Staten Island Social Security Disability Lawyers Who Fight for Injured and Ill Workers
You earned these benefits – don’t let delays or denials stand in the way of what you’re owed
Staten Island workers show up – day after day, year after year – on ferry docks, construction sites, in hospital wards, classrooms, kitchens, warehouses, and offices. When an injury or illness forces someone out of the workforce, Social Security Disability benefits are supposed to provide a safety net. These benefits aren’t a handout – they’re something you’ve paid into and earned. But too often, workers who spent their lives keeping New York running are met with red tape, delays, and denials when they need help the most.
The legal team at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP believes Staten Island’s injured and ill workers deserve better. Whether your disability stems from a job site fall, a chronic condition, or a progressive illness that’s made work impossible, you have a right to full benefits – and the process shouldn’t be a fight. But without the right legal team, it often is. We’re here for you. For over 90 years, our firm has helped more than 100,000 New Yorkers get the compensation they’re entitled to. If you’re struggling to get approved for SSD benefits, contact Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP for a free consultation. We make it easier to get the justice you’ve already earned.
FAQs About Staten Island Social Security and Disability
When you’re too injured or ill to work, having accurate, trustworthy information about Social Security Disability claims is essential – and that guidance should come from a legal team you can count on. The following FAQ from Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP answers some of the most important questions disabled workers and their families face.
- What conditions qualify for Social Security Disability in Staten Island and across New York?
- How do I know if I’m eligible for SSD benefits after an injury or illness in Staten Island?
- What are the most common reasons SSD claims are denied for Staten Island workers and residents?
- How long do I have to wait before applying for Social Security Disability after becoming disabled?
- Can I get both workers’ compensation and SSD if my injury happened on the job in Staten Island?
- What’s the difference between SSD and SSI, and which one applies to my situation in Staten Island?
- What kind of medical evidence do I need to prove I’m disabled for an SSD claim?
- Can I apply for SSD benefits while I’m still being treated or recovering?
- Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSD benefits in Staten Island, or can I do it myself?
- How long does it take to get approved for SSD benefits in New York?
- What happens if my SSD claim is denied – can I appeal the decision?
- Can I work part-time or do light duty while receiving SSD benefits?
- Are Staten Island residents more likely to be denied due to delays or paperwork issues?
- How does a Staten Island Social Security Disability lawyer help improve my chances of approval?
- How do I get a free consultation with a Staten Island SSD attorney, and what will we talk about?
What conditions qualify for Social Security Disability in Staten Island and across New York?
To qualify for SSD, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of qualifying impairments, but even conditions not on the list can qualify if they’re severe enough. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Chronic back injuries, herniated discs, or joint damage from physical labor, common in Staten Island’s construction and warehousing jobs.
- Neurological conditions: Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or stroke aftereffects.
- Cardiovascular and respiratory issues: Congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or long-term asthma complications.
- Cancer and autoimmune diseases: Advanced-stage cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Mental health disorders: Severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, or schizophrenia that limits daily function.
Proving the severity of your condition requires more than just a diagnosis. A lawyer can help ensure your medical records and documentation clearly support your claim.
How do I know if I’m eligible for SSD benefits after an injury or illness in Staten Island?
SSD eligibility is based on your work history, the severity and duration of your condition, and how it affects your ability to work. Even people with severe impairments may be denied if they don’t meet the SSA’s technical rules. You may be eligible if:
- You have a strong work history: Typically, at least 5 of the last 10 years must include Social Security-covered employment.
- You cannot perform substantial gainful activity: Your income must fall below a set limit due to your condition.
- Your condition will last at least 12 months: Or is expected to result in death.
- You have medical documentation: Showing how your condition prevents you from working.
- Your condition limits any type of work: Not just your past job, but any job the SSA deems suitable.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, a disability lawyer can help assess your case and guide you through the SSD application process.
What are the most common reasons SSD claims are denied for Staten Island workers and residents?
