Social security disability

Social Security Disability: A Lifeline for Millions of Americans

Social Security Disability

The federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides cash payments to people who have a disability that keeps them from working. SSDI funds are derived from payroll taxes. Individuals are eligible to receive Social Security disability if they have a qualifying medical condition and have accumulated enough “work credits” through their employment history. More than 8 million Americans receive disabled-worker benefits from Social Security. But qualifying is difficult, and most initial applications are denied.

More About Social Security Disability

How Do I Qualify For Social Security Disability?

There are two main areas in which an SSDI applicant must be able to show eligibility: employment and impairment. Specifically, the applicant:

  • Needs to have a qualifying physical or mental health condition;
  • Must have worked in a job covered by Social Security; and
  • Must have a work history with enough “work credits."

In general, workers gain one credit for each quarter of a year worked; self-employed workers need to meet an annual income threshold to qualify for the credits. The number of credits needed for SSDI eligibility is determined by a scale that factors the employee’s age and number of years worked.

To satisfy the Social Security Administration's definition of "disability," an applicant must show: 

  • They cannot do the work they did before;
  • They cannot engage in another types of work; and
  • They must have a disability that has lasted (or is expected to last) 12 months or more.  

Aronova & Associates can help you understand how the SSA will view your disability, and what evidence will help you establish your entitlement to benefits.

My Application Was Denied. Now What?

Denial of an initial SSDI application is the norm. And it is not the end of the application and qualification process. 

About 70 percent of the people who apply for SSDI are denied after their initial application. This can seem like disheartening news, but things usually get better the longer an applicant persists. Each time you resubmit your claim for appeal, your chances of approval increase.

  • About 15 percent of the people who resubmit are approved upon the first review.
  • About 50 percent of the people who resubmit a second time receive approval with the help of a legal advocate.
  • According to the Social Security Resource Center, claimants are twice as likely to win an appeal when represented by an attorney.

If your SSDI application was denied, don't be discouraged. Contact Aronova & Associates. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you, making sure you get the benefits you deserve.

Why Should I Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

You can increase the likelihood of having your application approved when you enlist an experienced attorney to help guide you through the process. Aronova & Associates knows how to get some cases processed in less than 30 days using processes like: TERI for terminal illnesses, Quick Disability Determination, and Compassionate Allowances. There are over 100 conditions that meet the Compassionate Allowances criteria that can speed up your claim—if you know how. 

Even if you did not hire us to help you with your initial application, we can go over your application if it was denied, and will represent you if you file an appeal. There are numerous benefits of working with a New York attorney for your social security disability appeal. We can:

  • Double-check your medical records to make sure there are no omissions or inconsistencies.
  • Contact physicians and medical providers for additional details that will make a more persuasive case.
  • Obtain lengthy written opinions from your doctor about your ability to work.
  • Help you prepare for questioning in court to alleviate fears and answer questions you may have.
  • Cross-examine the vocational expert hired by the Social Security Administration who disagrees with your claim.
  • Minimize weaknesses with your case in court and build up strengths, based on knowledge of the law.
  • Lobby to skip the time-consuming hassle of hearings and go straight to approval with an on-the-record decision.

Our SSDI attorneys can help you at every stage of the SSDI application process. If you have questions about Social Security Disability, an experienced attorney at Aronova & Associates is available to provide you with answers and represent you throughout your application and appeal.

Talk to a NY Social Security Disability Attorney

Wherever you are in the process of applying for disability benefits, from filing an initial application to making an appeal, our SSD attorneys can answer your questions and help your claim get approved. 

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Aronova & Associates is a firm for all New Yorkers. Our services are available in multiple languages and tailored to the needs of every client.  The first step in providing you with the help you need is a free consultation to discuss your case. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to get to work for you.

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