New Fairfield Social Security Disability Attorney

Without help from a New Fairfield Social Security disability attorney, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by Social Security’s application and appeals process. At Hermann Law Group, PLLC, we help our clients understand their rights, develop compelling legal arguments, and provide assurance during a stressful time. Learn more about how we handle New Fairfield Social Security disability claims below.

Social Security Disability and SSI Overview

Social Security disability benefits are an important safety net for disabled New Yorkers. While many people consider all disability-related benefits “Social Security disability,” there are two actually two types:

• Social Security Disability (SSD): paid to workers with sufficient “work credits” who cannot work for at least 12 months due to their medical conditions.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): paid to low-income adults who cannot work for at least 12 months and children who meet specific medical criteria.

Depending on your work history and income, you might receive both SSD and SSI benefits.

While the general eligibility criteria for Social Security disability benefits sound simple, they require a detailed legal and medical analysis. You and your New Fairfield Social Security disability lawyer will assess the following:

• The severity of your medical conditions,
• The strength of your medical evidence,
• Education, work history, and skills,
• Mental capacity,
• Physical limitations,
• Age, and
• Other factors that impact your disability claim.

One mistake can result in denied benefits and an uphill legal battle.

How Do I File a New Fairfield Social Security Appeal?

The first step towards receiving Social Security disability benefits is filing an application. While many people file an application on their own, you can hire a New Fairfield Social Security disability attorney to assist you. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration denies a large percentage of disability applications — regardless of their merit.

If you receive a denial of benefits, you must file a prompt appeal. If you do not submit your appeal within 60 days of your denial, you must restart the application process. An appeal involves the following:

• Filing a timely Request for Hearing,
• Submitting a Disability Appeal Report,
• Reviewing your Social Security file,
• Identifying missing evidence and information,
• Submitting evidence and legal arguments to the administrative law judge (ALJ),
• Filing an On the Record request (when appropriate),
• Identifying factors that merit an expedited hearing,
• Presenting testimony to the ALJ,
• Cross-examining witnesses, and
• Reviewing the ALJ’s decision.

This is a time-intensive and detailed process — your appeal might take over a year to complete.

At Hermann Law Group, PLLC, we believe that a personalized approach to Social Security appeals is best– and that no two Social Security claimants are the same. When you spend time with your clients and scrutinize their Social Security files, you might discover that the Social Security Administration made obvious errors or identify important missing evidence. And, we understand that an educated client is empowered and will make better decisions about his or her claim.

Do I Really Need a New Fairfield Social Security Disability Attorney?

Social Security disability claims are complicated. You must carefully review medical evidence, interpret Social Security’s law and regulations, and develop legal and factual arguments. Most disabled New Yorkers simply cannot handle a Social Security claim on their own– especially if they require intensive medical treatment or struggle with debilitating pain.

When you hire an experienced Social Security lawyer, you can focus on your health and wellbeing. Your New Fairfield Disability attorney will prepare your claim, help you complete forms, and guide you through the appeal and hearing processes. And, you will pay your New Fairfield Social Security disability attorney a contingency fee. If you lose your claim, you owe them nothing in fees.

However, not all Social Security lawyers are created equal. Before you sign an attorney’s fee agreement, make sure they’re a good fit for your needs. For example, consider whether the representative is:

• A licensed attorney,
• Has significant experience handling Social Security appeals,
• Is willing to file additional appeals (when necessary),
• Understands your medical conditions, and
• Is familiar with both your Social Security hearing office and its ALJs.

If you’re uncomfortable with the lawyer for any reason, do not sign his or her fee agreement. Instead, contact Hermann Law Group, PLLC for a second opinion.

At Hermann Law Group, PLLC, our New Fairfield disability attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience. We pride ourselves on our hands-on and personalized approach to Social Security disability appeals. Contact us for more information about our approach to disability claims.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a New Fairfield Social Security Disability Attorney

If you’re ready to fight your disability denial, contact a New Fairfield Social Security attorney at Hermann Law Group, PLLC today. We’ll take the time needed to understand both your case and concerns. Consultations are always free. We look forward to speaking with you.