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Social Security Disability Lawyer in Staten Island

Are you seriously or permanently disabled in a way that leaves you unable to earn a living? Do you have difficulty paying your bills? Social Security Disability benefits could ease your financial troubles and one of our Social Security Disability lawyers in Staten Island can help you apply for these benefits, and can even help with parts of the appeal process if you’ve been denied.

Call us at (555) 555-5555 to receive your free case evaluation at Shulman & Hill today.

The process of applying for disability benefits is not always easy. A Social Security Disability lawyer in Staten Island can help you by:

Determining Which Benefits Are Right for You

Most people apply for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A small number of applicants may qualify for both kinds of benefits. We can make sure you apply for all the benefits you are eligible to receive based on your medical history, work history, and income level.

Collecting Evidence

The SSA will want solid documentation verifying your condition if you are to qualify for the benefits you are seeking. We can review your information to see if you meet their standards to render a favorable decision. Your application and evidence should include:

  • An official diagnosis of your disability
  • A statement from your doctor discussing the disability’s origin, length, and effect on your ability to work
  • A list of your previous employers and descriptions of the work you did for them
  • Tax information that confirms how much you make per year
  • Evidence of any other benefits you may receive, such as workers’ compensation

You may also need proof of marriage, particularly if your spouse is also seeking benefits, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Lack of evidence is one reason your claim could be denied, so it is important that you submit sufficient information to establish your need for benefits. We can review your case file thoroughly before we send it in.

Appealing Your Case

If your claim is accepted, our work is done. Regretfully, a lot of initial application claims are denied, but it doesn’t have to end there. If your request for benefits is denied, there are still steps you can take to try to get disability benefits. These steps are:

  • A reconsideration: This step of the appeals process allows someone who does not know your case to look at your application with fresh eyes. Prior to the reconsideration, we can review your initial application and the reasons you received a denial. From there, we can advise you on the additional documentation to include with your reconsideration.
  • A hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If you receive another denial during the reconsideration, this step allows you to explain your case and present evidence in person or via video conference with an ALJ.
  • A review by the Appeals Council: The third step available to contest a denial is to have your case reviewed by the Social Security’s Appeals Council. They will evaluate your case themselves. Based on their review, they may uphold the previous reviews and deny your request, make a new decision on your request, or hand your case to someone else for yet another reconsideration

To start the appeals process, you would need to request a hearing within sixty days of the denial, or your case could be closed, and it is possible that you would have to start over again. You must also let the SSA know if you move or change phone numbers during the appeals process, which can be quite long.

A Social Security Disability attorney from our firm can help you stay on track throughout the above portions of the appeals process. We can represent you at hearings and send in any extra information the SSA wants to see.

Working With You

Our goal is to make it easier for Staten Island residents to apply for (and receive) necessary benefits. We can work closely with you to:

  • Figure out the best way of handling your case, such as advising you on the evidence your application may need
  • Respond to any questions you have about our actions or about how Social Security Disability works
  • Keep you updated about your case’s progress

We understand how stressful it is to have to apply for disability benefits and then wait months or even years for an answer. Shulman & Hill can be there to provide solid legal counsel and guidance every step of the way.

What Types of Disability Benefits Are There?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two distinct types of benefits to those in need. These are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How Are SSDI and SSI Alike?

Both SSDI and SSI provide monthly checks to those who meet their respective requirements. These checks can make it easier for recipients to support their families and themselves.

In addition, both SSDI and SSI allow the spouses and children of qualifying applicants to apply for benefits as well.

How Are SSDI and SSI Different?

