Huntington Social Security Disability Lawyers Who Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve
Guiding injured and ill workers in Huntington through the SSD process with experience and care
When your health keeps you from working, everything else can start to feel uncertain – your income, your stability, and your next steps. Whether you're dealing with a serious illness, recovering from surgery, or managing a condition that’s gotten worse over time, you may have reached a point where continuing to work just isn’t possible. It’s a difficult place to be, and for many people in Huntington and surrounding communities, applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits becomes a necessary next step – especially after workers’ compensation benefits run out or aren’t enough to cover long-term needs. But as many quickly discover, the SSD application or appeal process is rarely as straightforward as it should be.
Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP has helped thousands of New Yorkers get the disability benefits they’ve earned and deserve. We understand the local industries, the medical documentation that matters, and the common reasons why strong claims get denied. Whether you're just starting an SSD application or trying to appeal a decision, we’re here to make the process easier and give your claim the support it deserves. There’s no fee unless we win, and consultations are always free – because you shouldn’t have to fight for what you’ve earned alone.
FAQs About Huntington SSD Claims
When you're applying for Social Security Disability, having clear, accurate information from a trusted legal authority can make all the difference – which is why the team at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP has answered some of the most important questions below.
- What should I do first if I can’t work anymore due to a serious illness or injury in Huntington?
- Who qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits in New York, and how do I know if I meet the criteria?
- What medical conditions most commonly lead to successful SSD claims in Huntington and surrounding communities?
- Can I apply for SSD if I was injured on the job but already received workers’ compensation benefits?
- What types of documentation and medical records are most important when filing an SSD claim?
- Why are so many Social Security Disability claims denied on the first try – even when the disability is real?
- How do I appeal if my Social Security Disability application has already been denied?
- Does my work history in Huntington affect whether I qualify for SSD under the work credit system?
- Can a pre-existing condition qualify for SSD if it got worse because of my work or physical demands?
- What’s the difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
- How long does it usually take to get SSD benefits in New York, and why do delays happen?
- Can I work part-time or take a light-duty job while receiving SSD benefits?
- What happens if I make a mistake or miss a deadline during the SSD application process?
- How can a Huntington Social Security Disability lawyer improve my chances of approval or appeal success?
- What does it cost to hire a lawyer for SSD, and how does payment work if my claim is approved?
What should I do first if I can’t work anymore due to a serious illness or injury in Huntington?
When you realize you can no longer keep working due to a health condition, it can feel overwhelming. Taking the right initial steps can make a major difference in how quickly your Social Security Disability (SSD) claim moves forward – and whether it’s approved.
- See a doctor and follow a treatment plan: This creates the medical foundation for your SSD claim.
- Gather work and medical history: You’ll need records going back several years, including job titles, duties, and healthcare visits.
- File an SSD application promptly: The process can take months, so filing as soon as possible helps avoid gaps in income.
- Keep a symptom journal: Document how your condition affects daily life and your ability to work.
- Talk to a disability lawyer early on: A lawyer can help ensure your application is accurate and complete from the start.
You don’t have to wait until a denial to get legal help – an experienced SSD lawyer can guide you from the beginning and help prevent common mistakes from derailing your SSD application.
Who qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits in New York, and how do I know if I meet the criteria?
Not every medical issue qualifies for SSD. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict set of guidelines, so it's important to understand what they look for when reviewing claims. Common SSD guidelines include:
- You must have a qualifying medical condition: It must prevent you from working full-time for at least 12 months or be terminal.
- You must be unable to do substantial work: If you can’t return to your past job or adjust to a new one, you may qualify.
- You need enough work credits: These are based on your age and how long you’ve worked – typically through jobs where you paid Social Security taxes.
- Your condition must be documented: Self-reported symptoms aren't enough – medical records must back up your claim.
- The SSA’s “Blue Book” may apply: Certain illnesses and impairments are listed specifically as qualifying conditions.
If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, a Social Security Disability attorney can evaluate your work and medical history and give you accurate advice so you can make informed decisions.
