Our Skilled SSDI Claims Lawyer in Long Island, New York
An SSDI claim can be challenging for residents of Long Island. The process might seem complicated to the average claimant, and there may be a lot at stake. Many people in Long Island depend heavily on the success of their SSDI claims, which means that it may make sense to work with a qualified SSDI claims attorney for the best results. These legal professionals can guide you through the process and help you overcome various roadblocks, including denied claims.
What Can a Social Security Disability Insurance Attorney in Long Island Do for Me?
Despite being a relatively small area, Long Island is home to more than 8 million people. That is almost as many people as the entire nation of Switzerland. In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled that Long Island should actually be considered a peninsula for legal purposes due to its various connections to the mainland. In the 15th Century, English navigator Henry Hudson landed on Coney Island. From there, a wage of European settlers slowly colonized the area, eventually leading to a population of mostly Dutch and English people.
The island’s economy boomed with the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge, helping to transform the mostly rural area into a powerhouse with a GDP of almost $1 trillion in 2021. Long Island employs many highly skilled workers in the aviation, science, engineering, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Unfortunately, many of these workers suffer serious, debilitating injuries on the job, and they are forced to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance as a result.
SSDI claims attorneys in Long Island can assist these workers in a number of ways, including:
- Filling out an SSDI application on your behalf
- Helping you gather important medical records
- Reviewing your application and checking for mistakes
- Representing you during meetings with Social Security officials
- Helping you appeal denied Social Security claims
- Helping you understand why your claim was denied
- Informing you of what kind of questions you might be asked during the application process
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
SSDI provides benefits to eligible workers who can no longer earn an income due to their disabilities. Most workers in the United States pay a certain amount into Social Security each year as part of their income tax. This central pot of money serves as a safety net for anyone in the United States who loses income due to a disability. This includes workers in Long Island.
SSDI replaces some of the money that a worker earned before their disability, but not all. There is a maximum amount of money you can receive through SSDI. This maximum is constantly changing but is around $3,000 per month. In reality, however, most recipients do not receive the maximum amount possible. The average disability benefit for SSDI in 2022 was about $1,300 per month.
One of the key benefits of working alongside an SSDI claims attorney is that they can use various strategies to maximize your benefits. Getting access to more benefits is critical, especially when you are dealing with a life-altering disability. The US government readily admits that these payments are “modest,” adding that they barely keep recipients above the poverty level. Nevertheless, disability benefits can represent a crucial source of income for many disabled Americans.
What Happens When an SSDI Claim is Denied?
If your claim is denied, you will receive a letter informing you of the SSA’s decision. This letter should also contain their reason or reasons for denying your application. Sometimes, the wording of this letter can be difficult to decipher, and the reason may not be immediately clear.
If you have trouble understanding why your claim was denied, consider showing your letter to a qualified SSDI claims attorney in Long Island. A legal professional can explain why your claim was denied before providing advice on how to proceed.
A denied claim does not necessarily represent the end of the application process. You are fully within your rights to respond to the SSA and continue your pursuit of SSDI benefits. The first step is to ask the SSA to review your file. You can also appeal the denied claim. This is a more involved process, and it may involve a hearing. During this hearing, an SSDI claims attorney in Long Island can represent you and help you make your case.
We Also Represent the Following Practice Areas:-
- Auto Accident
- Construction Accident
- Uber/Lyft Accident
- Slip and Fall Accident
- Bicycle Accident
- Pedestrian Accident
- Truck Accident
- Worker Compensation
Why are SSDI Claims Denied?
SSDI claims may be denied for a wide range of reasons. The SSA is very strict in its assessment of applicants, and it only approves claims filed by the most vulnerable and disabled workers in the United States. The SSA is also taking steps to prevent fraudulent claims, which means that your application may face serious scrutiny.
On a general note, the definition of a “disability” is very narrow according to the Social Security Act. A person is only considered disabled if they cannot work due to a serious medical condition that has lasted more than one year.
Alternatively, applicants may file for SSDI benefits if they have a condition that is expected to last more than one year. Finally, SSDI claims are approved for disabilities that are expected to eventually result in death. This medical condition must prevent them from doing the same work they carried out in the past. It must also prevent them from adjusting to other forms of work.
For example, a software engineer might spend all day typing on a computer. If they suffer a disabling leg injury, they can still carry out the same work they did in the past. A claim would therefore be denied.
Another example might involve a construction worker who suffers a severe leg injury. However, their foreman might allow them to continue working as a crane operator. Because they are capable of adjusting to other forms of work, their claim would also be denied.
Get in Touch With a Qualified SSDI Claims Attorney in Long Island
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced SSDI claims attorney in Long Island, look no further than the Law Office of Frank A. Cetero. Whether you are filing your first SSDI claim or appealing a denied claim, we can provide targeted assistance. During your first consultation, we can discuss the specifics of your case and formulate an effective action plan. Reach out today to get started.