The requirements for receiving SSDI and SSI are distinct. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must:

  • Work at a job that pays into Social Security for at least ten years
  • Receive a diagnosis of a qualifying disability that will keep you from staying gainfully employed for at least a year and/or cause your death
  • Be unable to make more than a given amount per year (the SSA adjusts this amount annually to account for the rising cost of living)
  • Be unable to perform your previous job duties and/or any job duties that would allow you to earn more than the given amount set by the SSA

To qualify for SSI, you must:

  • Have a qualifying disability and/or be over 65 years of age
  • Be unable to earn more than a given amount set by the SSA (this amount differs from the maximum allowable income set for SSDI)
  • Have limited or no access to other resources, such as real estate, stocks, or other government benefits

Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require applicants to have paid into Social Security before they can receive benefits. Even disabled children can apply for these benefits.

What Types of Disability Are Covered?

The SSA offers benefits for disabilities caused by all kinds of events, including:

The SSA’s Listing of Impairments, also known as the Blue Book, has many of the conditions they consider disabling, including:

Physical Conditions

Physical disability can include amputated limbs, arthritis, heart failure, or liver ailments. It can also refer to illnesses that affect your body, like lupus or cancer, or congenital conditions, like Down syndrome.

Mental Illnesses

Mental health problems can be every bit as debilitating as a physical disability. If you have depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or any other mental illness that makes it difficult to work, you have the right to apply for disability.

Neurological Disorders

Problems with the brain and/or the nervous system can also cause disability, especially if they get worse over time. Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are examples of conditions that could qualify you for benefits.

Blindness

For the SSA’s purposes, blindness, while a disability, is considered separately from other kinds of disabilities. For example, the maximum amount you can earn per month is different for blind people than it is for people with arthritis or schizophrenia.

Conditions Not Listed

SSA’s Listing of Impairments covers a wide spectrum of disabilities and conditions, but you may be concerned if yours is not shown. If your conditions are not listed, you can still apply as long as you can show how your condition has affected your life and ability to work.

If you have any questions about whether you qualify for benefits based on blindness or any other disability, Shulman & Hill can help. We are always happy to tell our clients what they are entitled to receive and how they can get it.

For Help with Disability Benefits, Call Us Today

Even if you are still weighing your options and have not yet decided to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, we can help you evaluate your options.

Get in touch with us today at (555) 555-5555. At Shulman & Hill in Staten Island, we can help you figure out the pros and cons of applying, and see what one of our lawyers can achieve on your behalf.

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We have helped thousands of New Yorkers recover more than $400 million in compensation

We have helped thousands of New Yorkers recover more than $400 million in compensation

We have helped thousands of New Yorkers recover more than $400 million in compensation

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Everyday working people often struggle to afford top-tier legal representation. To ensure equal access to justice, we work on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no attorneys’ fees unless we achieve a settlement or verdict in your case.

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Ramon E.

"I would like to thank The Shulman & Hill Law Firm in Brooklyn for their outstanding representation on my worker’s compensation case. The monetary reward exceeded our expectations and Alex worked closely with me to meet and exceed my goals."

John S.

"To anyone in need of a worker’s compensation lawyer, I highly recommend Alex Shulman and his team. They went above and beyond to best accommodate me during my time of injury. All my questions and concerns were answered in a timely manner and with the utmost professionalism. In addition and most importantly they fought to make sure I was correctly compensated for my injuries at time of settlement and didn’t rush to get paid. I will be recommending their firm to anyone and everyone in need of their services."

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Akila B.

"I really appreciate the service I received with Shulman & Hill.  They walked me through the process and kept me informed every step of the way.  They would call and leave a message and when I called back, I was connected with a person who knew exactly what my call was about.  I was very satisfied with my settlements. Thank You!"

Aaron R.

"Alex Shulman did a wonderful job walking me through all the process of my case…making sure I understood all the legality and severity of all my hearing. I highly recommend their firm to handle any and all worker’s compensation cases. They strive for your wellbeing health-wise as well as aiming for the financial max."

Altagrace G.

"Schulman & Hill was my very first choice I chose for my WC case . I am very pleased with the outcome of my case. I would highly recommend them to friends. They are very professional and kept me informed during every step of this process. Should I ever need a WC attorney again, God forbid, Shulman & Hill it is, hands down . Thank you ."

Cheryl M.

"I had a great experience with Shulman & Hill. They have a great team and were very understanding and helpful from day one. I felt like I was in good hands and the outcome on my case overreached my expectations! I highly recommend this firm. You can be rest assured that they will fight for you rights."

Anna G.

"My experience with the Shulman & Hill lawyers during this process time was excellent, they are competent and very professional lawyers, they worked quickly with my case and they kept me informed of the whole process all the time. Shulman & Hill’s fans recommend them with closed eyes, thank you very much Shulman & Hill."

Carolyn G.

"Shulman & Hill is the best firm out there. They help you understand....since walking into Shulman & Hill, they have guided me...to get a win. I am completely happy with my compensation. What brought me to Shulman & Hill was their expertise in workers compensation and personal injury cases. What I found value in was in their mission to provide compassionate service..."

Jason S.

"I went to the Internet to find a lawyer to assist me to navigate worker’s compensation process. Shulman & Hill was my first choice  and I have no regrets. I was impressed with the prompt response to my case. I must comment on the office environment and office staff being  friendly, professional and prompt. A big thanks to the lawyers that represented me at the hearings and Valeria who helped to lessen my anxiety are dealing with legal issues. I have no hesitation in recommending this law firm to anyone that requires legal services."

Ita L.

"The best law firm in NYC! They explain everything to you and they are very generous and helpful. The lawyers are excellent and very respectful as also is the receptionist. I highly recommend the Shulman & Hill law firm."

Davis C.

"Excellent lawyers. Excellent service. I will recommend them as my first choice. They helped me with my case since day one. They know exactly how to work on a case and win it. They worked fast and were always in communication with me.  I won my case with a very high amount. Thanks to all the staff, I wish them my best. They will always be in my heart."

Grace B.

"Had a very positive experience working with Shulman & Hill in the worker’s compensation case. Everyone is very professional and competent. Received the maximum possible settlement in court. I am sincerely grateful to my lawyers and personally Alex Shulman for the work done. I wish you further success and prosperity."

Dmitry M.

"I am so glad that I chose Alex Shulman to represent me in my worker’s compensation case. I have definitely recommended him to some of my coworkers and friends who needed an Attorney. I am so happy with the service I got from him and his paralegals. Thank you very much to the entire staff at Shulman & Hill for everything!"

Ilya K.

"Shulman & Hill have been tremendously helpful in resolving my case. They are extremely professional and thorough. I would recommend them to anyone working to resolve a difficult case."

James M.

"I was very pleased with the work of this firm. They made sure I understood my case and I was never left out of the loop. They were professional and very friendly. I would recommend them to anyone looking for someone who is going to fight for you to the very end."

Jennifer D.

"Do not waste time looking for better. There is no better than Shulman & Hill. I am very happy I got introduced to them by my good friends. Definitely THE BEST there is."

Arian K.

"Shulman and Hill are the absolute best: JJ, Alex and Christine are powerhouse attorneys who get the best results for their clients. I feel like these guys took care of me like family. When you’re dealing with a worker’s compensation case, you’ll want a pit bull to represent you: Shulman & Hill is the firm you need."

Chelsea W.

"Wonderful service quality by the group of professional advocates in the law firm of Shulman & Hill! I did not expect that I will find a proper solution regarding my worker’s compensation. However, it has been possible by the experts and they have made the task easier over the period. Thanks to them for their help."

Corey A.

"I would definitely like to thank Mr. Alex Shulman and his entire staff at Shulman and Hill for their exceptional work in helping me with my Worker’s Compensation case. Their entire staff was courteous and professional from start to finish and all work was done in a timely fashion. I was previously with a different law firm who were not as informative, and they made me feel like I was a mere money to them. I personally recommend the law offices of Shulman & Hill for any injury/ worker’s compensation case you may have. They strive to get you a maximum reward for your injury, while maintaining the utmost courtesy and professionalism."

Dain J.

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