Middlesex County, NJ Disability Lawyer

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that provides benefits to injured workers and their dependents. It is designed for those who have suffered unexpected injuries before reaching the age of retirement. You earn SSDI coverage by working and paying Social Security taxes on your earnings.

The process of applying for SSDI benefits can be complicated. Also, many applications are unfairly rejected. Whether this is your first time seeking SSDI benefits or you are seeking to appeal a denied claim, our legal team can help obtain the compensation you deserve.

Seek support and guidance from our experienced disability lawyers by calling Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (609) 557-3081.

What Forms of Disability Benefits Can You Apply for in Middlesex County, NJ?

SSDI benefits may be paid to those who cannot work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. SSDI is the program that you pay into when you work and the amount of benefits you receive under this program will be based on your past earnings. Specifically, you must have worked a job where part of your payroll was deducted for Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes. You will earn “credits” for each year spent working a job where you pay a Social Security tax. The number of credits you need to qualify for SSDI benefits will depend on the age at which you became disabled.

Additionally, if you were disabled before reaching the age of 22, then you may be able to recover SSDI benefits using your parents’ work history. This allows injured workers who have not had the chance to accumulate large amounts of work credits to still receive the support they need.

In some cases, people with no work record could be entitled to file for the need-based Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. Our disability lawyers can help you determine which disability program is appropriate for you.

How to Decide if Your Disability Qualifies You for SSDI Benefits in Middlesex County, NJ

If you have completed enough work to qualify for SSDI benefits, then the next step for your case will involve determining if you have a qualifying disability. Generally, there are 5 factors that will be assessed to determine if your disability qualifies.

First, you must not be currently able to work to support yourself in order to qualify. In 2023, if you are working and your earnings average over $1,470 per month, then you generally cannot qualify for SSDI. However, if you are blind, then the limit is raised to $2,460 per month for 2023.

Second, your condition must be severe. To be considered severe, the disability must substantially limit your ability to perform required activities at work. For example, a severe disability can limit your ability to walk, stand, sit, lift, or remember certain information.

Third, your disability must be severe. Furthermore, it must be found on the list of disabling conditions provided by the Social Security Administration. You can view the list of qualifying conditions by following the link here.

Fourth, when evaluating whether you have a qualifying disability, you must analyze whether your condition impacts your ability to perform past work. If you cannot do the work you did previously, then you may proceed to the final step.

Finally, you must assess whether there is other work that you may perform despite your condition. If you can’t perform other work, then you likely have a qualifying disability.

Applying for Social Security Benefits in Middlesex County, NJ

Filing a claim for SSI or SSDI benefits can be complicated. You will need to gather a great deal of information related to your claim. For instance, you will be asked to provide background information like your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship.

Also, you will have to provide information about your work history. This will include reporting your recent earnings and all of the places you have worked for the previous 15 years.

Furthermore, you must report information regarding the medical treatment you are receiving for your disability. Specifically, you must provide contact information for all doctors and therapists you are seeing, as well as the names of any hospitals where you were treated. You will also have to report any medications you are taking.

Once the necessary information has been collected, you must decide how to apply. You can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or by visiting a local Social Security office.

Why Are Disability Claims Denied in Middlesex County, NJ?

There are multiple potential reasons that your claim for disability benefits can be denied. For instance, filing mistakes are a common error made by claimants that can result in their claims’ denials. Filing mistakes are easy to make, you will have to gather a great deal of information and submit several lengthy forms. Even the smallest mistake made on these forms can cause your claim to be denied.

Another very common reason that disability claims are denied is a lack of medical evidence. Your medical records must support the assertion that your disability limits your ability to work. If you do not acquire proper documentation for your injuries, then your claim may be denied.

Furthermore, some disability claims are rejected because of previous denials. If your claim was denied, you must appeal the rejected claim rather than file a new application.

Lastly, claims can be denied because injured parties fail to follow medical advice. If you do not abide by your doctor’s orders, then the Social Security Administration may be unable to determine whether your health is actually preventing you from working.

Call Our Law Firm for Help with Your Claim for Disability Benefits in Middlesex County, NJ

Seek help from our experienced disability lawyers by calling Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (609) 557-3081.