefits.
Sivert, a Sheffield Lake native, started the firm in 2021.
“I’ve been doing this type of work since 2015, but when I had my daughter, I decided I wanted to go on my own and start my own firm and it’s just been growing since,” she said.
Sivert helps individuals apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
She submits applications for claimants and represents them at hearings.
“A lot of people are looking for representation to get some sort of assistance with the application process,” Sivert said. “If we are able to assist with the application, we will do everything, start to finish, and work up the chain until there’s a decision made on the case, hopefully a favorable one.”
Sivert assists with over 100 cases at the firm with the help of her mother, Debbie.
Sivert’s aunt Gina Bellisario helps manage cases.
“I have to set aside a lot of time to appear at hearings, so it’s been so helpful to have them, and I’m glad they’re willing to help,” Sivert said.
She said she wanted to start the firm because many people are uninformed about benefits they could be entitled to.
“It’s a federal government program; people should know about it, should know there are options like this out there for people who are unable to work or have disabilities,” Sivert said.
She said a majority of her clients are people who’ve had difficulties with their application in the past.
“It’s difficult to navigate the process when you don’t necessarily know what Social Security is looking for and don’t understand the process of how they make their decision,” Sivert said. “They’re looking for someone to help them so they can focus on going to their doctor appointments and keeping up with the medical side of things.”
Sivert said she has clients across the country, but she wants to help Lorain County.
“I think it’s important, because in Lorain County there’s not a lot of firms around here that offer that type of assistance,” she said.
“I think a lot of people assume that hiring an attorney or someone to represent them is going to cost them an arm and a leg,” she said. “That’s not the case.”
For more information on Disability Assist, visit www.disabilityassist.net or call 440-490-3884.
