Navigating Social Security Disability

Jay Stillman

2 min read

Social Security Disability Lawyer

Are you eligible for Social Security Disability benefits? What are your chances of receiving benefits?

At Stillman and Friedland, we are available to help you pursue your claim from day one, unlike other firms that step in only if you have failed in your initial application.

If you are no longer able to work, we will assess your chances of getting Social Security Disability (SSD) payments, and process the application for you. We take the guesswork out of the process, because we know you have enough to deal with without legal issues. We take the job of filing, form-filling, records gathering and submission, and follow-up off your plate.

A recent article quotes New York attorney Stephen Dunn on SSD:

“…the SSDI process puts a lot of responsibility on the applicant to get the right materials to the right people at the right time. ‘[Applying] is almost like a job in itself,’ Dunn said. ‘That’s ironic, because you’re applying because you can’t work.’”

Dunn makes three key points:

  1. It is important to have complete treatment records and assessments, and to get the file to the SSDI as required for the initial application.
  2. If you cannot work, do not try to keep your job—this will undermine the basis of your claim.
  3. If your claim is denied, it must be promptly re-submitted within two months or you will lose the chance of an appeal.

As we discussed in a previous post, the Social Security Administration defines total disability as follows:

“Disability” under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

  • You cannot do work that you did before; and,
  • We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
  • Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Our SSD team is experienced and courteous and dedicated to getting the job done right. We do the work for you, professionally and efficiently.

Because we care…

Stillman & Friedland