Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers a financial safety net for those who can’t work due to an illness or injury. Navigating the system can be a complex and frustrating process, but seeking legal assistance with applying for disability can help make it less stressful. Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, are dedicated to helping injured workers throughout the greater NYC area. We can give you the best chance of approval and guide you through the SSDI claims process every step of the way.
Determining Eligibility for Social Security Disability
Before you apply for SSDI, it’s crucial to determine whether your disability or condition qualifies you for benefits. Your condition must meet the criteria for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of a disability, which can be confusing if you’re new to the process. You must be unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months or result in death.
It’s also important to make sure you’ve earned enough Social Security work credits to qualify. These credits are accumulated based on your work history and payment of payroll taxes. The SSA has strict guidelines for determining eligibility and most applications are initially denied. Finding an experienced, local SSDI attorney who knows how to determine eligibility and gather strong supporting evidence can help you avoid common errors that may delay the process or lead to SSDI denials.
Evaluating Your Medical Condition Before Applying for Social Security Disability
Having a Social Security disability lawyer assess your condition and circumstances before you apply for SSDI can save you a lot of time and headaches. Our SSDI lawyers can help you gather evidence such as medical records and employment history to determine how your disability impacts your ability to work. If you do not meet SSSDI eligibility requirements, we can advise you on whether other benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may be more appropriate for your situation.
Gathering Solid Medical Evidence
The most critical aspect of a successful Social Security Disability claim is providing adequate medical evidence. Without the assistance of an SSDI attorney, you may overlook evidence or documentation that should be included, leaving you to deal with the often lengthy appeals process.
Our Staten Island Social Security Disability attorneys help you obtain comprehensive medical records from doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. We work with them to ensure they provide detailed statements that verify the seriousness of your condition and how it has impacted your life. Strong supporting evidence can significantly increase your chances of approval and help you get the benefits you need to safeguard your health and financial security.
Properly Completing Paperwork
Many SSDI applications are denied due to missing information or simple mistakes. Once your SSDI lawyer has determined your eligibility and collected medical records and other supporting documentation, they will ensure your application is completed and submitted correctly. Our team also verifies that all necessary documentation is included with your application and submits it in a timely manner to help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Managing Appeals
If your initial Social Security Disability claim is denied, don’t lose hope—many are denied at first and later approved on appeal. If you receive an SSDI denial, our Social Security Disability lawyers can file a request for consideration, help you prepare for and represent you in hearings, and gather additional medical evidence and expert testimony that strengthens your case.
There are strict deadlines involved in the SSDI appeals process, which can be complex and lengthy. Your Social Security Disability lawyer ensures all deadlines are met and presents a solid case that gives you the best opportunity for approval.
What’s Involved in a Disability Appeal Hearing?
A hearing it allows you to present your case in person and offer additional evidence, so it’s vital to have the assistance of a Social Security Disability lawyer. They will gather medical evidence, prepare you for the types of questions the administrative law judge (ALJ) may ask, present legal arguments that support your SSDI claim, and cross-examine witnesses.
At the hearing, you’ll explain how your disability impacts your life and ability to work. After considering all the evidence and testimony, the ALJ will issue a written decision, which can take weeks or months. If you receive subsequent denials, you can appeal to the SSA Appeals Council and file a lawsuit in federal court if necessary.
We know that facing an appeal be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with an illness or disability. We provide compassionate, tenacious legal support and stand by your side throughout the process.
How Our Staten Island SSDI Attorneys Can Help
Applying for disability benefits in New York can be daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. Our experienced, compassionate team has helped injured workers with disability and workers’ compensation claims in the greater NYC area for more than 30 years. We are well-versed in the law, understand how the system works, and know how to build a persuasive case on your behalf.
Our Social Security Disability attorneys have a solid reputation and longstanding professional relationships with SSA personnel and local courts, which can be helpful when navigating your SSDI application or appeal. Attorney and Partner Rolando Cubela proudly offers quality legal representation to our Spanish-speaking clients.
Our SSDI lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t incur up-front costs or pay attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. This risk-free investment in your financial future is well worth it to improve your chances of securing the SSDI benefits you need.
Contact Our Social Security Disability Attorneys in the Greater NYC Area
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, we care about injured workers and their families. To schedule a consultation or learn more about how our Staten Island SSDI lawyers can provide assistance with applying for disability benefits in New York, contact us or call 718-273-9000 today.
