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?
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 Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
There are eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for Social 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 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 passing
- 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, and 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 have the experience and expertise to help you.
Generally speaking there are two programs that provide benefits to qualified individuals who are deemed disabled the 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 Social Security Income Benefits (SSI) 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 NH SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYERS TODAY
5 WAYS TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME pays benefits based on financial need.
Here are 5 ways to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Some of the common methods are filing by mail, by phone, in person at a local office and via the internet. If possible, I recommend that people file in person. Here are 5 key tips I give someone prior to filing a Social Security application in person.
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 you walk in the social security office. It is far better to call ahead and make an appointment and meet with a representative from social security. Otherwise, you’ll 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 want to put together a list of all your providers including name, address, phone numbers and any other contact information. You want to make it as easy as possible for the disability determination services unit to go and acquire the records that allow you to make your case that you are entitled to disability benefits. Many times, these representatives are overworked. Any way you can make it easier for them to find the evidence that will help get a favorable decision, it’s worth spending the extra time.
3. Tell them about all your impairments/illnesses!
Many times, folks only tell the Social Security representatives about the major issues. They don’t let them know about what the claimant thinks are minor uses, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and other minor aches and pains. It’s important to let social security know about all 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 your impairments that makes you unable to achieve “substantial, gainful employment” and entitle you to disability benefits. DON’T SELF SELECT WHAT ILLNESSES ARE IMPORTANT!
4. Don’t exaggerate injuries/illnesses
It’s important to report all of your conditions, but do not embellish the details. Many of the representatives who will be helping you complete the application have been doing this for many years. They have learned to spot when someone is exaggerating and not being credible regarding the severity of their injury/impairment. It is important that you articulate what is bothering you and how you are limited, don’t exaggerate.
I had one Social Security representative tell me about an individual who came into his office and claimed that he was in bed all day, every day, and only left his house once a month. The Social Security representative did some additional questioning regarding shopping habits and it became clear that the individual went out much more frequently than once a month. DO NOT EXAGGERATE
5. Fill out the paperwork!
After you do your initial application, you will likely get some additional forms requesting that you provide them with additional 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 your claim. Don’t allow your claim to be denied because you failed to complete all the paperwork that was required.
I hope these tips for completing your Social Security application will help your claim for Social Security benefits. If you have any questions or would like an experienced NH Disability lawyer working on your behalf, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
CONTACT OUR NH SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYERS TODAY
