Social Security Disability (SSD)1

If you are taken out of work due to an illness or injury, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability.  To be eligible you must have an illness or condition which will last longer than one (1) year or which is likely to result in death.  You must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a defined period of time or are otherwise qualified to receive the funds as determined by the Social Security Administration.

You can apply for these benefits by calling your local Social Security Administration Office and setting up an application.  You may also apply on line at www.ssa.gov.

However, many people are denied benefits at the initial application stage.  After an initial denial you have 65 days from the date on the decision of denial to file a request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.  If you are initially denied, you may want to consult and retain an attorney to represent you at the hearing. This firm accepts Social Security Disability clients on a contingency basis.  This means if we do not successfully obtain your benefits, we do not collect a fee. If we are successful we are entitled to 25% of the retro-active benefits or as of June 1, 2009 $6,000 whichever is LESS. 

Worried that you have savings, a 401k or other assets? Stop worrying. Your assets and savings are not affected by your application and receipt of Social Security Disability.  You can own a mansion and a yacht and still collect SSD if you are otherwise eligible.  

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)1

Supplemental Security Income is designed and intended to provide basic income for individuals who do not have the recent work history required to meet the eligibility guidelines for SSD but who are in every other way determined to be disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration.  Children with special needs or illness may also qualify for SSI.  To receive SSI you also must meet household income and asset guidelines. 

You can apply for these benefits by calling your local Social Security Administration Office and setting up an application.  You may also apply on line at www.ssa.gov.

However, many people are denied benefits at the initial application stage.  After an initial denial you have 65 days from the date on the decision of denial to file a request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.  If you are initially denied, you may want to consult and retain an attorney to represent you at the hearing. This firm accepts Supplemental Security Income clients on a contingency basis.  This means if we do not successfully obtain your benefits, we do not collect a fee. If we are successful we are entitled to 25% of the retro-active benefits or as of June 1, 2009 $6,000 whichever is LESS. 

Navigating the Social Security system can feel like a never ending maze with no way out. This is especially so when you are sick or injured.  As an experienced attorney in this field Nancy Stroud can help guide you through this process.  Call her for a free consultation and case evaluation at (518)782-4900 or email her at nstroud@llsjlaw.com.

SSD/SSI Links

Social Security Administration          

Listing of Impairments
            Adults            
            Children      

1 No one in or associated with this firm works for, represents or speaks for the Social Security Administration

The law firm and staff of LaFave, Latimer & Stroud, LLP and Nancy E. Stroud, Esq. are not employees of, affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration.