Approximately nine million people in the U.S. are receiving Social Security disability benefits, and the Social Security Administration estimates that this number represents only a small number of those who are living with a disability in this country. If you’re living in Boston with a disability that prevents you from working, the experienced Boston disability lawyers at Jim Glaser Law can provide guidance and assistance as you navigate the claims process. Contact us online or call us at 781-399-0029 to get started!
Do You Need Social Security Disability Benefits?
Our experienced disability lawyers are here to help you through the process of filing for Social Security disability benefits!
1
Getting Help is Easy.
We understand how confusing the process of filing a claim can be and we are ready to put our experience with Social Security disability claims to work for you. Our attorneys will assist you every step of the way.
2
You Don't Have to Fight Alone.
Filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits is a multi-layered process with very strict requirements. Our experienced team knows this process inside and out, and we are ready to fight for the benefits you are entitled to receive.
3
It Costs Nothing to Start the Process.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our services are available to you immediately, without an upfront payment. We don’t get paid unless there is a successful outcome to your claim.
We Understand What You’re Going Through
Disabilities can be painful, often resulting in the need for ongoing medical treatment to address secondary issues. Disabilities can also be stressful, preventing you from earning an income or participating in your community in the way that you would like. We realize that, with everything else you’re facing, the last thing you want to do is use your time and energy on a lengthy claims process. That’s where our experience comes in.
Jimmy Knows® the difficulties that disabilities can cause. Social Security disability benefits, which are a monthly payment from the federal government provided to individuals who have a limited income and a lack of resources, can provide the money you need to live your life as best as possible. Attorney Jim Glaser knows how to help you get these benefits. All it takes is one call to get started with the help you need.
Do You Need Help Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you have questions about the process of filing a claim or appealing a claim decision, our Boston disability lawyers are here to be your guide as we work through this process together.
OUR RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Your condition must prevent you from working.
- Your disability must either be on the administration’s list of covered conditions or be determined to be as severe as the conditions included on the list.
- Your condition must have significantly limited your ability to complete routine physical or mental tasks for at least one year.
- You must have worked in a job that is covered by Social Security and made enough money at that job to earn the work credits required to claim benefits.
What is the Process of Getting Social Security Disability Benefits in Boston?
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits in Boston is overseen by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. The application process includes the following steps:
- Submit your application and supporting documentation about your medical condition and your work history for the past 15 years.
- Your application will undergo an initial review to ensure that you meet the basic requirements and have provided the required documentation. If all of this information is in order, your case will be forwarded to the Disability Determination Service office in your area.
- The state will make an initial determination for the administration on your application. If the application is approved, you will receive a letter noting that approval, the amount of benefits you are eligible to receive, and the date on which these monthly payments will start.
- If you disagree with the decision that was made, you are permitted to undergo the appeals process.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Building a case for your disability benefits is a very detailed process that can become confusing if you choose to go it alone. The right disability attorney can ensure you take all the right steps, giving you the best chance at approval for your disability application. It is a Boston disability lawyer’s job to know what your application needs for approval, so it is in your best interest to have them on your side. They can help you with your initial application, file an appeal if your application is denied, communicate with the SSA, and fight on your behalf. If your case has been denied, your lawyer can also compile the necessary evidence and documentation to build a strong case for an appeal.
What Comes Next?
Either give us a call or fill out our online form and we’ll talk about your case. Your case review is free and can be done in person or by online video call. You don’t even have to leave your house to start seeking the disability benefits you deserve.
Your Boston disability lawyer will gather all the necessary evidence and documentation you need to build your strongest possible case.
If your application is denied, don’t worry! Your attorney will file your appeal within the 60-day deadline so you have your best chance at receiving the benefits you deserve.
When you are facing a disability that limits your ability to work, we understand you need benefits right away. Seeking your Social Security disability benefits can be a long, drawn-out process, but our team will be hard at work making sure you receive your benefits as quickly as possible.
Need Help Applying for Disability Benefits? We Can Help!
Our team at Jim Glaser Law is here to guide you through the legal process. Have questions about your disability applications? Jimmy Knows® the answers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Other benefit programs, such as workers’ compensation, can reduce the amount of monthly benefits you are eligible to receive.