Unfortunately, most initial SSD claims are denied – even when the applicant clearly cannot work. Understanding common denial reasons can help you avoid costly delays or mistakes. Frequent causes of denial include:
- Insufficient medical evidence: Failing to provide detailed and up-to-date documentation.
- Failure to follow treatment plans: Missing doctor appointments or not taking prescribed medication.
- Earning too much income: Even part-time work can exceed the SSA’s earnings limit.
- Short-term disability: SSD is for long-term conditions, not temporary injuries.
- Administrative errors: Mistakes in paperwork, missing deadlines, or incomplete applications.
Even strong claims can be rejected on technical grounds. Having an SSD lawyer involved early can help prevent denials and streamline the appeals process if necessary.
How long do I have to wait before applying for Social Security Disability after becoming disabled?
You can apply for SSD benefits as soon as you become disabled, but the Social Security Administration only approves claims for conditions expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You don’t have to wait a full year to apply – just have medical evidence that your condition is long-term. If you were injured in a warehouse accident in Travis or developed a chronic illness after years of work on the Staten Island ferry docks, filing early with the right documentation is critical. An attorney can help make sure you meet all SSD eligibility standards from the start.
Can I get both workers’ compensation and SSD if my injury happened on the job in Staten Island?
Yes, many workers who suffer serious injuries on the job – such as a fall at a West Shore construction site or a back injury from lifting patients at Staten Island University Hospital – can qualify for both workers’ comp and SSD. However, the benefits may affect each other, and SSD payments could be reduced if you’re receiving comp. The key is to structure both claims properly and avoid overlap that could hurt your total recovery. A lawyer experienced in both systems can coordinate your benefits and help maximize what benefits you receive.
What’s the difference between SSD and SSI, and which one applies to my situation in Staten Island?
SSD and SSI are both federal programs, but they serve different groups of people and have different eligibility criteria. Understanding the difference can help you determine which program – or both – you may qualify for:
- Social Security Disability (SSD): For people with qualifying work history who paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income individuals with limited assets, regardless of work history.
- Same medical criteria: Both require proof that you are unable to work due to a qualifying condition.
- SSD offers additional benefits: Including Medicare eligibility after two years of SSD payments.
- SSI may include state supplements: New York residents may receive additional cash assistance under SSI.
If you’re not sure which program applies to you, an SSD attorney can review your income, assets, and work history to help you apply correctly.
What kind of medical evidence do I need to prove I’m disabled for an SSD claim?
Strong medical documentation is the foundation of any successful SSD application. The SSA wants proof that your condition is both severe and long-term, and that it directly prevents you from working. Important medical evidence often includes:
- Detailed treatment records: Including test results, imaging scans, and notes from ongoing care.
- Physician statements: Letters or forms that explain your physical or mental limitations in a work setting.
- Specialist evaluations: Especially for complex conditions like neurological or autoimmune disorders.
- Medication history and side effects: Showing how treatments impact your ability to concentrate, function, or remain alert.
- Consistent medical care: Gaps in treatment may raise doubts about the severity of your condition.
An attorney can work directly with your doctors to ensure you have everything the SSA needs to make an informed decision.
Can I apply for SSD benefits while I’m still being treated or recovering?
You don’t need to wait until treatment ends, but you do need proof that your condition will keep you from working for at least a year. If you’re undergoing surgery, rehab, or long-term care at Richmond University Medical Center or a Staten Island outpatient clinic, you may still qualify. The SSA will want medical evidence that your recovery is uncertain or incomplete. A disability lawyer can help time your application and gather the right records to show how your ongoing treatment limits your ability to work.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSD benefits in Staten Island, or can I do it myself?
You can file on your own, but the process can be confusing, complex and filled with opportunities to make costly mistakes. Most initial claims are denied, even for people with legitimate disabilities – often because of paperwork errors or missing medical support. In a high-denial region like Staten Island, where local SSA offices may be backlogged, having a lawyer can streamline the process and improve your chances. And since our experienced SSD lawyers only get paid if you win, there’s no risk in getting professional help.
