Western New York Social Security Disability Attorneys

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)  is the federal program that provides benefits for injured or sick people who can no longer work. The rules determining who qualifies for assistance and how much money they receive are complex and the majority of applicants are denied the first time they request benefits.

WNY Social Security Disability Case Results

> 39-year old man suffering migraines receives full monthly disability benefits

> 50-year old woman with fibromyalgia receives full monthly disability benefits

> 44-year-old man with Charcot foot and diabetes awarded benefits

Hiring an experienced Social Security disability benefits lawyer can greatly improve your chances for being approved. The attorneys at Nicholas, Perot, Smith, Bernhardt & Zosh are proud to have the chance to help applicants in Western New York navigate the often confusing application process. We know the ins and outs of the system and use that knowledge to ensure our clients’ applications are prepared and submitted accurately and in a timely manner.

In addition to proving you can no longer hold a job due to mental or physical health problems, eligibility is restricted to those who have paid a required amount in Social Security taxes when they were working. Applicants who have not paid enough may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but this requires proof of low income.

Dependents of people receiving SSDI benefits may also qualify to receive money. Keep in mind, you can only receive SSDI until you reach retirement age, when you become eligible for those benefits.

Filing a Claim

Social Security Disability claims may be done online, by phone or in person at any Social Security office. The application asks for work and medical history, and applicants must present a diagnosis or assessment of the disabling injury or condition from their doctor or appropriate health care provider. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also requests copies of tax returns and W-2 forms to determine work and payment history.

The application process has a lot of opportunities for mistakes and omitted files, leading to denial of the claim. Some applicants report submitting everything correctly and still being denied. It can seem overwhelming to the average person and that’s why it’s helpful to hire a reliable disability lawyer like the legal professionals at Nicholas, Perot, Smith, Bernhardt & Zosh. We will not only explain the entire application process, but we’ll also take over and act on your behalf, greatly improving your chances to get approved.

We have years of experience dealing with the SSA on behalf of our Western New York clients. If you’ve been denied disability benefits, contact the Social Security disability lawyers at Nicholas, Perot, Smith, Bernhardt & Zosh and let us help you.