508-677-4900
Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury Attorneys Rhode Island & Massachusetts

Without a Diligent MA/RI Social Security Lawyer, SSDI and SSI Benefits are Difficult to Obtain

You have come to us most likely because you have been laid up or disabled by an injury or illness of some kind. You may be feeling frustrated because the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are so complicated and pursuing benefit payments is intimidating and confusing. Perhaps you've already filled out SSDI or SSI application forms and submitted all the documents you thought were needed but your claim was still denied.

You may be feeling discouraged and hopeless, but don't despair-you are not alone, and we will build a strong SSD claim appeal on your behalf. With an experienced, determined Social Security attorney in your corner, there is every likelihood you will succeed in the appeal process and finally start receiving the SSD payments you have coming to you. Even if you received some SSD benefits but they've now been stopped or delayed, we can help. No matter where you are in the SSDI or SSI evaluation process, we can serve as a powerful legal representative for you, so that you don't have to handle it on your own any more. If you are wondering why you should hire a disability attorney, it is because you significantly improve your SSDI or SSI case, particularly in avoiding or appealing a denied claim.

Most People Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits, but Most SSDI/SSI Claims are Denied

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are intended for people who have worked at least five of the last ten years, and paid into the system, through a type of Social Security tax called a "FICA" contribution. You very likely have every right to collect payments from that fund if you suddenly can't work due to a disability or medical problem, such as a major illness. Supplemental Security Income benefits are for people who are struggling financially and are unable to work due to a long list of common injuries, illnesses, diseases or disabilities.

Everyone at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl understands that many Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents are having a tough time making ends meet, simply due to the economy. When you are injured, in pain or disabled and unable to do the work you used to do, you need all the financial help you can get to be able to pay the bills and put food on the table. When you have dependents, such as elderly parents and kids, SSDI and SSI payments are even more important to your family's well-being and quality of life.

How much does Social Security disability pay a month?

The amount of money you can receive does not depend the severity of your injury or other medical conditions. Your Social Security disability payment is based on how much money you have earned during your lifetime. Income that qualifies for SSD benefits is known as your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). The Social Security Administration then uses your AIME to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the amount of money you receive each month.

Each person’s monthly Social Security disability payment is different. However, the maximum amount one person can receive in SSD benefits changes each year. The most recent maximum monthly payment is $3,148 in 2021. An experienced lawyer can review your case and explain how much money you could be eligible to receive each month.

Who decides if I receive SSD benefits?

Officials known as disability examiners are the first people to decide whether you receive SSD benefits. Each state has its own disability examiners. In Rhode Island, these examiners work for Disability Determination Services (DDS), which is part of the state’s Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS). In Massachusetts, examiners work for Disability Determination Services (DDS), which is a division of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).

At the next stage, your application will be reviewed by an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ will hold a hearing, where they will decide whether to approve or deny your SSD claim application. If you SSD claim is denied, you can appeal the ALJ’s decision.

Throughout the entire process, you have the right to have an attorney present with you and to assist with your SSD benefit application. Your lawyer can also deal directly with disability examiners and other officials on your behalf. Many people choose this strategy since experienced SSD attorneys thoroughly understand how the system works.

Can I sue for Social Security disability benefits?

You cannot directly file a lawsuit against the Social Security Administration (SSA) if your application for benefits is denied. However, you can take legal action against the SSA by filing a lawsuit in federal court against the current SSA commission.

Taking legal action against the SSA for a denied claim can be a very complex legal process. It’s also one of several options you may be able to pursue depending on your particular claim. You can also appeal a denied SSD claim. A lawyer can advise you on which strategy makes the most sense. They can also represent you in court and deal directly with the SSA on your behalf.

Call a Fall River, MA and Providence, RI Area Lawyer for Knowledgeable SSDI and SSI Legal Help

By some accounts, over 90 percent of initial claims are denied but with the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl by your side, you will have experienced and tenacious SSD attorneys pursuing the compensation you deserve. We have prepared and completed hundreds of successful Social Security Disability appeals. When you hire us to represent you, we will do all we can to prove that your ailment qualifies or "meets a listing" and satisfies Social Security Administration requirements. We will assess and organize your medical records, meticulously prepare your testimony and any other documentation needed.

Our lawyers are deeply familiar with the laws, systems and legal decision-makers involved in the assessment of Social Security Disability cases and Supplemental Support Income claims. We will ensure that your application is complete, accurate and adequately supported by the right documentation because we care about each and every one of our clients. Call the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl today at (508)677-4900 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. We will go after every penny of the SSD or SSI benefit payments you rightfully deserve, so you can simply focus on recovering-physically, financially and emotionally. Serving the Providence, Fall River, and Foxborough area, including Warren, Bristol, Tiverton, New Bedford, Newport, Little Compton and Boston.

Determined, experienced, capable and aggressive SSDI and SSI attorneys-that's us.

Locations

Fall River

191 Bedford St #301 Fall River, MA 02720
Phone: 508-677-4900

Foxborough

16 Chestnut St #130B Foxborough, MA 02035
Phone: 508-717-3596

Providence

127 Dorrance St #400A Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-307-4502

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