SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEYS SERVING ALL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE & MASSACHUSETTS

An elderly woman with her hands crossed being denied for social security disability benefits in NH.

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.

Social Security Disability Testimonials

Mr. Ward and his associates made my Social Security case stress free.

I can’t recommend his firm enough.

Thank you Mr. Ward and associates for all you have done to win my case.

Mary Ann Mann

Attorney Ward did an outstanding job with my husband’s social security disability case. He is very professional and knowledgeable and he provided us with excellent guidance and support throughout the process. We are so thankful for the amazing work he did. He was easy to reach, kept us updated on every aspect of the case and ultimately, he won the case for my husband without us having to go to the hearing. He is caring and compassionate and gave us relief and dare I say confidence throughout the process. We felt like we were in the best hands possible and winning the case just proved that. We met with several lawyers before choosing him and wholeheartedly believe that he is one of the best lawyers in the state. He is trustworthy, efficient and gets excellent results. We cannot recommend him enough. The day we won the case has forever changed our lives, and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts.

Juliana LitaHighly recommended

After going through a horrible and traumatic experience of the first stages of SSDI I chose to get help. Reaching out to Ward Law Group was the absolute best decision I could have made. I owe everything to John Ward and Lori, they were very professional and courteous, taking a tremendous weight off my shoulders. Unlike other firms, they filed motion after motion trying to help speed up the process in anyway possible to get me the help I so desperately needed. Their briefings for the Judge were very detailed and professionally done and my case was not easy to sort out by any means. Without their help I would not have made it to the end but we did and won. Save yourself time searching, this firm is the only way to go!

ForSocial Security Disability law

Esquire Ward,and his team, went above and beyond my expectations regarding my SSDI application. And did not stop until my claim was approved. They were professional, knowledgeable, courteous and available to answer any/all of my questions. I would recommend no one else. They are the best.

MarySSDI law

After being denied twice by social security for disability- doing it by myself as another attorney didn’t want to help me- i found Attorney John Ward. I left a message explaining all of my issues with his administrative assistant. He called me personally at 7pm and after discussion, asked to go meet with him. I don’t know of any other attorney who does that. I was impressed. I found him to be a knowledgeable, kind, and so helpful. After only a few weeks, but with a lot of leg work, paperwork and medical records, and follow ups, he called me to let me know I’d been accepted. I was so pleasantly shocked as I thought I’d have to go to court. He is awesome! As is his staff. I highly recommend him not only for disability issues, but for family law. One of the few attorneys that cares about his clients and is not a money hungry attorney.

DebraSocial Security and Disability

John Ward is absolutely amazing. My Father was struggling to obtain social security disability benefits for his epilepsy condition for 3 years. We reached out to John who was able to quickly guide us in the right direction. John helped us find all the correct documentation needed and kept in touch throughout the whole process. He is friendly, timely and certainly knows what he is doing. John Ward made this very difficult process a breeze for us! Ward Law Group was great to work with! I highly recommend this company.

Brittany Whaley

Did a great job. Returned phone calls and kept me informed. Most importantly, won the case. Strongly recommend!

Greg Kent

Attorney Ward represented me in two different cases. Both cases were successful and I received just as he promised! Very professional, kind and empathetic. His Paralegal Kathy was tremendously helpful and always returned my calls when I had questions! Attorney Ward is the best. I would recommend you call his office if you need an Attorney because it would be a waste of your time if go elsewhere. He’s the best!

Rebecca Pageau

I am sincerely thankful to attorney John Ward and staff for all the work they did in my favor. I went into this thinking that whatever happened was supposed to happen but Attorney John Ward told me with confidence that we would win my case and we did. He even saved me from nearly missing my hearing by calling me. For some strange reason I was under the assumption that the hearing was later in the day but his call to me saved me from my case being dismissed. Thank you John for your confidence, your persistence, and your loyalty.

I would recommend the Ward Law Group to anyone I hear of that is looking for fairness and a personal fighter looking out for the rights of the people. Job well done! Talk soon.

Jackie Douillard

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!

Man in a blue suit and a wheelchair with a social security disability claim.

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.

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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.