Have You Been Denied Social Security Disability Benefits?

Unfortunately, many times the Social Security Administration denies claimants who truly are disabled. Accordingly, it takes an experienced lawyer, with extensive knowledge of the laws and medical listings, to provide these disabled claimants with the benefits that they deserve.

At Iannella & Mummolo, we take pride in our commitment to be the most effective means of introducing claimants with Social Security inquiries to experienced attorneys with accurate and knowledgeable Social Security Disability answers.

What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you are a worker suffering from a disability, you may be qualified to receive monetary benefits from the Social Security Administration or from your local Social Security office. These benefits are referred to as Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). Depending on the situation, these disability benefits may be granted to you and/or your dependents.

Who Is Eligible To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

In general, the Social Security Administration will pay cash benefits to those who are unable to work for a year or more because of a physical or mental disability. In order to receive these benefits, one must prove that s/he is in fact disabled or suffering from a disability.

How Does Social Security Define "Disability?"

Under Social Security, disability is based on one's inability to work. One is considered disabled if s/he cannot perform the work that s/he could before, and if s/he cannot adjust to other types of work because of her/his medical condition(s). To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, one's disability must either last, or be expected to last, for at least a year or to result in death.

How Much Money Will I Get If I Am Qualified To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you are under the age of 65 and qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you may receive monthly cash benefits in the same amount you would have, had you retired at the age of 65. This holds true for as long as you remain disabled.

Should I Get A Lawyer To Represent Me In Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits?

Although it is unnecessary to find a lawyer when you first apply for disability benefits at any Social Security office, you should obtain legal representation as soon as you receive any denial of benefits notice from the Social Security Administration.

How Can A Lawyer Help Me In Getting My Social Security Disability Benefits?

A lawyer undoubtedly can help you with your claim for Social Security Disability Benefits . S/he can assist you in the preparation and submission of additional evidence to have your claim reconsidered for approval. In addition, if the application for reconsideration is denied, your lawyer can file a request for a hearing before an administrative judge of the Social Security Administration. Your lawyer can assist you throughout the hearing stage by: 1) preparing you to testify effectively, 2) presenting evidence in support of your claim through medical records, reports, and expert witnesses, and 3) cross-examining adverse medical or non-medical witnesses called by the Social Security Administration. Also, in the event that you are unsuccessful at the hearing stage, a lawyer can appeal the administrative judge's decision to the Appeals Council, and then to the United States District Court. Statistics show that claimants with legal representation succeed more than those without such representation. Hence, it is logical to have a reputable lawyer to assist with your claim.

Hiring A Lawyer To Represent You For Your Social Security Disability Benefits Claim

Attorneys who handle Social Security disability claims will represent you on a contingent fee basis. In other words, there is no attorney fee if your case is lost; you are required to pay a fee for your attorney's services only if your claim for disability benefits is won. The charge is either 25% of past-due benefits or $5,300.00, depending upon which amount is less. Also, if your attorney incurs out-of-pocket expenses connected to your legal representation, these expenses will be included at the conclusion of your case.

When Should I Contact A Lawyer To Represent Me In My Claim For Disability Benefits?

You should contact a lawyer immediately upon receiving notice from the Social Security Administration or local Social Security office that your initial application for disability benefits has been denied. Studies show that claimants with legal representation are more successful than those without legal assistance, and therefore, a lawyer is likely to improve your chances of receiving disability benefits.

What Should I Do If My Application For Disability Benefits Is Denied?

If you or someone you know has been improperly denied Social Security disability benefits, contact us immediately , and we will be prepared to review the facts of the incident. Once we have received your information, a member of our staff will contact you concerning your claim as soon as possible.