Social Security Disability Attorneys Helping You Secure Benefits

For many people, physical and/or emotional disabilities can be so debilitating they are unable to perform any work at all. Often, this occurs when you are injured through the negligence of others, have a pending lawsuit for personal injuries and/or in the course of your employment. If you fall into this group of people, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

If you are eligible, the Social Security program can provide you with medical benefits and wage replacement income. Even if you were in the course of your employment, you may be eligible to collect Social Security Disability benefits. However, seeking benefits is not straightforward. Our Social Security Disability attorneys at Palillo Law can help you through this process.

Types Of Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two disability benefit programs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial support for older adults with limited income, disabled children, disabled adults who have never worked and legally blind people.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are an earned benefit available to those under retirement age who have disabling medical conditions. Both SSI and SSDI provide monthly financial support for those with debilitating medical issues.

Common Qualifying Disabilities

When reviewing applications for SSDI benefits, in particular, the SSA has a number of categories of different qualifying conditions. Those qualifying conditions are grouped by type and include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: Back injuries, arthritis, pathologic fractures
• Respiratory disorders: Asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic pulmonary hypertension
• Cardiovascular disorders: Chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, recurrent arrhythmias, chronic venous insufficiency
• Digestive disorders: Chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, digestive organ transplants
• Genitourinary disorders: Chronic kidney disease, Nephrotic syndrome
• Neurological disorders: Epilepsy, benign brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injuries
• Mental disorders: Severe/chronic depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders
• Cancer and immune system disorders: Systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, immune deficiency disorders (specifically excluding HIV infections)
• Congenital conditions: Down syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome
• Blood and endocrine disorders: Sickle cell disease, thalassemia, bone marrow failure, pituitary gland disorders, diabetes mellitus, chronic hyperglycemia

Even if an individual’s specific diagnosis is not on the list of likely approved conditions, they may still be able to qualify for SSDI benefits with adequate medical documentation. Our team of Social Security Disability lawyers can determine the best way to present the SSA with evidence of your condition.

The Process Of Applying For Disability Benefits

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits begins with identifying the program for which an applicant may be eligible. From there, they may need to gather documentation regarding their diagnosis, symptoms and possibly their finances. They must complete official application paperwork and submit supporting medical evidence.

After submitting a thorough application, individuals may receive approval for benefits or may face rejection. Rejection is common, and there are multiple stages of appeals available.

Applicants can submit additional medical documentation and request a reconsideration. They can also seek a hearing in court. Approval after an appeal can result in backdated benefits to cover the time when the applicant was eligible but did not receive benefits. Our team of Social Security Disability attorneys at Palillo Law can support you during your initial application or manage the appeals process, if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability

Navigating federal benefit programs often brings up important questions about your rights and options. Our lawyers answer some of the most common questions clients ask about disability claims below.

Can I receive Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation at the same time?

Yes, you can collect both benefits simultaneously if you meet the eligibility criteria for each program. However, your total combined public disability payments cannot exceed 80% of your average current earnings prior to becoming disabled. If the combined amount surpasses this threshold, your Social Security Disability benefits will be reduced accordingly. This adjustment is known as a Workers’ Compensation offset under federal rules. Once you reach full retirement age, this statutory offset of workers’ compensation benefits naturally expires.

Can I work while receiving Social Security Disability benefits?

The SSA allows beneficiaries to test their ability to return to the workforce through specific programs. You can earn income during a designated nine-month trial work period without losing your monthly benefit checks. During this timeframe, your earnings do not impact your disability status regardless of the total amount. Once the trial period ends, your monthly income must remain below the substantial gainful activity threshold. Earning above this limit may lead to the suspension or termination of your benefits.

Can I reapply if I’ve been denied more than once?

You have the legal right to submit a new application even if you have faced denials. However, pursuing the formal appeals process is generally recommended over starting over because appealing preserves your original filing date. Continuing through the appeal steps allows an administrative law judge to review updated medical evidence for your existing claim.

If you reapply instead of appealing on time, you risk losing valuable retroactive benefits backdated to your onset date. Starting a new claim is typically necessary only if you missed the strict appeal deadline, which is 60 days from receiving your denial notice (plus five days allowed for mail delivery).

How can Palillo Law help with my Social Security Disability application?

Our firm assists you by gathering medical records and compiling documentation to build a structured case. We ensure all official application paperwork is submitted accurately and within federal deadlines. If the SSA denies your initial claim, we guide you through every level of the administrative appeals process. We prepare you for formal hearings before an administrative law judge to present your evidence clearly. Our team works to protect your rights and pursue the full monthly and retroactive benefits you deserve.

Contact Our SSD Lawyers For Experienced Counsel

To determine whether you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you need an experienced law office with vast experience in the field. Palillo Law can help assess your options and then apply for these benefits.

Call our Tribeca law office at 917-920-6601 or contact our team online to schedule a free consultation with a Social Security Disability attorney.