If you live in Saugerties or Ulster County and are not able to work because of a disability, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Many disabled individuals have the right to SSD and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) but find it difficult to get benefits because their claims are denied.
Just because your claim was denied does not mean you are not eligible for benefits. Contact Ryan Roach & Ryan LLP for help to claim your Social Security benefits, file an appeal, or take your claim before a judge to make sure you get the benefits you are owed.
Are You Eligible for SSD Benefits?
In order to collect Social Security benefits, individuals generally have work and disability requirements. Individuals have to get enough work credits to qualify and they have to be considered disabled according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Work Qualification
Work qualification requires a certain number of credits, based on yearly wages and time worked. To qualify, most people need 40 total credits with 20 credits earned in the 10 years prior to the disability. Individuals can earn up to 4 credits per year, with the amount of income needed for a credit changes every year. In most situations, a person would need to work a minimum of 5 years at the maximum credit rate to qualify for SSD benefits.
Disability Requirement
The “disability” requirement is based on the SSA's definition of what is considered disabled and not able to work. A qualifying disability must limit a person's ability to perform basic work functions for at least 12 months. This includes standing, walking, lifting, sitting, and remembering.
There are a number of listed medical conditions that qualify as a disability. These include many chronic and disabling illnesses and medical issues, including chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and certain types of cancer.
SSI Supplemental Benefits
Supplemental Security Income is separate from SSD benefits. SSI is for individuals who are over the age of 65, disabled, or blind, and have little or no income. There is not a work requirement to qualify for SSI and it is also available for disabled children. To qualify, the standard for limited income in 2019 is an income up to $771 a month for an individual or $1,157 for a couple. The limited income standard changes each year.
Unfortunately for many disabled, blind, or elderly individuals in Ulster County, their initial application for SSI may be denied. This can be denied because the agency employee reviewing the application applied the wrong standard, made a clerical error, or failed to properly review the file. Talk to your Hudson Valley SSI law firm about how to appeal a denial to make sure you get the benefits you are owed.
Filing a Social Security Disability Claim in Ulster County
Applying for SSD benefits begins with an application. An application should be completed as soon as possible to reduce the waiting time before you begin to receive benefits. Applications can be completed:
- Online
- Toll-Free Call at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- Visit your local Social Security Office
Social Security Office for People in Ulster County
There is not a Social Security Office in Saugerties. The nearest SSA office is located in Poughkeepsie.
Social Security Administration Office
332 Main St
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
3
Office Hours:
Monday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
(Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays)
Was Your SSD or SSI Claim Denied?
Unfortunately, it is very common to have your SSD or SSI benefit claim denied. There may be a number of reasons why a claim is denied even if the individual should qualify for benefits. Do not give up after a denial without a review of your application. There may have been an error in the application or the SSA employee could have made a mistake.
If your claim was denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. Talk to an experienced New York Social Security benefits attorney who can review your application, identify any potential problems, and file an appeal for reconsideration. Appeals for an SSD or SSI claim may include:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing
- Appeals Council Review
- Federal Court Review
The reconsideration process generally involves asking the SSA for a new review of your claim. This can include submitting additional evidence of your disability, or other supporting documentation. If you request a reconsideration without a review of your initial application or without submitting additional evidence for a medical determination, your claim may be denied again. Talk to a lawyer to make sure the reconsideration demonstrates that you qualify for benefits.
Saugerties SSI Disability Law Firm
The lawyers at Ryan Roach & Ryan, LLP understand how frustrating it can be for disabled individuals to deal with a government agency that has denied their claim. We work with our disabled, out-of-work, or over-65 clients and their families to make sure they get the benefits they need. For experienced legal representation in getting SSDI or SSI benefits in Saugerties and the Hudson Valley, call us at (800) 901-2525 today for a free consultation.