Long Island Social Security Disability

Suffering serious accident or illness that prevents you from working is devastating. Not only is your physical well-being compromised, your financial stability is at risk. Victim who suffer serious injuries are typically unable to return to work right away. While in some cases victims miss a few weeks or a few months of work. Others are not so fortunate and are unable to return to work for over a year. This means that the victim and his (or her) family will suffer financially. Fortunately, for those suffering from long-term injuries or disabilities, the Social Security Administration offers programs that may help. There are two programs that provide disability benefits: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income disability program (SSI). These programs each provide monthly benefits based on either your work record or your income. While each program provides those with disabilities with needed income, the application process can be complex and the denial rate is high. If you suffered a serious such as a traumatic brain injury, or have a debilitating illness such as cancer or a mental health disorder such that you are unable to work for an extended period, contact an experienced Long Island Social Security disability lawyer who understands the complexities of the Social Security disability claims process and who will help you through application process so that you receive the benefits you need.

In order to be eligible for SSDI you must have a history of employment or self-employment and you must have paid FICA taxes. You also must be disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration. Benefits are not available if your disability is short-term or if your disability is partial. If your application for Social Security disability insurance is denied, your monthly benefit will be based on your earnings history. The range is approximately $300 to $2,200 per month. Your benefit amount will be reduced if you any other government benefit.

SSI disability benefits are for disabled individuals who do not have the requisite employment record for SSDI benefits and who are low income. In order to qualify, not only must your condition meet the SSA's definition of disability, you must also have limited assets as defined by federal law and meet any other requirements imposed by New York State law. The totally amount of your monthly benefit is the total of a federal benefit and a New York supplemental benefit.

If you are injured in accident such as car accident or slip and fall accident, or your develop a serious illness due to conditions at work, you may be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits or compensation from a personal injury claim.

• Workers' compensation benefits. Victims who are injured in the course of employment are eligible for medical benefits, wage replacement and vocational training under New York's workers' compensation law. Your benefits from Social Security disability will be decreased if you also receive workers' compensation.
• Personal injury claim. If you were seriously injured in accident such as a car, SUV, truck, motorcycle or train accident, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible for the accident. You can demand compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, lost self-employment income, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Because you may be entitled to benefits from multiple sources and because each type of compensation or benefit program has special filing rules, it is important that you discuss the claim process with an experienced Social Security disability attorney in Long Island to make sure that your legal rights are protected.

If you have a medical condition such that you are unable to work for an extended period, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits. However, the application process is complicated. To ensure that you have the best chance of being approved for the benefits to which you are entitled, it is important that you are represented by a Social Security disability attorney serving Long Island who has experience. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates has successfully represented clients filing claims for Social Security disability benefits based on a wide range of conditions and injuries such as those that result from workplace accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.