Social Security Disability Lawyer
Have You Been Denied Disability Benefits? Contact Our Lawyer About Your Case Today
Instead of going through the application process again on your own, seek help from Jeffrey W. Goldblatt. He charges no attorney's fees unless he wins your appeal. Contact our New Jersey law firm today.
Social Security Disability: What You Need to Know
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to people who have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from working. The Social Security Administration oversees the often complicated application and appeals process for disability benefits.
Nearly all American workers pay Social Security taxes while they are employed. If you are an employee who paid Social Security taxes and you are now disabled, you are likely eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
You May Need to Apply Multiple Times
Keep in mind that many people who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance are initially denied. Many people apply for SSDI multiple times or choose to appeal. Mr. Goldblatt is a lawyer who has repeatedly helped wrongfully denied New Jersey clients receive the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.
More than 9.5 million people received disability benefits in December 2020. Almost 86 percent of recipients were disabled workers. The other recipients were disabled adult children or disabled widows or widowers.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits
Eligibility for Social Security disability income is based on the severity of the medical condition contributing to your disability and your specific earning capacity.
The Nature of Your Disability
The Social Security Administration operates under a strict definition of disability. Qualifying medical conditions include but are not limited to trauma-related injury, chronic disease, sensory impairment, and mental disorders.
Mr. Goldblatt can compellingly explain to the Appeals Council that you meet the strict definition of having a medical condition that:
- Prevents you from completing substantial gainful activity
- Prevents you from doing previous work or making adjustments to perform other work
- Will disable you for to last at least one year or be a fatal medical condition
Amount of Time You've Worked
Eligible recipients must also meet work credit requirements. Work credits are based on annual wages or self-employment income. A person can earn up to four work credits a year.
The number of credits needed to qualify varies based on age. Here are examples of how long someone needs to work in order to qualify for disability benefits at a given age:
- Before age 28: 1.5 years of work
- Age 38: 4 years of work
- Age 50: 7 years of work
- Age 60: 9.5 years of work
If your disability claim has been denied, you're not alone. Approximately 67% of disability claims are initially denied.*
Remember that you have the right to reapply for Social Security disability benefits or appeal the denial of your application.
Filing an Appeal? Do Not Delay
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If your Social Security disability claim has been denied, you must act fast. You have just 60 days to file an appeal after receiving the notification of denial. Failure to file an appeal within that time limit means you will need to start over by filing a new application for Social Security disability benefits.
Start the Appeals Process Discuss Your Disability Claim Today
Working as your disability lawyer, Jeffrey W. Goldblatt will do all of the necessary groundwork to develop an effective appeal. He will protect your legal interests so that you can receive the benefits from Social Security that you deserve.
As a former municipal prosecutor and a former public defender, Mr. Goldblatt understands all sides of the law and is able to provide his clients with compassionate and effective representation.
For assistance regarding the Social Security disability appeals process, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq. or call our office in East Brunswick, NJ.
(732) 238-8700
An Attorney You Can Count On A New Jersey Client Shares Her Positive Experience
Very kind, understanding, and patient. The best at his job!!! He is affordable. He is reachable and flexible. He is a great person. I would recommend him to anyone who needs his services. Judith, 2022
Reasons You May Have Been Denied Benefits And How We Can Overcome These Denials
Below are some common reasons why disability benefits are denied. Regardless of the reason for your denial, it is worth contacting our New Jersey law firm to discuss an appeal.
Lack of Proof or Medical Evidence
Some people are denied disability benefits because there was not enough supporting documentation from a physician or specialist regarding their condition. Our law offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, can help you get the necessary medical records to prove you have a qualifying disability.
Current Income Is Too High
If your disability still allows you to work and you earn more than a certain amount of money, you will no longer be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. Our law offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, can review your income and let you know if you should appeal your case.
Failure to Comply with Prescribed Treatment
Failing to follow recommended treatment may disqualify your SSDI application. Our law offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, can note that you have a legitimate reason for not complying with prescribed treatment, such as a lack of money to pay for care, objections based on religious beliefs, or factors related to mental illness or limited mobility.
Prior Felony Conviction
A felony conviction could lead to a denial of SSDI benefits depending on the circumstances of your disability. When you come to our law offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, Mr. Goldblatt can determine if any legal workarounds will allow you to collect disability benefits despite past imprisonment or criminal convictions.
Appealing a Denied Social Security Disability Claim
A denied claim can leave you feeling dejected and overwhelmed, but you do not need to handle an appeal on your own. Social Security disability lawyer Jeffrey W. Goldblatt can clear up any confusion and strategize an effective appeal.
Mr. Goldblatt has worked on countless Social Security disability appeals over the years and is familiar with each step of the process.
No matter what stage of the appeal you are currently in, you are welcome to reach out for help at any of our East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, offices.
The Four Levels of Appeals How Attorney Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Can Help Your Case
There are four levels of appeals: reconsideration, hearing by an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and Federal Court review.
Reconsideration
During reconsideration, the SSA will have your application and any additional relevant material you submit reviewed by someone other than the employee who initially denied it. Mr. Goldblatt can help you collect and present the right evidence and documentation to improve your chances during reconsideration.
Hearing by Administrative Law Judge
If the reconsideration does not go your way, you can request a hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ will not have been involved in reconsideration. Mr. Goldblatt can prep you for the hearing, going over common questions that may be asked and compelling responses to provide.
Review by Appeals Council
If the hearing with the ALJ is not successful, you can then request a review by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will determine if the results of the hearing followed current Social Security laws. Mr. Goldblatt can identify potential discrepancies from the hearing that warrant review.
Federal Court Review
As a last resort, you can file a civil action with the United States District Court in New Jersey. This must be filed within 60 days of the Appeals Council decision. Mr. Goldblatt knows how to prepare cases under strict deadlines and is prepared to serve as your lawyer in Federal Court to fight for your disability benefits.
Proactive and Effective Legal Counsel Another Stellar Recommendation From a Former Client
I have had several reasons to use an attorney over the years and Mr. Goldblatt is the best. He listens to you and truly understands what your needs are. He is effective and very, very proactive. My highest recommendation. Leslie, 2022
Social Security Disability FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions we receive about SSDI and the laws surrounding disability benefits. If you have any additional questions, we encourage you to contact our New Jersey offices in East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall.
How many times can I reapply for SSDI?
There is no limit. If a claim has been denied, you can file again for Social Security disability as many times as you want.
However, just because you can reapply numerous times does not mean it is the best option.
Following an initial claim denial, it is prudent to speak with a Social Security disability attorney like Jeffrey W. Goldblatt to discuss a potential appeal instead of starting over. During your consultation in East Brunswick, Freehold, or Wall, NJ, he can help you make the best decision moving forward.
Is New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) like SSDI?
No. New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance is a separate program. It provides monthly payments and support for people with temporary disabilities due to various medical conditions.
