If you need assistance navigating social security, then contact our Dunkirk, NY disability lawyer as soon as you can. We understand that filing for social security can be a confusing process. If you have been disabled for a year or anticipate to be, you could be owed Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), along with workers’ compensation benefits. Our team at Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy can help you gather documentation to prove your case so that your disability claim has the best chances of approval. We are ready to answer your questions and offer guidance!
What To Know
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers payments to those who are not able to work because of a serious injury or illness. As our knowledgeable disability attorney explains, examples of disability conditions could be musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders that are treatment resistant. After someone has received SSDI for two years, they gain access to Medicare.
These benefits have a work and medical requirement. First, you must have earned enough work credits. This varies based on how old you are, but usually you must have worked some of the past 5 years out of 10 years before you became disabled. Second, you must have suffered from an injury or illness that lasts 12 months or more which reduces your ability to engage in basic work-related tasks such as standing, sitting, lifting, and remembering instructions. You are unable to do the work you previously had or other work that your education and skills would reasonably qualify you to perform. If you do not have enough work credits, you may apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which has no work requirement and is designed for disabled or elderly persons with limited financial resources.
Application And Appeals
The application for social security disability benefits can be done online or at your local social security office. We suggest having our team review your application so that we can correct any mistakes or add information that can increase your approval odds. You will be asked to give them information about your work history and medical condition. If your application is denied, there is an appeals process you can follow:
- Submit a request for reconsideration
- Ask to have your hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who works for the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)
- If the ALJ denies, you can ask for a review from the Appeals Counsel
- If you have tried all other appeal options, you can sue in federal court
Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy
Applying for social security can be an intimidating process. But our team at Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy can make it just that much easier. Our NY disability attorney has helped so many people file for and receive the benefits they need to live as comfortably as possible. If you have questions about how to apply, want someone to review your application before submittal, or request an appeal, contact our law firm at your next convenience. We are here to support you!
