Utica Social Security Lawyers Advocating for Individuals Unable to Work Due to Injury or Disability

Most individuals work their entire lives, never thinking that they may be potentially injured and unable to continue to work. However, serious life-altering injuries can occur when we least expect them.

If you have been injured, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. These benefits are provided by the federal government and overseen by the Social Security Administration. The program has provisions for two different kinds of benefits: Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

If you feel that you may qualify to receive either type of these benefits, you need to contact our law firm and schedule a free strategy session with one of our skilled disability attorneys, who can answer all of your questions and explain your options.

Contact the law offices of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC at (315) 500-6425 and ask to speak with one of our experienced attorneys who can review your case and help to determine the best strategy going forward.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for Social Security Disability?

There are a number of conditions that you may have that can help you to qualify for social security disability benefits. You may qualify if you:

• Have been injured due to an accident
• Are considered to be disabled due to illness, personal injury, or some type of trauma
• Have been rendered disabled after serving in the armed forces
• Became disabled after the death of your spouse
• Have a physical or mental disability that is expected to last a year or result in death
• Were determined to be disabled before you turned 22 years of age

If you feel that you qualify for benefits under any of the conditions, you need to speak with a qualified attorney who has experience in dealing with these types of cases. Navigating social security disability claims can be extremely complicated, and an experienced lawyer can help make the process much easier.

How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits?

If you have been disabled, you need to take action and apply for SSD or SSI benefits immediately. It is vital that you put in your application so that you may receive benefits as quickly as possible and for the entire length of your disability.

You have the option to apply on your own behalf; however, it is recommended that you retain an attorney who can assist you with the application process. It is extremely common for Social Security Disability claims to be denied. Nevertheless, previous cases have demonstrated that individuals who utilize the services of a Social Security disability lawyer are far more likely to win their case on appeal.

How Are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Payments Calculated?

Contrary to popular belief, the Social Security Administration does not determine the amount of SSDI benefits that you will qualify to receive based on the severity of your injury. Instead. Your payment is based on the average of your lifetime earnings before you become disabled. These are also referred to as covered earnings meaning that your employer took money out of your pay for Social Security or FICA.

The monthly benefit that you receive through SSDI will be based on the average of your covered earnings over a period of time, also referred to as your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). The SSA places these amounts into a formula that will ultimately determine what is known as your primary insurance amount (PIA). Subsequently, this basic amount is used to determine your benefit.

Why Should I Hire a Disability Attorney to Help Me With My Claim?

Oftentimes when dealing with social security disability claims, there is a considerable amount of paperwork that must be completed and turned in for the process to even begin. All too frequently, we have had clients who come to us only after their cases have been denied. Upon review of the paperwork, it is then determined that some of the information that they provided was inaccurate, and as a result, their claim was not approved. Consult a skilled attorney before applying and avoid this circumstance.

The attorneys with the law firm of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC can assist you in filling out the paperwork correctly and answer any questions that you may have about the entire claims process. We are also fully prepared to go to court, if necessary, in order to fight for your right to receive benefits.

Contact our law offices today by calling us at (315) 500-6425 and scheduling a free strategy session with one of our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys.