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Social Security Disability

Dutchess County Social Security Disability Lawyer Supports Your Claim

Representing Injured Workers Throughout New York State

You put money into the Social Security system your entire working life in expectation that it will be there when you retire or if you become disabled. But if you’ve become disabled and can no longer work, accessing Social Security disability benefits can be more difficult than you think. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies as many as two-thirds of all first-time applications for disability benefits. Peter M. Cordovano is an experienced Social Security Disability attorney who can help you get the benefits you are entitled to, as he has for countless others through many decades of practicing disability law in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Understanding How SSDI Works

As the name implies, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) is an insurance-based system. You are not eligible to receive SSD unless you have contributed to the system through FICA withholdings from your paychecks. When you have a work history, getting your disability benefits should be a simple matter of filing a claim with the SSA acting as your insurance company. Unfortunately, the SSA applies very strict definitions and a rigorous eligibility process to keep payouts to a minimum.

To qualify for SSD, you have to go through a laborious five-step process in which the SSA evaluates your age, education, work history, skills, and physical and mental condition to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. The SSA scrutinizes your work history to determine the total amount of time you have worked and whether you worked in five of the past ten years to accumulate the required number of work credits. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate that:

  • You are permanently disabled from working.
  • You have a permanent significant diminishment in your earning capacity.
  • You have medical certification showing that your injury is permanent or that it is expected to last for at least one year or end in death.

If the SSA denies your claim for benefits, you do have options, including a request for reconsideration, appeals council review, and civil litigation in federal court.

How Do Workers’ Compensation and SSD Impact Each Other?

Many Americans who suffer a permanent disability do so at work and are covered by workers’ compensation. So, what happens to your SSD benefits when you have a workers’ comp disability settlement? Generally speaking, workers’ comp benefits replace two-thirds of a worker’s lost earnings. That leaves a deficit of about 34 percent, which can cause great financial hardship to the disabled worker and his or her family. Ideally, SSD would pick up the slack by paying the additional amount so the worker could receive 100 percent wage replacement, but that’s not how the system works.

The total of workers’ comp wage replacement and SSD benefits cannot exceed 80 percent of a disabled worker’s income prior to disability. That means the SSA will reduce your SSD benefit payments based on your workers’ comp benefits. If you have a workers’ comp settlement, it’s important to consult an experienced benefits attorney to make sure you still get the maximum amount of SSD allowable.

Contact an Experienced SSD Attorney in Dutchess County to Maximize Your Benefits

After an initial rejection of their SSD claim, many people simply give up trying to get the benefits they need. They don’t know how to appeal a denial, or they can’t face the daunting and frustrating process. Fortunately, Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. has the knowledge and experience to manage SSD appeals successfully.  When you need New York social security disability claims lawyers, turn to our law firm.

Call today at (845) 414-8482 or contact my office online to schedule a free consultation with an social security disability lawyer near you 

Why Choose Our Firm?

  • Respected in the Legal Field

    Not only does Peter M. Cordovano have a profound respect for the legal profession, he has earned an esteemed reputation for his tireless dedication to Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability clients.

  • Valuable Medical Insight
    Attorney Peter M. Cordovano has a solid grasp of the medical issues involved in his clients' cases and can effectively engage with medical providers and insurance company representatives.
  • Thousands of Clients Helped
    Over the years, our firm has had the pleasure of helping more than 1,500 clients navigate complex Social Security Disability and Worker's Compensation cases.
  • Over 35 Years of Experience
    Since 1987, Attorney Peter M. Cordovano has fought for distressed clients who need capable case management and calm reassurance.
Hear From Past Clients We've Helped
"Most Excellent Lawyer"

I would like to thank you, for all you have done for me and my son. You are the kindest person and most excellent lawyer I have known in my life. You are our angel.

- Maria I.