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Albany Social Security Disability Lawyer

Our Albany SSD Attorneys Know How The System Works. Contact Us

Social Security Disability cases in Albany can be confusing. Due to all the rules and regulations involving SSD claims in New York State, it can be hard to know where to apply or even if you're eligible for SSD benefits in New York. That's why it's important to speak with an Albany Social Security Disability attorney as soon as possible to find out if you're eligible to receive SSD benefits for your Albany workplace injury or illness. We are ready to meet with you right away at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP.

Our experienced legal team has decades of experience handling some of the most complicated SSD claims in New York. Often, an initial application for SSD benefits is denied. That's why it's important that you speak with a lawyer at our firm as soon as possible. We can help prepare your initial application to file with the Social Security Administration. And if your application has been denied, we can help you file an appeal and represent you before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in the Albany area or whichever court is closest to you.

Do you qualify for Social Security Disability?

You have a disabling injury or illness. But can you file an SSD claim? The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines a qualifying disability using a five-step process:

  • Current work activity – If you are currently working, the SSA will consider the nature and amount of your work to determine if you are engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This is defined as work that pays a certain amount per month.
  • Severity of impairment – The SSA will then consider how severe your injury is. An impairment is considered severe if it "limits your ability to do basic work activities." Basic work activities include things like sitting, standing, lifting, walking, and using your hands.
  • Listing of impairments – The SSA has a list of medical conditions that are considered severe enough to qualify for disability benefits without further analysis. If your impairment meets or “medically equals” an impairment on the list, you will be considered disabled.
  • Ability to do past relevant work – If your impairment does not meet or medically equal a listing, the SSA will then consider your ability to do your past relevant work. This is work that you did in the past 15 years that was similar to your current work.
  • Ability to do other work – If you cannot do your past relevant work, the SSA will then consider your ability to do other work. It will consider your age, education, and work experience.

What types of disabilities are approved for SSD benefits?

SSD benefits can be approved for a wide range of impairments. But some commonly approved disabilities include:

  • Arthritis
  • Mental health disorders
  • Back problems
  • Heart conditions
  • Lung diseases
  • Cancer
  • Strokes
  • Diabetes-related conditions
  • Kidney disease

If you have any of these conditions, you may be eligible for disability benefits. However, the claims process can be complicated and lengthy. Many claims for benefits are denied. That’s why you need an experienced attorney who knows how to get results.

How Our Albany Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help You

Filing a successful Social Security Disability application or appeal often requires a tremendous amount of work. The forms need to be filled out perfectly. And in order to do so, a tremendous amount of research often needs to be done ahead of time. Our attorneys know what questions to ask and what information needs to be included in these forms. We also regularly work with experts in their fields, who can provide additional information for your application or even testify if necessary at your ALJ court hearing if your SSD application has been denied.

Often, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. From the date of your injury or illness, you often only have one year to apply for benefits. But if you wait too long, the evidence you need to build a successful case could become even harder to obtain. And if your initial application was denied, you only have 60 days to file a request for reconsideration. Don't miss out on these important deadlines. Make sure you're on track. Make sure you contact our law firm right away to schedule your free consultation at our Albany office today.

Albany
120 State Street
Albany, NY 12207
518-641-1584

Directions:

By Car: Take Exit 3 on Interstate 787 for US Route 9 South, US Route 20 East toward Rensselaer/Empire Plaza. Keep right and follow signs for Empire Plaza. Merge onto South Mall Arterial. Turn right onto South Swan Street. Turn right onto State Street. Turn left onto Eagle Street. Turn right onto State Street. The office is on your right.

By Train or Bus: (From the Albany, Rensselaer train station) Head south towards East Street. Turn left onto East Street. At East Street and Herrick Street, take the 114 West bus four stops to Broadway and State Street. Head south on Broadway toward State Street. Turn right on State Street. Turn left on South Pearl Street. Turn right on State Street. Destination will be on your left.