Millions of disabled Americans rely on essential government benefits for housing, healthcare, food, and other basic needs for themselves and their family members. But maintaining such benefits can be challenging, as many qualified people are turned down every year, forcing them to go through a drawn-out appeals process.
If you are seeking SSDI benefits in Cherry Hill, NJ, or the surrounding area, getting the assistance of a skilled Social Security attorney in Cherry Hill can help simplify the application process and make it less likely that you will be denied.
At Silver & Silver, our experienced Social Security attorneys in Cherry Hill, NJ help qualified applicants get the benefits they need and deserve.
The Complexities of Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits
When you are unable to work because of a disability, you still have financial obligations. You must still pay your bills, buy food, and care for family members. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers programs that offer critical benefits for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, assists eligible Americans who are unable to work because of a disability. Under this program, SSA pays monthly benefits to individuals who have worked for a required number of years and paid Social Security taxes.
Unfortunately, applying for these benefits is complicated, and the majority of applicants are denied, leaving them to navigate an equally complicated appeals process. If you are struggling with the SSDI application process or feel you have been denied unfairly, our Cherry Hill Social Security attorneys at Silver & Silver can advocate on your behalf and help you get the benefits you desperately need. At Silver & Silver, our Cherry Hill Social Security disability lawyers have represented individuals for over 40 years.
Do You Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
Social Security has stringent requirements for disability benefits, and not all disabled individuals may be eligible.
Eligibility for SSDI benefits requires that you:
- Have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working for at least one year or is expected to result in death
- Have a work history long enough to qualify
- Have paid Social Security taxes
- Meet Social Security’s definition of a disability
But there are also many intricacies involved in the approval process, and understanding how they affect you can be complicated and confusing.
What is Required to Apply for SSDI in Cherry Hill, NJ?
The initial application for SSDI can be completed online.
With your application, you’ll be asked to submit important personal information and essential information about your disability, including:
- Your name and Social Security number
- A copy of your birth certificate
- All the names, addresses, and numbers of your healthcare providers
- Copies of medical records and lab results
- The names and dosages of any prescriptions
- A summary of your employment and the type of work you did
- A copy of your most recent federal tax return or W2 form
The most important goal of your claim is to prove to Social Security that you are unable to work, that you need these benefits to live, and that you are eligible for these benefits.
While this seems simple enough, getting approved for benefits is often anything but simple. Social Security needs a great deal of evidence in support of your claim to ensure that you truly cannot work because of your disability and qualify for benefits. This can be extremely frustrating and time-consuming when you need benefits as soon as possible.
This is when it can be critical to have the assistance of a team of Social Security attorneys in Cherry Hill who can guide you step-by-step in the application process. At Silver & Silver, you will have skilled guidance in navigating the application process to ensure the best outcome possible. Let us help.
Have You Been Denied Social Security Disability Insurance in Cherry Hill, NJ?
Your application for SSDI in New Jersey will go to the state office of Disability Determination Services. There, Social Security personnel will compare the severity of your disability and evaluate the merits of your claim.
Unfortunately, most applicants are not approved at first application. The DDS can request that you have more tests or go through other assessments or they may deny your claim outright. This will require you to file an appeal and provide even more evidence.
Appealing a Social Security Claim After a Denial
Most initial applications for SSDI benefits are denied, primarily because they contain errors or insufficient information for claims officers to make well-informed decisions.
If your initial claim has been denied, you do have options. Your first step will be to request a reconsideration of your claim within 60 days of the denial.
If your claim is denied again at reconsideration, you can then file a request for a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). It is the ALJ’s responsibility to evaluate further all information you sent to SSA and any new information you can provide. At this point in the appeal process, you will be able to state your case before a real person who can have your denial overturned. During the hearing, you may be asked more questions concerning your disability by medical experts. Being prepared is paramount to your success.
Before attending this hearing, you should gather as much detailed data as possible for a stronger case, including:
- More details concerning your medical history
- More details concerning your work history
- More details concerning when your disability began and when and how it started to affect your ability to work
- More evidence as to how your disability fits Social Security’s criteria
At Silver & Silver, our experienced Cherry Hill SSDI attorneys can help you navigate the appeal process by:
- Analyzing your Social Security file to see what may be missing
- Preparing you for your appeal case
- Gathering all necessary documents and medical evidence in support of your claim
- Requesting other forms and information to support your SSDI case further
- Prepare you and any of your witnesses for your appearance before the ALJ
- Cross-examine any vocational and medical experts that SSA has called to testify at your hearing
- Further, appeal your case if you have again been denied benefits.
How Our Cherry Hill Social Security Attorneys Can Help
When you can’t work, every day without disability benefits counts. Your best option is to ensure that your initial application or appeal is as complete and concise as possible to ensure no further time is wasted. Let our skilled Social Security attorneys in Cherry Hill, NJ, at Silver & Silver help.
As proud members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, we provide our New Jersey clients with the most comprehensive SSDI support possible. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or schedule a complimentary consultation with us through our website contact form.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.