What medical conditions most commonly lead to successful SSD claims in Huntington and surrounding communities?
In Huntington and nearby towns in Suffolk County, SSD claims often arise from conditions that prevent residents from continuing in physically demanding or repetitive jobs. Some conditions are more commonly approved than others.
- Orthopedic conditions: Chronic back problems, joint disorders, or degenerative disc disease from years in construction, retail, or delivery work.
- Cardiovascular disorders: Congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or severe hypertension.
- Neurological disorders: Epilepsy, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries.
- Respiratory conditions: COPD, asthma, and long-term damage from chemical exposure in industrial jobs.
- Cancer diagnoses: Especially late-stage or aggressive cancers requiring extensive treatment.
- Mental health conditions: Severe depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia – if symptoms prevent consistent work.
An SSD lawyer can help connect your diagnosis to how it limits your ability to work, which is key to approval – not just the condition itself.
Can I apply for SSD if I was injured on the job but already received workers’ compensation benefits?
Yes, you can apply for SSD even if you’ve already received workers’ compensation for a job-related injury. In fact, many workers in Huntington turn to SSD when their work injury leads to long-term disability. While both programs offer financial support, SSD is designed to help those who cannot return to work in any capacity for at least 12 months. A lawyer can help coordinate both claims so that you don’t miss deadlines or risk benefit reductions.
What types of documentation and medical records are most important when filing an SSD claim?
Solid documentation is the foundation of any successful SSD claim. Without the right records, even a severe disability can be denied due to lack of evidence, including:
- Detailed medical records: Including diagnoses, imaging results, treatment plans, and prognosis.
- Doctor's statements: A physician’s opinion on how your condition limits your ability to work is extremely valuable.
- Work history and job descriptions: Shows the physical or mental demands of your previous roles.
- Medication lists and side effects: If treatment impairs your ability to function day to day.
- Functional assessments: Notes from physical therapists, mental health professionals, or vocational experts.
An SSD attorney can help gather and organize your documentation to make sure it meets SSA’s standards – helping you avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
Why are so many Social Security Disability claims denied on the first try – even when the disability is real?
Unfortunately, most first-time SSD applicants are denied, even when they have legitimate, serious medical conditions. The system is complicated and highly technical – and many people don’t know what they’re missing until it’s too late. Common reasons why SSD applications are denied include:
- Lack of detailed medical evidence: Not enough proof of how the condition limits your ability to work.
- Incomplete applications: Missing forms, vague answers, or skipped questions can lead to rejection.
- Work history gaps or confusion about credits: Without clear documentation, eligibility is harder to prove.
- Failure to meet technical definitions: The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses very specific criteria that aren’t always obvious to applicants.
- Missing deadlines or responding incorrectly to requests: Timeliness matters more than many realize.
Having an experienced SSD lawyer on your side who can review your case before submitting – or help with an appeal – can increase your odds of success significantly.
How do I appeal if my Social Security Disability application has already been denied?
A denial isn’t the end of the road. In fact, many SSD cases are won during the appeal process.
- Request reconsideration promptly: You typically have 60 days to respond after a denial.
- Gather additional evidence: This might include updated records or more specific documentation from your doctor.
- Prepare for a hearing before an administrative law judge: This is where many claims are ultimately approved.
- Submit legal briefs or arguments: A lawyer can explain why your claim should be approved under the law.
- Stay organized and meet deadlines: Appeals are time-sensitive and require thorough preparation.
The SSD appeals process can be overwhelming – but a Huntington SSD lawyer can guide you every step of the way and give your case a real opportunity for success.
Does my work history in Huntington affect whether I qualify for SSD under the work credit system?
Yes, your past work is a key factor in SSD eligibility. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your “work credits,” which are earned through payroll taxes during covered employment. For example, someone who spent 10+ years working in retail along Route 110 or in Huntington Station warehouses may have enough credits even if they’re now out of work. A lawyer can help evaluate your work record and determine if you meet the threshold based on your age, job history and other important criteria.
