Social Security Disability Lawyer
Have You Been Denied Disability Benefits? Contact a Lawyer About Your Case Today
Instead of going through the application process again, speak with a lawyer about what happened. Attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt stands with clients throughout New Jersey. Contact our law firm today.
Social Security Disability: What You Need to Know
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to people who have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from being gainfully employed. Social Security Disability is funded by federal tax revenue. The Social Security Administration oversees the application and appeals process for disability benefits.
The main takeaway: if you were an employee who paid Social Security taxes and you are now disabled, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
You May Need to Apply Multiple Times
Keep in mind that many people who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance are initially denied. Many people apply for SSDI multiple times or attempt to make an appeal. Having a lawyer on your side after an initial denial can help you reevaluate your eligibility and seek an appeal.
More than 9.5 million people received disability benefits in December 2020. Almost 86 percent of recipients were disabled workers. The remaining recipients were disabled adult children or disabled widows or widowers.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits
Eligibility for Social Security disability income is based on the degree and severity of the medical condition contributing to your disability and your specific earning capacity.
The Nature of Your Disability
The Social Security Administration defines a disability as a medical condition that:
- Prevents a person from completing substantial gainful activity
- Prevents a person from doing previous work or making adjustments to perform other work
- The medical condition is expected to last at least one year or be fatal
Qualifying medical conditions include trauma-related injury, chronic disease, sensory impairment, and mental disorders that meet the above criteria.
Amount of Time You've Worked
Eligible recipients must also meet work credit requirements. Work credits are based on annual wages or self-employment income. A person can earn up to four work credits a year.
The number of credits needed to qualify varies based on age. Here are examples of how long someone needs to work in order to qualify for disability benefits at a given age:
- Before age 28: 1.5 years of work
- Age 38: 4 years of work
- Age 50: 7 years of work
- Age 60: 9.5 years of work
If your disability claim has been denied, you're not alone. Approximately 67 percent of disability claims are initially denied.
Remember that you have the ability to reapply for Social Security disability benefits or appeal the denial of your application.
Filing an Appeal? Do Not Delay
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If your Social Security disability claim has been denied, you have to act fast. You have just 60 days to file an appeal after receiving the notification of denial. Failure to file an appeal within that time limit means you will need to file a new application for Social Security disability benefits.
Start the Appeals Process with Our Law Office Discuss Your Disability Claim Today
Working as your disability lawyer, Jeffrey W. Goldblatt will do all of the necessary groundwork to develop an effective appeal. He will protect your legal interests so that you can receive the benefits from Social Security that you deserve.
As a former municipal prosecutor and a former public defender, Mr. Goldblatt and his legal practice areas provide clients compassionate and effective representation.
For assistance regarding the Social Security disability appeals process, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq. or call our office in East Brunswick, NJ.
(732) 238-8700
An Attorney You Can Count On A Former Client Shares Her Experience
Very kind, understanding, and patient. The best at his job!!! He is affordable. He is reachable and flexible. He is a great person. I would recommend him to anyone who needs his services. Judith
Reasons You May Have Been Denied Benefits Why the SSA May Have Rejected Your SSDI Application
Below are some common reasons why disability benefits are denied. Regardless the reason for your denial, it's worth contacting our New Jersey law offices to discuss an appeal.
Lack of Medical Evidence or Documentation
Some people are denied disability benefits because there is not enough supporting documentation from a physician or specialist regarding their condition. Our law offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, can help you get the necessary medical records to prove you have a qualifying disability.
Current Income Is Too High
If your disability still allows you to work and you earn more than a certain amount of money, you will no longer be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. Our law offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, can review your income an let you know if you should appeal your case.
Failure to Comply with Prescribed Treatment
Failing to follow recommended treatment may disqualify your SSDI application. Our law offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, can note that you have a legitimate reason for not complying with prescribed treatment, such as lack of money to pay for care, objections based on religious beliefs, or factors related to mental illness or limited mobility.
Prior Felony Conviction
A felony conviction could lead to a denial of SSDI benefits depending on the circumstances of your disability. When you come to our law offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, Mr. Goldblatt can look for legal loopholes that allow you to collect disability benefits despite past imprisonment or criminal convictions.
Appealing a Denied Social Security Disability Claim
A denied claim can leave you feeling dejected and overwhelmed, but you do not need to handle an appeal on your own. Social Security disability lawyer Jeffrey W. Goldblatt can clear up any confusion you may have about the process.
Mr. Goldblatt has worked on countless Social Security disability appeals over the years and is familiar with the different steps of the process.
No matter what stage of the process you are currently in, you are welcome to contact our office locations in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, for a consultation.
The Four Levels of Appeals How Attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Can Help Your Case
There are four levels of appeals: reconsideration, hearing by an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and Federal Court review.
Reconsideration
During reconsideration, a different person at the SSA will review your application along with any additional relevant material the you submit or the SSA. Mr. Goldblatt can help you get the right evidence and documentation to improve your chances during reconsideration.
Hearing by Administrative Law Judge
If the reconsideration does not go your way, you can request a hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ will not have been involved in reconsideration. Mr. Goldblatt can prep you for the hearing, going over common questions that may be asked and compelling ways to respond.
Review by Appeals Council
If the hearing with the ALJ is not successful, you can then request a review by Social Security's Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will determine if the results of the hearing followed current Social Security laws. Mr. Goldblatt can identify potential discrepancies from the hearing the warrant review.
Federal Court Review
As a last resort, you can file a civil action with the US District Court for the District of New Jersey. This must be filed within 60 days of the Appeals Council decision. A lawyer since 1975, Mr. Goldblatt is prepared to represent you in Federal Court and fight to ensure you receive disability benefits.
Attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt is on your side.
You don't pay attorney fees unless your appeal is successful.
Get the Help You Need During the Appeals Process Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
Remember that two-thirds of people applying for Social Security disability benefits are initially denied. If you have paid into the Social Security system over the years and have a qualifying health condition, you should speak with a disability attorney and seek an appeal.
Hire a lawyer whose knowledge of Social Security disability laws spans five decades. Contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq., in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ.
Proactive and Effective Legal Counsel Another Former Client Shares Her Experience
I have had several reasons to use an attorney over the years and Mr. Goldblatt is the best. He listens to you and truly understands what your needs are. He is effective and very, very proactive. My highest recommendation. Leslie
Social Security Disability FAQ
Below are just some of the most common questions we receive about SSDI and the laws surrounding disability benefits. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to contact our New Jersey offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall.
How many times
can I reapply for SSDI?
There is no limit. If a claim has been denied, you can file again for Social Security disability as many times as you want.
However, just because you can reapply numerous times doesn't mean it's the best option.
Following an initial claim denial, it's prudent to speak with a Social Security disability attorney like Jeffrey W. Goldblatt to discuss a potential appeal. During your consultation in East Brunswick, Freehold, or Wall, NJ, he can help you make the best decison moving forward.
Is New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) like SSDI?
No. New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance is a separate program. It provides monthly payments and support for people with temporary disabilities due to various medical conditions.
