Why you need a Social Security Disability Attorney
Our team of disability attorneys in Manchester, NH understands the Social Security Disability application process and the regulations the Social Security Administration uses to review claims. We use our experience to prepare your application and work with your doctors to support your application.
If your original application is denied, you may need a hearing in order to be granted Social Security benefits. The hearing is informal and many may think they can easily represent themselves, but statistics have shown that people represented by a Social Security attorney have been successful more often than those without an attorney.
NH SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY EVALUATIONS WITH NO COMMITMENT: (603) 232-5220
How much is it to hire a disability lawyer in NH or MA?
We do not charge for our services unless you receive benefits.
To pay attorney fees, the Social Security Administration will usually withhold 25% of past due benefits. Nothing will be withheld from your regular monthly checks after you receive benefits. We offer completely free and no-commitment case evaluations from our Manchester, NH office.
When should you contact a disability lawyer?
The sooner the better.
As your attorney, we will do more than just sit at a hearing and ask questions. There is much pre-hearing preparation, analysis, and evidence gathering. We will also work with your doctors to explain the Social Security regulations and obtain a report. For these reasons, the earlier we begin working on your case, the better your chances are of receiving benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
There are eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Each year, requirements may change. We can assist you in determining whether you have met these requirements for SSI, SSDI, or both!
You must have an earnings record in order to qualify for SSDI. This record will determine the number of working credits you’ve gained throughout your years in the workforce. A working credit is defined differently year after year, but in general, approximately 40 credits are needed. 20 of those 40 required credits must be earned in the last 10 years from the date of disability. If you have worked without stopping due to disability, and you have consistently worked, you must have proof of disability. This must occur within 5 years from the day you stopped working, otherwise known as ‘Date Last Insured’ (DLI). In short, you, or anyone looking to qualify for SSDI must be found disabled before DLI.
To be found “disabled”, each of these requirements must be met:
- Disability must be expected to last for one year (at least), or will result in death
- Work is not able to be performed the same way as in the past
- Determination received from SSA with a statement that they cannot perform/adjust to other work due to a medical condition
Both SSI and SSDI benefits are evaluated the same when determining medical eligibility. Both work credit and financial requirements are sometimes a challenge to determine. We can assist you in that determination. Get in touch with us today.
WE CAN HELP YOU FILE YOUR APPLICATION FOR BENEFITS OR APPEAL YOUR DENIAL OF BENEFITS
Ward Law Group, PLLC has experience and expertise in all aspects of SSD law practice throughout New England, including New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. Ward Law Group, PLLC has a proud history of fighting to protect the rights of injured or disabled people in our community. If you have recently become disabled and cannot work, you need to understand your rights and responsibilities. The Ward Law Group, PLLC disability lawyers can help you.
Generally speaking there are two programs that provide benefits to qualified individuals who are deemed disabled by law. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) paid to those who suffer from a disabling injury and/or disease that prevents them from working. Generally, to qualify for this program, the individual must have worked in recent years, usually 5 out of the last 10 years.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are paid to qualified individuals depending on certain income and asset limitations, regardless of whether the individual has worked in the past. There are also benefits available under this program for disabled children depending on the income of the children’s guardian.
CONTACT OUR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYERS IN NH & MA TODAY
5 WAYS TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits based on financial need.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI benefits through the Social Security Administration by mail, telephone, internet, or in person at a local office. Filing in person is recommended.
Five tips to consider in your application process are:
1. Call and make an appointment
Social Security will rarely, if ever, allow you to meet with a representative and complete the application the day that you walk into the Social Security office. Call ahead and make an appointment to meet with a representative. Otherwise you will likely end up waiting in line only to be told to come back at a later date.
2. Make a list of all your providers
You will want to put together a list of all of your medical providers, including name, address, phone numbers, and any other contact information. Make it as easy as possible for the claims division to acquire the records that allow you to make your case that you are entitled to disability benefits. Spending the extra time in organizing your information can only help your goal of reaching a favorable decision.
3. Be thorough in your list of impairments/illnesses
Many times people only tell the Social Security representatives about the major issues. They often don’t think to include minor uses, such as cholesterol, high or low blood pressure, and other minor aches and pains. It’s important to tell Social Security about all of your illnesses and injuries, big or small. Very rarely does Social Security make a decision based solely on one condition. It is usually the combination of all of your impairments that makes you unable to achieve “substantial, gainful employment” and entitles you to disability benefits. Don’t self-select which symptoms are important.
4. Don’t exaggerate injuries/illnesses
While it’s important to report all of your conditions, do not embellish the details. Many of the representatives who will be helping you complete the application have years of experience and can identify when someone is lacking credibility in the description of their injury/impairment. It is important that you articulate what is bothering you and how you are limited, but don’t exaggerate.
5. Fill out the paperwork
After you complete your initial application, you will likely get some additional forms requesting more information or asking for clarification on an issue. Please fill these forms out on a timely basis. Many claims are denied on account of Social Security not having all of the information that they requested and/or enough information to evaluate the claim. Don’t allow your claim to be denied because you failed to complete all of the paperwork that was required.
If you have any questions in the application process or would like an experienced NH disability lawyer working on your behalf, please contact us. We would love to have a part in your success.