Queens County Social Security Disability Lawyer

Queens County has over 2.2 million residents, making it the second-largest borough in New York City. Many Queens County residents think about applying for social security disability benefits, and some have already started the process. However, a lot of people who apply for disability benefits initially end up being denied. Being approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be difficult. That’s why having a Social Security Disability Lawyer can really help. A Social Security Disability Lawyer knows the ins and outs of the system and can boost your chances of getting the benefits you are entitled to.

How Do I Know If I Can Get SSDI Benefits in Queens?

People often ask, “Can I get disability benefits?” The answer isn’t simple and depends on a few factors. The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs two programs for people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

To get SSDI benefits, you need to meet two main rules. First, you must have worked long enough and paid enough Social Security taxes. The SSA calls this having enough “work credits.” How many credits you need depends on how old you are and when your disability started.

The second rule is about your health. You need to have a health problem that stops you from working. The SSA has a list of health problems that might qualify you for benefits. But just having one of these problems doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get benefits. You need to show the SSA that you’re “totally disabled.” This means you must have a physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) that are severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (any regular paying job) for at least twelve (12) consecutive months.

Even if your health problem isn’t on the SSA’s list, you might still be able to get benefits if it’s serious enough. A Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you prepare the documentation necessary to get your benefits.

What Should I Do If My SSDI Application Gets Denied?

If the SSA denies your first application, don’t give up. You can appeal the decision and ask them to look at your case again. This is called a request for reconsideration. It is important you request for reconsideration quickly. You only have 60 days to file an appeal and ask for a hearing. During the reconsideration process, someone new at the SSA will review your whole case. This is your chance to have a Social Security Disability Lawyer fix any mistakes, clear up any misunderstandings, and add new information that might help your case.

This can increase your chances of getting SSDI benefits.

How Much Can I Get for SSI and SSDI in Queens?

In 2024, the most you can get each month for SSDI is $3,822. But most people get less than this. The exact amount depends on how much you earned and paid in Social Security taxes before you became disabled.

For SSI, which is based on financial need instead of work history, the most you can get in 2024 is $943 a month if you’re single, or $1,415 a month for a couple. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart (2024)

Remember, these numbers can change each year. A Queens County Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you understand how much you might get based on your situation.

How Much Does a Queens County Social Security Disability Lawyer Cost?

Many people worry about lawyer fees, but here’s some good news. Social Security Disability Lawyers work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront or by the hour. Instead, the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case and you get benefits.

The SSA has rules about how much lawyers can charge. Right now, they can get up to 25% of the back pay you receive, but no more than $7,200. In the fall of 2024, this limit will go up to $9,200. Starting in 2025, the limit will change each year based on the cost of living, just like other disability benefits.

This fee setup helps make sure everyone in Queens County can get legal help with their SSDI claims, no matter their financial situation. If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you don’t owe them anything for their work.

Getting SSDI benefits can be a long and confusing process. But with the help of a Social Security Disability Lawyer, you can navigate the system more easily and improve your chances of success. They can guide you through each step, from figuring out if you qualify to appealing a denial. Don’t let the complex rules discourage you from seeking the benefits you need and deserve.

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