James Piedimonte, P.C.

What are Social Security Disability benefits? Social Security Disablity (SSD or Title II) is a government assistance program from the Social Security Administration, a federal agency which provides benefits for disabled and retired workers and, in some cases, their dependants.  Social Security Disability Insurance Program

Who is eligible for SSD? To be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits, a person must have worked recently, usually for 5 out of the 10 past years. You must also have a physically or emotionally disabling condition that will prevent you from working for a minimum of 12 months. These benefits also work off a points system, and a person will have more points the longer he or she has been working. There is no age limit on receiving SSD benefits, but your work record will affect your eligibility.

What is Supplemental Security Income?  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is government assistance to poor and disabled individuals who cannot provide for themselves. SSI provides cash for food, shelter and clothing. This is a welfare type program which is financed through general tax revenues and is paid to children or adults who qualify.  Supplemental Security Income Program.

Who is eligible for SSI? To be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, you must meet certain requirements regarding disability, income and living conditions. You may be eligible to receive benefits even if you have not worked previously. 

What if my claim for benefits was denied? If your claim was denied, there is still hope. You can work with an attorney who can appeal the denial of your claim and help you get benefits. Sometimes even a valid claim will be denied because an attorney did not help prepare the claim and something was missed. With an appeal, you have the chance to still receive benefits.

What types of disabilities are usually covered under Social Security Disability? Physical and mental/emotional disabilities are covered by SSD and may qualify you to receive benefits. These include: cancer, diabetes, anxiety, depression, stroke, back pain, migraine headaches, arthritis, asthma and asbestosis. There are many more which qualify as well.  Whether you are applying for the first time or have already been denied benefits, we handle claims from the ground up and help our clients receive benefits more efficiently and more successfully than if they had carried out the process on their own.

What Can a Lawyer Do for You.  A lawyer undoubtedly can help you with your claim for Social Security Disability Benefits. A laywer can assist you in the preparation and submission of additional evidence to have your claim reconsidered for approval. In addition, if the application for reconsideration is denied, your lawyer can file a request for a hearing before an administrative judge of the Social Security Administration. Your lawyer can assist you throughout the hearing stage by: 1) preparing you to testify effectively, 2) presenting evidence in support of your claim through medical records, reports, and expert witnesses, and 3) cross-examining adverse medical or non-medical witnesses called by the Social Security Administration. Also, in the event that you are unsuccessful at the hearing stage, a lawyer can appeal the administrative judge's decision to the Appeals Council, and then to the United States District Court. Statistics show that claimants with legal representation succeed more than those without such representation. .

The average applicant finds this process too daunting and most people give up after the Social Security Administration rejects them.  Our success rate is testament to our steadfast dedication and willingness to challenge the Social Security Administration on our clients’ behalf.

Hiring A Lawyer To Represent You For Your Social Security Disability Benefits Claim

Attorneys who handle Social Security disability claims will represent you on a contingent fee basis. In other words, there is no attorney fee if your case is lost; you are required to pay a fee for your attorney's services only if your claim for disability benefits is won. The charge is either 25% of past-due benefits or $5,300.00, depending upon which amount is less. Also, if your attorney incurs out-of-pocket expenses connected to your legal representation, these expenses will be included at the conclusion of your case. A lawyer does not take any portion of your future benefits.

Call attorney, James Piedmonte 816-254-6477

When Should You Contact A Lawyer To Represent Your Claim For Disability Benefits?

You should contact a lawyer immediately upon receiving notice from the Social Security Administration or local Social Security office that your initial application for disability benefits has been denied. Studies show that claimants with legal representation are more successful than those without legal assistance, and therefore, a lawyer is likely to improve your chances of receiving disability benefits.

James Piedimonte has been handling Social Security Appeals and Hearings for over 25 years.

Social Security Administration Website