New York Social Security Disability Lawyer

We Help People Get the Social Security Benefits they Deserve

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a disability that makes it very difficult, or even impossible, to work, social security benefits may be available. Whether you’re in the beginning phase of the claims process or your claim has been denied, a social security disability lawyer New York respects may be able to help you.

Whether your disability is related to an accident at work, outside of work, or a medical condition, you can count on our firm to do whatever is legally possible to get you maximum benefits. We have a reputation for being able to get results even with challenging cases. Regardless of what obstacles you believe are holding you back from getting social security benefits, we encourage you to call Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, Attorneys at Law, to explore your legal options.

Are You Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

One of the first things a New York social security disability lawyer will do is review the details of your case to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. This is very important, even more so than the type of injury or illness. To be eligible, you must have been disabled for at least 12 months, or you are expected to be disabled for that long or longer. You will also have needed to pay into the social security system for a minimum period of time.

The Process

Once we know you are eligible for benefits, we can begin with the process. This involves asking what type of benefits you are eligible for: social security disability (more common) or supplemental security income (less common). If you are working part time, we’ll need to factor this into the application.

Technically, you don’t need a social security disability lawyer in New York to help you file for benefits. The Administration will even help you file the documentation; however, having a lawyer on your side can be advantageous.

If you’ve been denied social security benefits, hiring a lawyer can be even more beneficial than having one during the initial process. A denial is not an end to getting benefits. Actually, denials are very common. More people are denied in the beginning than granted benefits.

Is There Any Way to Improve My Chances of Getting Benefits?

Anyone who has dealt with the Social Security Administration will likely tell you that the task can be challenging – even when your disability is severe or obvious. Our New York social security disability lawyers can tell you that up to 80 percent of claims are denied the first time around. Even though a denial is very possible, there are things you can do to strengthen your claim.

Continue to See Your Doctor –Even if you have been rendered disabled, you should continue to see your doctor as scheduled. Without consistent medical records to support your claim, there is a good chance your benefits will be denied. Be sure to let your doctor know about any symptoms, and always go to your appointments.

Stay Organized – You will need to provide the Social Security Administration with a copy of your medical records. You should also make sure you have your own complete set. This includes your medical records, all appointments, doctors names, medications, and any other relevant documents.

Hire a New York Social Security Disability Lawyer – One of the best things you can do for your case is to have a legal advocate helping you. Not only can a lawyer explain what your legal options might be, but he or she can also ensure you get maximum benefits.

Your Social Security Disability Case & Rights

When you need help navigating the confusing world of Social Security, call on our attorneys at Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy Attorneys at Law. If you have been disabled for a period of one year or expect to be, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. Medical documentation from your doctor verifying your disability is essential to your claim.

Here’s What You Need To Know

You may apply for benefits at any time, but there is a six-month waiting period. This means that once your disability onset date is established you are not entitled to payment for the first six months of disability. Your minor or disabled children may also be entitled to benefits on your account. Once entitled to benefits you will become Medicare eligible after two years.

Attorney fees for representation are dependent upon you receiving benefits. If we are not successful in obtaining benefits for you we will not receive any fee. Fees are paid to attorneys directly from the Social Security Administration out of your back benefits.

Unfortunately, if you are not awarded SSDI benefits at the time of your initial application you will have to appeal and request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. There are strict time limits (60 days) for appealing a denial. Thus it is very important to contact our office immediately if you receive a denial. Due to the large backlog of cases there is currently a two-year wait for a hearing in Buffalo.

Your SSDI benefits may be offset by what you receive from workers’ compensation. Any increase or decrease in your workers’ compensation benefits may cause an increase or decrease in your Social Security benefit. Thus it is very important to advise the Social Security Administration of any changes in your workers’ compensation benefits.

Once receiving benefits, you may work in a limited capacity and continue to receive SSDI. Currently for 2016 you can earn up to $1,130.00 per month without any impact on your SSDI benefits. If you continuously earn in excess of this monthly amount you can continue to receive SSDI for a limited time during a trial work period. It is important to notify the Social Security Administration of any work activity or wages you receive while on SSDI even if it is below the above amount.

Serving The Areas Around

Buffalo, Grand Island, West Seneca, Lancaster, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, Amherst, Elma, Aurora, Pomfret, Evans, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Clarence, Niagara Falls, Orchard Park, & Hamburg, NY

Get Started With Our Work Injury Lawyer Buffalo NY Today

If your injury occurred at work and was the fault of someone other than your employer or co-worker, you may be able to pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury case. These are often very complicated cases, and it is important that you contact us right away. We can be reached at 716-856-1600.