If you live in New York, and you are disabled, you may feel overwhelmed. You may be unable to work, and you may struggle with the normal tasks of day-to-day living. You may find yourself facing mounting medical bills and an ongoing need for medical treatment, even as you are unsure where they money might come from to pay for that treatment. If any of this sounds familiar, you should know that you are not alone. Many disabled people feel this way, and it is understandable.
The good news though, is that many of these worries may be unnecessary. You may be entitled to Social Security Disability, and you owe it to yourself to find out. If you are disabled and wonder if you might be entitled to benefits, at The Law Offices of Daniel Berger, we’re here to help you. Here are a few things to know about disability benefits as you consider consulting with an attorney:
Understand the basic differences between SSD and SSI benefits: Both Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are benefits paid by the government, but they have different qualifying conditions. Social Security Disability income is calculated based on your unique circumstances, including your particular disability and how long you have worked. SSI benefits, by contrast, are federally funded income benefits for those people who have very little, if any, income. As a result, even those who do not qualify for SSD may still qualify for SSI. Consulting with an attorney regarding your particular circumstances and which benefits you might be entitled to is therefore very important.
Both physical or mental disabilities qualify
for benefits: Sometimes, people make the assumption that if they do not have a long-term disabling physical injury, they do not qualify to apply for disability benefits. In fact, as anyone who has suffered from mental illness or loves someone who has knows very well, those are conditions that can be very debilitating too. Conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, extreme anxiety, or PTSD can all cause difficulty with the tasks of day-to-day living. Whether your condition is physical or mental, you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and you are entitled to the opinion of an attorney who can let you know whether you may qualify for benefits. At The Law Offices of Daniel Berger, we would be glad to help.
Over two–thirds of applicants for SSD are turned down upon filing their first application: Although it may seem that a legitimate disability should easily prove your entitlement to benefits, the truth of the matter is that two-thirds of applicants are denied upon submitting a first application. Don’t allow this to discourage you, or to persuade you to think that you shouldn’t continue to pursue the benefits you are entitled to. An experienced attorney can help you determine your best next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.
The SSD application and appeals process can be complex: As with any area of the law, applying for SSD benefits can be complex, and filing an appeal after a denial, equally so. While you can always attempt to handle these matters yourself, the truth is that having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney guide you through the process is always the best decision. Not only will it relieve stress and eliminate confusion, it will also help to ensure that you do not overlook any actions you should take, or fail to assert any rights that you may have.
Call the Law Offices of Daniel Berger Today
If you live in New York, and you are in need of a legal team who can help you navigate the often-complex legal maze of applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you need look no further than the Law Offices of Daniel Berger. We have many years of experience successfully helping people just like you fight for the benefits they need. We believe that each and every person with a disability deserves the right to live a life of dignity, receiving the treatment they need and the compensation they deserve.
We understand the law, and we know the best strategies to pursue on your behalf, with the perfect blend of compassionate, yet aggressive representation that you need on your side. Whatever your condition, and wherever you are in the process of seeking benefits, we’re here for you. We would welcome the opportunity to speak with you and to learn your story. Call us today for a free consultation. Together, we can discuss where you are, and where you’d like to be. Together, we can determine the best path forward toward a bright new chapter ahead. We are here for you, and we are looking forward to your call and to learning how we can best help you soon.