Can a pre-existing condition qualify for SSD if it got worse because of my work or physical demands?
Absolutely. If a condition you already have – like arthritis, a back injury, or a heart condition – was significantly aggravated by your job, it may still qualify you for SSD. Many applicants from Huntington’s more physical fields, like landscaping, construction, or warehouse work, find that years of strain can worsen an underlying issue to the point where full-time work becomes impossible. Medical documentation is key in such cases. An SSD attorney can demonstrate how your work contributed to your current level of disability.
What’s the difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSD and SSI are both administered by the Social Security Administration, but they serve different groups and have different eligibility requirements.
- Social Security Disability (SSD): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security long enough to earn “work credits.”
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Based on financial need – available to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
- Medical requirements are similar: Both programs require proof of a disabling condition that prevents full-time work.
- Benefit amounts differ: SSD benefits are based on your past earnings; SSI provides a set monthly amount.
- Some people qualify for both: This is known as a “concurrent claim.”
An SSD lawyer can help determine which benefits you may be eligible for and make sure your application is filed properly for the best possible outcome.
How long does it usually take to get SSD benefits in New York, and why do delays happen?
It often takes several months – or longer – to receive SSD benefits in New York. Processing time depends on the complexity of your case, whether additional medical evidence is requested, and how backlogged the SSA is at the time of your application. In Suffolk County, some delays happen because applicants don’t submit detailed enough medical records or miss important deadlines. Working with a lawyer helps make sure your paperwork is complete and your case moves forward as efficiently as possible.
Can I work part-time or take a light-duty job while receiving SSD benefits?
Yes, but only under strict limits. SSD allows for limited work through a program called “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA), and you generally can’t earn more than $1,500/month – more if you’re blind. If you take a job on New York Avenue or in downtown Huntington and exceed those limits, you could risk losing your SSD benefits. A lawyer can help you understand what part-time work is safe and how to avoid jeopardizing your financial support.
What happens if I make a mistake or miss a deadline during the SSD application process?
Even small errors – like missing medical forms, misreporting dates, or failing to respond to SSA requests – can result in denial or significant delays. Many people in Huntington get denied for reasons that have nothing to do with the severity of their condition. If you miss a deadline, you may have to start over unless you file a timely appeal. Having an attorney involved early can reduce these risks and keep your case on track from the beginning.
How can a Huntington Social Security Disability lawyer improve my chances of approval or appeal success?
Having an experienced SSD lawyer on your side can do more for your claim than just filling out the necessary paperwork. Your attorney can bring together legal strategy, documentation insight, and local understanding of a process that’s notoriously hard to navigate.
- Helps build a strong case from the start: Ensures applications are complete, accurate, and backed by the right records.
- Identifies weak spots before they become denials: A lawyer can catch missing evidence or unclear medical details early.
- Represents you at hearings: Makes persuasive legal arguments and handles cross-examination from SSA’s team.
- Coordinates with doctors: To secure the specific documentation SSA wants to see.
- Tracks deadlines and communications: So you don’t lose out due to technicalities or missed forms.
Working with a local firm like Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP can make a real difference – because experience, precision, and local knowledge matter when it comes to applying for SSD benefits.
What does it cost to hire a lawyer for SSD, and how does payment work if my claim is approved?
SSD lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and only if your claim is approved. If you win, the attorney’s fee is typically 25% of your back pay – capped at a maximum set by federal law. This system makes experienced legal help accessible, even if you’re not working and under financial pressure. It’s a risk-free way to make sure your case is handled correctly from day one.
Trusted Huntington Social Security Disability Attorneys Backed by Decades of Proven Results
You’ve worked hard your whole life. When an illness or injury stops you from working, getting approved for the benefits you’ve earned shouldn’t be a battle – but too often, it is. The Huntington Social Security Disability attorneys at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP know how to cut through red tape and make your case stand out. With over 90 years of experience, more than 100,000 clients served, and billions recovered, we know what it takes to win.
Let us take the pressure off your shoulders. Contact us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay us unless we win your case.