New York is located along the Atlantic Ocean and boasts a population of 19,378,102 (2010 Census Bureau), and boasts itself as the most densely populated major U.S city. New York, an international epicenter of commerce, is divided into five boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that as of December 2010, approximately 545,899 in the state of New York (2010 New York Disability Recipient Data) were receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Of those individuals more than 60,000 live in New York City (2010 Congressional District Data) The SSA awards SSDI to those unable to work due to a disability expected to last at least twelve months or more and/or result in death. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked in a job covered by Social Security. If you received payroll checks where a Social Security tax (known as FICA) was withheld and have earned enough work credits in the last ten years, you would be eligible to apply for SSDI. If you do not have sufficient work credits or were employed in a job not covered by Social Security, you may still be eligible for SSI. The SSA defines disability for both programs (SSI and SSDI) as the inability to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA or paid work) by reason of documented medical impairment. A New York Disability Lawyer can help determine if your medical condition could initially qualify you as an applicant.
Apply for New York Social Security Disability Benefits
The application process for New York Social Security Disability benefits is a multi-level process requiring an extensive collection of personal information, including medical records. The denial rate of a New York applicant is approximately 60%, and of that approximately 80% of appeals will result in a request for reconsideration. Problem-solving by professionals is a necessity to determine the source(s) of the denial, such as an insufficient medical documentation on a disability, a lack of record for medication intake, or even misplaced paperwork. Many factors are considered with extensive weighting on each consideration factor internally by SSA, for this reason it is always best to hire a New York Social Security Attorney to advocate for your rights. These types of lawyers will ensure all possible forms are complete, correct, and organized, while acting as your official representative before the SSA. A recent report by the Office of Inspector General for the SSA stated that hiring a New York Disability Lawyer early in the application process significantly improves your chances of receiving disability benefits.
If you have already applied for disability benefits and have received a denial letter, you have 60 days to appeal. There are four possible steps in the disability appeals process: Reconsideration, Disability Hearing, an Appeals Council Review, and a District Court Case. If you disagree with the determination on your case, the appeal will proceed in the order listed. Whether you are filing a Request for Reconsideration or Request for Disability Hearing, a New York Disability Lawyer is a necessity at any stage of the process. It is in the best interest of the potential beneficiary (or applicant) to initiate council as early as possible. New York has an initial application approval rate is approximately 44% and approximately 51% approval rate in reconsiderations. Approvals increase if a New York Social Security attorney is hired from the initial application, and reconsideration approvals dramatically increase of with legal advocacy. New York Disability attorneys specialize in navigating through the complicated layers of the SSA, and will educate you based on your individual case and medical condition. These Disability attorneys take a comprehensive, proactive approach in filing the documents, ensuring continued treatment with your physician(s), and preparing you for Disability Determination onsite interviews and testimony before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the hearing stage.
Listed below are the local Social Security Offices where a New York Social Security applicant can file a claim for disability benefits:
New York Social Security Disability
237 W 48th Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10036
For a complete list of SSA offices in please visit ssa.gov.
New York Social Security Disability Resources
In order to be awarded disability benefits by the SSA, medical documentation must come from a certified medial practitioner that can prove you are unable to work. Affordable medical practitioners are available in the New York area.
Listed Below are free/reduced-cost health clinics:
Comprehensive Family Care Center
1265 Franklin Avenue
Bronx, New York 10456
(718) 579-2500
Bedford/Stuyvesant Family Health Center
1413 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, New York 11216
(718) 636-4500
Manhattan Betances Health Center
280 Henry Street
New York, New York 10002
(212) 227-8408
Queens Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
136-26 37th Ave - 2nd Fl
Flushing, NY 11354
(718) 886-1200
Community Health Center of Richmond
235 Port Richmond Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10302
(718) 876-1732
Your New York Disability Claim
Without adequate and correct medical documentation on file, you will be denied disability benefits. If you are considering initiating the application process, contact a New York Disability attorney to help with your decision-making process. Your attorney will evaluate your individual claim, file all paperwork, and act as an advocate on your behalf. Even if you are denied benefits, your Social Security lawyer will also represent you during this pivotal time of the appeals process.
The initial consultation with a disability lawyer is free, and your attorney is only paid if you are awarded benefits. To learn more about hiring an attorney specializing in New York Disability benefits or to request a free evaluation of your case, click here.
