The basic idea behind Social Security Disability benefits is a simple one: people pay into the system for the security and peace of mind, knowing that they can count on at least some level of financial support in the event that they are not able to work due to a physical or mental impairment before reaching retirement age. Unfortunately, obtaining these benefits if the time ever comes that you need them is often not so simple. The good news is that persons seeking disability benefits can go a long way in navigating the process and putting the strongest possible claim before Social Security Administration decision makers and judges by seeking the counsel and advice of an experienced SSD attorney.
The process of obtaining SSD benefits can be long, complicated and aggravating. In fact, we have found that many people give up on their claims without even completing their applications when they realize the extent of the information, documentation and other evidence required. Meanwhile, local SSA offices are understaffed and overworked. That is a recipe for mistakes or delays. It is therefore not surprising that the agency denies the majority of claims it reviews, including many with merit.We have told our clients for many years that a denial of the initial application is often done just to discourage them from continuing.
Fortunately, there are people who can help guide claimants through the process. Hermann Law Group LLP is a full service disability law firm representing clients throughout the country from offices in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of experience focusing exclusively on disability cases and have developed an expertise in this area of the law that gives us important insight into how the SSA decides on claims and a step up on other law firms as well as non-attorney claim representatives. We proudly maintain a success rate of almost 90 percent for all decisions received over the past twelve months. The rate is almost three times the national average at the initial application level and more than twice the national average overall.
At Hermann Law Group, we help clients avoid common mistakes in applying for disability benefits, such as waiting too long to file a claim, failing to fully document physical and mental conditions, neglecting to get treating physicians involved in the process and giving up on a viable claim without seeing the entire process through. We also help clients understand the full value of their claims, which is based on average lifetime earnings and could continue until age 66.
Attorney representation doesn’t guarantee success in a Social Security disability claim, but an experienced disability lawyer can provide vital assistance and expertise that may very well mean the difference between approval and denial of a claim, as well as speed up the claims process. If you or a loved one is considering filing a claim for SSD benefits, contact the New York Social Security Disability lawyers at Hermann Law Group, PLLC. We are dedicated to providing high quality, personalized legal services. Please call or contact us to set up an appointment.