Suffolk County Social Security Law Firm

Knowledgeable Social Security Lawyers in Suffolk County, NY

If you are disabled, or more specifically, if you are incapable of working, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits of up to $2,788 per month.  Submitting a successful application for SSDI requires an understanding of the procedures and factors that go into the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) award determination. Our Suffolk County Social Security law firm can help you complete and submit your application, as well as answer any questions you may have regarding your situation.

SSDI Application: What to Include

An SSDI application should include the following:

• Education
• Work history
• Medical records supporting disability claim
• Vocational records and testimony supporting claim

Our Suffolk County Social Security Law Firm Answers Your Tough Questions

Should I apply for disability?

If your answers match the ones below, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is likely to award you benefits.

Are you gainfully employed? No
Do you have a severe impairment? Yes
Will your impairment last 12 months or result in death? Yes
Does your disability meet one of SSA’s listed impairments? If yes, you qualify. If no …
Are you able to work? No
How long do disability appeals take?

When should I apply for disability benefits?

Unless you have an obvious long-term disability, the best time to apply for Social Security disability benefits is 6-9 months after you stop working.

What does a Suffolk County disability lawyer do?

The big-picture answer is: analyze what needs to be proven to win benefits, figure out how to prove it, and gather the necessary evidence. Some of the specific tasks are:

• Obtain reports from treating doctors that are consistent with Social Security regulations
• Refer claimants to specialists for additional reports that answer questions raised by Social Security regulations
• Obtain a vocational expert’s evaluation of the claimant’s ability to work
• Ask that a prior application for benefits be reopened
• Seek a waiver of a time limit
• Request subpoenas to insure the presence of crucial witnesses or documents
• Advise the claimant on how best to prepare for and testify at the hearing
• Object to improper evidence or procedures at the hearing
• Cross-examine adverse witnesses
• Present a closing statement
• Submit a written summary of the evidence and argument
• If the claimant wins, make sure the SSA correctly calculates benefits
• If the claimant loses, request review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council

How long will I wait for a disability hearing?

It can take up to two years from request until a hearing is held and a decision issued, but the time varies from state to state.

What are hearings like?

They are private, held in a small conference room, and last an hour or so. You will be asked about your education, training, work experience, symptoms, limitations, and daily activities.

What if I don’t file my disability appeal on time?

If you have not filed your appeal within 65 days of the date on your denial letter, you have to start over with a new claim. That new claim may result in the loss of back benefits.

What is the biggest mistake made by disability applicants?

Because the majority of appeals are granted at a hearing, failing to appeal a denial to the hearing level is the number one error … and unfortunately very common. This is why we strongly encourage clients to contact a Suffolk County social security law firm sooner rather than later. 

Appealing the SSA Decision

It is important to note that a positive result is not always guaranteed, even if you have submitted a comprehensive and well-supported application.  According to recent data, roughly 78 percent of initial claims are denied.  The SSA denies or undervalues claims for various reasons, some of which are justified and others are not.  Fortunately, SSDI applicants have multiple opportunities to appeal adverse decisions.

For instance, if your claim for benefits has been denied for a lack of medical evidence or weak vocational testimony, you may resubmit the application with the necessary supportive evidence.  On the other hand, if you feel that your initial application was strong enough to justify the benefits award, you can request an appeal within 60 days of the adverse decision. Our Suffolk County Social Security law firm can help you draft the necessary documents.

First, you may request either a reconsideration of the initial application.  Thereafter, you may request a hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ) who was not involved in the original determination or the reconsideration.  if the ALJ denies your claim, you may request a review by the Appeals Council, who has the power to reverse the ALJ decision or remand the case to back to the ALJ for further review.

Finally, if the decision of the Appeals Council is disagreeable, or if they choose not to review the claim, you may bring a civil action in federal court.

Contact Turley, Redmond and Rosasco for Assistance From Our Proven Suffolk County Social Security Law Firm

Pursuing SSDI benefits may seem simple and straightforward upon first impression, but it can be quite challenging if the SSA chooses to deny your application and create further roadblocks to recovery.

We can help.

The lawyers at Turley Redmond & Rosasco, L.L.P. have decades of experience working with SSDI claimants at every stage of the process, from submitting an application to appealing the SSA’s denial and litigating the case in federal court. As such, we understand what is necessary to effectively secure the benefits you deserve.

Ready to move forward?  Call us at 877-693-2529 or complete an online intake form through our website to arrange for a free initial consultation with one of our skilled Suffolk County Social Security lawyers.  We operate multiple locations, including offices in Ronkonkoma and Shirley.