How long does it take to get approved for SSD benefits in New York?
The timeline varies, but most applicants wait three to six months for an initial decision – and far longer if they’re denied and must appeal. In Staten Island and surrounding boroughs, administrative backlogs often push appeals into a 12- to 24-month wait. During that time, bills can pile up, and many applicants struggle without income. A skilled attorney can help avoid unnecessary delays and build a strong case from the beginning, which can sometimes lead to faster approvals.
What happens if my SSD claim is denied – can I appeal the decision?
Yes, and many successful claims are approved on appeal rather than during the initial application. Denials are common, but the appeals process gives you multiple opportunities to present a stronger case. The main stages of appeal include:
- Reconsideration: A fresh review by a different SSA examiner.
- Administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing: Where you can present evidence and testify before a judge.
- Appeals council review: A final SSA review if the ALJ also denies your claim.
- Federal court: A last resort when all SSA administrative options have been exhausted.
Appealing takes time and legal precision. A Staten Island SSD lawyer can guide you through each step and significantly improve your chances of success.
Can I work part-time or do light duty while receiving SSD benefits?
Yes, but your earnings must stay below the SSA’s limit for “substantial gainful activity” (around $1,500/month in 2025, subject to change). If you’re working reduced hours at a Tottenville retail shop or driving part-time for a delivery service in Graniteville, those wages may affect your eligibility. The SSA also considers the type of work you do – not just your income. A lawyer can help you understand what’s allowed so you don’t accidentally lose your benefits.
Are Staten Island residents more likely to be denied due to delays or paperwork issues?
While the SSA applies the same rules nationwide, Staten Island applicants often face longer wait times due to high volume and local backlogs at area offices. Missing forms, vague doctor’s notes, or improperly completed applications are among the most common reasons for denial. This is frustrating for people dealing with life-altering disabilities after years of hard physical work in Staten Island’s labor-heavy industries. Legal help ensures your paperwork is complete and that your case doesn’t get lost in the system.
How does a Staten Island Social Security Disability lawyer help improve my chances of approval?
Having a lawyer on your side can mean the difference between denial and approval when navigating the complex rules of the SSA. A qualified Staten Island SSD attorney understands how to present your case in the strongest possible way. Here’s how they help:
- Prepare and submit your application accurately: Avoiding common errors that lead to automatic denials.
- Gather and present medical evidence: Including detailed reports, statements, and updates from your care providers.
- Communicate with SSA and doctors on your behalf: Reducing your stress while ensuring nothing gets missed.
- Represent you in hearings and appeals: With a clear legal strategy tailored to your case.
- Identify additional benefits: Like SSI, Medicare, or workers’ comp offsets that may apply.
With a Staten Island-based legal team that knows the system, you’ll have a much better chance of getting approved and moving forward with the support you need.
How do I get a free consultation with a Staten Island SSD attorney, and what will we talk about?
Getting a free consultation is as simple as calling or submitting a request online. During your consultation with Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP, you’ll talk about your medical history, your work background, and what steps you’ve already taken to apply for SSD. You’ll also learn what evidence your case may be missing, what benefits you may be eligible for, and how the firm can help. There’s no fee to meet with a lawyer – and you won’t pay anything unless your case is successful.
Talk to a Staten Island Social Security Disability Attorney Who’s Ready to Fight for You
If an injury or illness has left you unable to work, you shouldn’t have to fight for the benefits you’ve already earned. Our Staten Island Social Security Disability attorneys understand how much is at stake – and we know how to win. For over 90 years, our legal team has fought for hard-working New Yorkers just like you, recovering billions in benefits and settlements for more than 100,000 clients across the state.
We don’t get paid unless you do, and your consultation is 100% free. Whether you’re applying for the first time or dealing with a denial, we’ll take the stress off your shoulders and guide you every step of the way. Contact Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP today and put New York’s most experienced disability attorneys in your corner.