PRACTICE AREAS

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. has a significant track record of success before the Social Security Administration (SSA) in obtaining "Fully Favorable Decisions" for SSD benefits.

Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. accepts cases before the SSA when disability benefits have been denied at the initial "Application Level". If your application has been denied, call Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. immediately for representation at the “Appeal Level”. You only have 60 days from the date of your unfavorable decision to file an appeal with the SSA.

If you are suffering from a disability and can’t work, you should file for Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), being monthly disability benefits provided by the Federal Government through the SSA.

To be eligible, you must be totally disabled (i.e. unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determined mental or physical impairment). Moreover, your illness, disease and/or condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 1 year. In considering a person’s overall disability, the SSA will review all your impairments from whatever source.

If you have not accumulated the requisite quarters to be eligible for SSD, an application may be made for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is payable by the SSA based on disability and financial need.

When to Apply

You should apply as soon as you become disabled. However, SSD benefits will not begin until the 6th full month of disability. This initial 5 month waiting period begins with the first full month after the date the SSA decides your disability began.

How to Apply

You can apply by calling 1-800-772-1213 toll-free, and your application can be taken over the telephone. People who are hard of hearing may call a toll-free "TTY" number @ 1-800-325-0778 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also apply by attending any SSA office or visiting the Social Security Administration online.

Attorney Cordovano believes that most people are capable of completing the initial application on their own, or with the SSA’s assistance and if successful, retaining an attorney is unnecessary.

What Is Needed

The disability claims process generally takes 60 to 90 days, as the SSA needs time to obtain your medical records, especially if you have multiple providers. You can help shorten the process by bringing certain documents with you when you apply, and by helping the SSA get any other evidence to establish your entitlement to disability benefits. These include:

social security number
birth certificate or other evidence of your date of birth
military discharge papers, if you were in the military service
spouse's birth certificate and SS number if he or she is applying for benefits
children's birth certificates and SS numbers if they are applying for benefits
checking/savings account information, so your benefits can be directly deposited
names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and institutions that treated you and dates of treatment
names of all medications you are taking
medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers (laboratory and test results)
summary of where you worked the past 15 years and the kind of work you did
copy of your W-2 Form (Wage and Tax Statement), or if you are self-employed, your federal tax return for the past year
dates of prior marriages if your spouse is applying

The documents presented as evidence must be originals, or certified copies by the issuing agency. Do not delay filing for benefits just because you do not have all of the information you need. The SSA will help you.

Attorney Fees

Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. shall represent you on a contingency fee basis before the SSA at the Appeal Level. If after a hearing on appeal the SSA then determines that you meet their disability requirements and are entitled to receive SSD benefits, the SSA shall withhold the attorney fee from your past due benefits. The amount of the legal fee will be either 25% of what you are owed or the sum of $6,000.00, whichever is less. This contingency fee is in accordance with 74 Fed. Reg. 6080, effective for Favorable Decisions decided on or after June 22, 2009.

If you have questions, or need an experienced and dedicated attorney, call Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. today for an appointment at 845-691-4200. Your case will be handled immediately, personally, confidentially and professionally.

This site and the information contained herein are not intended to be, nor should same be construed as a substitute for legal advice. For any particular issue or concern, please consult with an attorney.