If you’re unable to work due to a prolonged or permanent medical condition, you may become eligible for financial benefits through Social Security disability programs. Many workers in Concord and throughout Southwestern New York face challenges when their medical conditions prevent them from maintaining employment. Because these programs maintain strict technical and medical eligibility requirements, consulting an experienced Social Security disability attorney can help you determine whether you may qualify for benefits and how to maximize your likelihood of a favorable result.
At Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, we take a personalized approach to each case, understanding that every client brings unique circumstances and needs to the table. Our team of attorneys serves clients throughout Southwestern New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania with dedication and deep experience in Social Security disability law. Contact us online or call (716) 484-1010 today for an initial consultation to learn how we can help you pursue the financial benefits you need.
The Social Security Administration manages two distinct programs that provide financial support to individuals unable to work due to prolonged or permanent disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly financial benefits to workers who can no longer continue working due to their medical conditions. The program calculates benefit amounts based on your individual work history and income records. On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial support to low-income individuals with disabling conditions, with benefits based on the federal monthly benefit amount minus any qualifying monthly income a recipient earns.
Both programs require ongoing medical evaluation. The Social Security Administration will review your condition periodically to determine whether you have recovered enough to return to work. However, you can receive these benefits until retirement age or throughout your life if you continue to meet the medical criteria. The Administration also offers programs allowing recipients to test their ability to return to work while maintaining their benefits eligibility, providing a safety net if full-time employment is too challenging.
These programs ensure that individuals who cannot work due to medical conditions can access crucial financial support while maintaining the flexibility to attempt workforce reentry when possible.
You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s disability criteria. A qualifying condition must prevent you from performing basic work tasks such as standing, sitting, lifting, remembering, or following directions to the extent that you cannot earn a minimum monthly income through substantial gainful activity. Additionally, your medical condition must last at least 12 months or result in death.
SSDI and SSI maintain different technical requirements beyond the medical criteria. For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits before your disability began. You earn these credits by working and paying Social Security taxes, with a maximum of four credits available each year. Most workers need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the 10 years before their disability began. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
SSI eligibility depends on financial need rather than work history. To qualify, you must have limited income and assets. Your countable income must fall below the federal monthly benefit rate (currently $967 for an individual and $1450 for a married couple). Furthermore, your countable assets must remain under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for married couples.
You can begin your Social Security disability application online, by phone, or in person. For SSI applications, the Social Security Administration conducts the process by telephone. Your application will require comprehensive information about your:
Once submitted, the Social Security Administration reviews your application in several stages. They examine your financial information and work history to determine your technical eligibility for either SSDI or SSI. They also evaluate your medical records to assess whether your condition meets their disability criteria.
The Administration may request additional medical examinations to gather more information about your condition. These consultative examinations help provide a complete picture of your medical status and limitations. Many initial applications face denial, but this does not mean you should give up. The appeals process offers several opportunities to present additional evidence and argue your case before different reviewers.
When you work with our legal team, you gain the support of experienced attorneys who understand both the complexities of Social Security disability law and the unique needs of our local community. We help you pursue the financial benefits you need by:
Our approach combines thorough legal knowledge with personal attention to your unique circumstances. Each member of our team brings valuable experience and perspective to your case, allowing us to answer your questions and develop practical solutions tailored to your needs.
If a medical condition prevents you from working, you need experienced legal guidance to help you secure the benefits you deserve. At Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, we understand the challenges you face, and we’re here to help. Our team serves clients throughout Southwestern New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, providing dedicated representation and personalized attention to each case.
Contact our office today at (716) 484-1010 for an initial consultation with our legal team. We look forward to helping you understand the best path forward for securing the Social Security disability benefits you need.
You can reach our Jamestown office using the following directions.
From the North:
Head south on NY-60 S toward Jamestown. Continue on NY-60 S until you reach the intersection with Forest Ave. Turn left onto Forest Ave, and 81 Forest Ave will be on your right after a few blocks.
From the South:
Head north on US-62 N toward Jamestown. Continue on US-62 N until it becomes E 2nd St. Turn right onto Forest Ave, and 81 Forest Ave will be on your left.
From the East:
Take I-86 W/NY-17 W to the Jamestown exit (Exit 12). Follow signs for NY-60 N/Jamestown. Continue on NY-60 N until you reach Forest Ave. Turn right onto Forest Ave, and 81 Forest Ave will be on your right.
From the West:
Take I-86 E/NY-17 E to the Jamestown exit (Exit 12). Follow signs for NY-60 N. Continue on NY-60 N and turn right onto Forest Ave. 81 Forest Ave will be on your left.
