SS RI

ROB LEVINE, SOCIAL SECURITY LAWYER

NEED A SOCIAL SECURITY LAWYER? GET AN ATTORNEY

Welcome to our informative site on Social Security / Disability. You will find useful information pertaining to types of disability, how to qualify, and the process of getting your claim approved. If you have additional questions, or think you are ready to speak to a lawyer about your disability matter, call us.  We are here to help you.

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DO I NEEDA DISABILITY LAWYER?

Although you are not required to hire an attorney to represent you in your Social Security claim, people with experienced representation tend to win their cases more often than those who are not represented. Our knowledgeable staff will ensure that important information gets associated with your file at Social Security, and we are adept at meeting deadlines and avoiding unnecessary delays. We will contact your medical providers to secure all relevant medical records and provide them with questionnaires designed to facilitate a successful outcome. If a hearing becomes necessary, our attorneys will prepare a legal brief setting forth the basis for a favorable decision and will attend the hearing with you to present your case. Contact us today for a free evaluation.

WHAT DOES A DISABILITY LAWYER COST?

We work on a contingency basis. This means you pay NO FEES unless you are awarded benefits. If you are awarded benefits, Social Security will acknowledge that they should have been paying you all along and calculate what they owe you in past-due benefits.

Social Security will withhold 25% of your past-due benefits and pay us directly. Notably, from the day you are approved and going forward, no money goes toward the attorney’s fees. This means that you can retain us even if you have no money at the time, and as soon as you are approved, you will receive your full benefit amount.

SSDI and SSI claims often take a long time for the Social Security Administration to approve. If you believe that you will be unable to work for 12 months or more, you should apply immediately. Don’t get overwhelmed! Contact us today for a free consultation. We have attorneys in many convenient locations including, but not limited to: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and many more – call today to see how our office can help you!

FAQs About Your

SSDI Case

What is a compassionate allowance?
In order to decrease the decision time for a claim, the SSA has identified a list of conditions that have already met their standards for disability benefits. This initiative was created to help those with serious disabilities by simplifying the process. There are two ways your condition will qualify you for benefits under the CAL Initiative.
  • If you have a listed illness or disease that is the same as listed in the schedule of diseases listed on the SSA website, you may automatically qualify for benefits.
  • If your disability has the same signs and symptoms as a disease listed on the schedule under the CAL Initiative, then you may qualify for benefits as well.
 
Can I receive SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time?
In order to receive concurrent benefits, there are going to be two separate tests. The standard to receive benefits medically is the same in both programs. The difference between the two programs is your work history and income level. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for the last five years and paid into the Social Security system. If you qualify for SSDI and your monthly compensation is less than the maximum amount, currently $783, you could be eligible under the SSI program. Remember, you must qualify for each one individually. In order to qualify for SSI, you must not have income greater than the maximum nor can your net worth be greater than $3,000. This looks at both your income and your household income. For example, if you were receiving $500 for SSDI, you could qualify for $283 under the SSI program.
Why do I need a lawyer to help me apply for SSDI?
Hiring an attorney to help you with your Social Security Disability application is beneficial as it can decrease the length of time it takes for you to get an approval. Their experience in these cases allows them to know what information and documentation you need to receive the maximum amount of benefits.
What happens if my SSDI claim has been denied?
There are two reasons for the denial. The first is that the SSA indicates that you are not qualified for either the SSDI or the SSI program, or both. This is based on your work history, your household income, and your net worth. Generally, unless you believe they are making an error as to what you paid into the social security system or your income level, this is not something that attorneys generally appeal. The second is that the SSA determines that you are not medically qualified for benefits--meaning they believe that you are able to perform gainful employment or your medical condition doesn't qualify. This could be grounds for appeal.  There are four levels of appeal at the administrative or agency level. In order of application, you begin by filing an initial claim. You then file for reconsideration, you then go before an administrative law judge for a hearing, and finally, you can appeal the administrative law judge's decision before the appeals council. You can be approved or denied at any of those four levels. After you have exhausted all four agency levels, you can either start your application over and remain at the administrative level by filing a new initial claim. Or, you can file an appeal by the appeals counsel leaving the agency level and appealing to the federal district court.  
If I don’t have enough work history, or any at all, can I still receive benefits?
Although you may not be able to receive SSDI benefits, you can still apply for Supplemental Security Insurance. Since this is a program based on financial need, you can qualify for these benefits if you do not exceed the Social Security Administration’s limit for income and/or assets.

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