Westchester County Social Security Disability Lawyer
Westchester County has nearly one million residents, making it the seventh largest county in the state of New York. Many Westchester 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 in Westchester County 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 Can I Get SSDI Benefits in Westchester County?
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 in Westchester County, 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.
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.
