Queens Social Security Disability Attorneys

Representing Clients Facing SSD Legal Issues

The SSD program is for disabled workers who have worked and earned enough credits to qualify. The SSA also administers the SSI program for those who do not have enough credits and are without income (a public assistance program for the aged and disabled). If you need effective legal services, contact The Law Offices of George Poulos for a consultation to discuss your matter.

Insured Status

To qualify for SSD, you must have attained Insured Status. To obtain Insured Status, you must have earned enough credits by reporting a certain amount of income. A person can earn up to four credits a year. For individuals under 30 years of age, special rules apply to the credits needed to qualify. Persons ages 31 to 42 need at least 20 credits; if older than 42, you need additional credits every year (at age 60, you need at least 38 credits). Your benefits are determined by averaging your lifetime earnings. You can obtain an Earnings Statement from SSA to see if you qualify. In fact, it is a good idea to periodically check your Earnings Statement for accuracy.

Who Else Is Eligible for Benefits

If you’re found to be Disabled, other family members may qualify for additional benefits based on your earnings: 1) unmarried children under age 18, or ages 18 to 19 if a full time student at an elementary or secondary school; 2) unmarried child, if Disabled before age 22; 3) a spouse if caring for a child under 16 or Disabled; 4) a Disabled Widow(er) over age 50 (the disability must have started within seven years after spouse’s death).

Qualifications for Disability

Social Security rules require you to be totally disabled from any kind of work for over 12 months. You may receive disability benefits for as long as you remain disabled, subject to periodic Continuing Disability Reviews, or for a closed set period of time, such as if you returned to work or are no longer disabled.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

You can apply directly to your local SSA office. You should apply as soon as you become disabled, and you should apply immediately if your condition is life-threatening. If you apply more than one year after disablement, you should retain an attorney. You can receive retroactive benefits for as many as 12 months prior to the date you file your Application, and a five-month waiting period generally applies before payments begin. It is good to document your first contact with SSA. Your date of disablement can be very important. The disablement date must be within 5 years from the date in which you last worked and you must have earned 20 credits within the last 10 years. Hence, it is important to promptly see a physician who will document your disability as early as possible.

Levels of Decision Making

Perseverance pays off! Quite often, Social Security denies your initial application. You can appeal and are entitled to a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. At that time, you will actually be able to tell your side of the story. Statistics show that your chance of success increases when you get to the Hearing level. You can appeal an unfavorable decision to the Appeals Council and to the U.S. Federal Courts.

Medical & Vocational Requirements

All ailments and illnesses will be considered. The more complete the medical records and reports are in describing your illness, the better. The SSA looks to see if your doctor believes you are totally disabled from work. Different disabilities can be combined in finding you disabled (low back, depression, lupus). Social Security also considers the type of former employment, your age, education, and vocational factors. [Ex: A 55-year-old person may be found disabled, while a 45-year-old with the same disability might not] A trained lawyer familiar with this complicated set of regulations can be crucial in determining whether you receive a favorable decision. I have successfully handled hundreds of cases before Administrative Law Judges, the Appeals Council, and the U.S. District Courts.

Legal Fees

You do not have to pay my firm a legal fee unless we win your case. By law, in most cases, Social Security holds 25% of the retroactive benefits as a legal fee, capped at $9,200, and pays the lawyer directly. Expenses for medical records and reports must be paid for by the claimants.

Medicare, Medicaid

Persons are entitled to Medicare two years after SSA determines your disablement date. Persons eligible for SSI benefits are entitled to Medicaid. Medicare premiums are deducted from the benefits checks.

Returning to Work

You can return to work for a Trial Period for up to 9 months. After a favorable decision, you can earn up to $1,690 per month in 2026, or $2,830 per month if you are blind, and still receive disability benefits. You are allowed a Trial Work Period where you can work for nine months and make as much money as you can, and a month counts toward it in 2026 if you earn $1,210 or more. If you return to substantial work and your disability causes you to stop work within 36 months thereafter, you will be eligible to reinstate your benefits without filing a new application. Medicare may continue for at least 93 months after the Trial Work Period begins.

Contact The Law Offices of George Poulos

The SSA is a very large governmental bureaucracy. A Social Security lawyer understands its procedures, rules, and regulations. A lawyer is necessary to question medical consultants and vocational rehabilitation experts. Statistics show those represented by a lawyer have a higher success rate. You should obtain a lawyer, especially if SSA has denied your claim. You may be losing a large amount of money by not retaining a lawyer and appealing, rather than re-filing a new application at a later date. Persons eligible for disability who desire professional legal counsel in Social Security Disability matters should contact our firm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability

When should I apply for Social Security Disability?

Apply as soon as you become disabled. There is no waiting period for filing, and Social Security can only pay retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before your application date, so waiting can permanently cost you money. A five-month waiting period does apply before payments begin, but it runs from your disability onset date, not from your filing date.