If your claim is denied, you will be permitted to appeal the decision within 60 days after receiving your determination letter. There are four levels of appeal, including requesting reconsideration of your application, a hearing before an administrative law judge, a review by the Social Security Appeals Council, and a review by the federal courts. Our Boston disability lawyers can help you with all levels of appeals.
Yes, there are a number of reasons why your application can be denied, including an arrest warrant or conviction of a crime that results in incarceration, the ability to return to work, or you are not a citizen of the United States.
Certain family members may obtain benefits through your work credits, including your spouse if he or she is over the age of 62 or is caring for a child under 16 or disabled; minor children, and adult children who have a disability that started before the age of 22.
The length of time between applying for SSDI and receiving it varies by state. In most cases, the initial determination takes three to six months. If your application is denied, you may need to file an appeal. The different levels of appeals can take several months, especially if you have to request a hearing. In these cases, you will wait for a hearing for 12 to 17 months, and it may take another two to three months to get a decision from the judge.
In total, the process can take anywhere from three months to two years, depending on your case. Jimmy Knows® how precious your time is. That’s why he and his team work quickly and efficiently to file all your documents and ensure no errors are made that could prevent you from receiving your benefits. When you work with Jim Glaser Law, you will continually be updated on your case’s status and never wonder where it stands.
If you lack sufficient work credits for SSDI, you may still be eligible for benefits. People who haven’t worked or haven’t paid into Social Security in the past five years may qualify for SSI benefits, including cash payments and medical coverage. Disabled children may also qualify for SSI based on their parents’ work credits. The eligibility and benefits of SSI depend on your financial situation.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Ticket to Work Program that is designed to help the disabled get back to work without losing their benefits in the interim. With this program, you’re able to work for a nine-month trial period and receive full benefits, regardless of your income. For each month that you earn $910 or more, you receive a trial work month. After the trial period, you can receive benefits for the next 36 months if you make less than $1,260 or $2,110 if you’re blind. If you earn more, you won’t receive benefits for that month.
If your disability payments stop because of excessive earnings, but your health condition worsens and you can no longer work, you may be eligible for expedited reinstatement of your benefits. An experienced Boston disability lawyer like Attorney Jim Glaser can help you navigate working while receiving benefits and the process of expediting the reinstatement of your benefits.
If you receive SSDI benefits, they’re usually permanent benefits. In some cases, however, your benefits can be terminated. These may include: working, attending school full time, earning too much money each month, or becoming incarcerated or institutionalized. Your benefits may also be reduced or eliminated if the SSA believes your condition improved.
If your benefits have been terminated, you have the right to file an appeal. You have 10 days to file an appeal to continue receiving benefits while the case is pending. If your appeal is denied, but you received benefits during that time, you will have to pay that money back. If your benefits were terminated, contact Attorney Jim Glaser today for help in filing your appeal. Jimmy Knows® what you need to do to form the strongest appeal possible for your benefits.
While an attorney isn’t necessary for applying for SSDI, navigating all the deadlines and requirements is notoriously challenging. Dozens of applicants are denied every day for simple errors on applications. Hiring an attorney helps ensure that you are filling out your application correctly, seeking the maximum benefits you are entitled to, and gives you the best chance of approval. Attorneys can also help with the appeals process if your application is denied. Contact Jim Glaser Law today to learn more and get started on your application with the help of an experienced Boston disability lawyer. Jimmy Knows!® what to do to get you approved!
Suppose you reach retirement age while receiving Social Security disability benefits. In that case, your benefits will automatically change over to retirement benefits, assuming you meet the standard retirement qualifications for Social Security. In most cases, you cannot receive both retirement benefits and disability benefits from Social Security at the same time on the same earnings record. Contact us for a free case review to get advice on SSDI and retirement today.
In some cases, if you are seriously disabled, you may qualify to have student loans discharged as part of your Social Security benefits. If this happens to you, don’t worry about losing benefits. Discharging your loans is a separate issue and will not affect the amount of money you get through your SSDI benefits. The Department of Education handles the discharge of your student loans. However, it is always a good option to get a lawyer’s advice when receiving any type of Social Security benefit to help ensure that the paperwork is in order and the process goes smoothly. Contact our Boston disability lawyers, today!