Long Term Disability

Helping Disability Recipients in Long Island and New York City Obtain SSD Benefits 

Social Security Disability (SSD) pays benefits to qualified recipients with disabilities. But, determining whether you qualify can be challenging. Even if you are sure you do qualify, applying for benefits is an arduous, lengthy and uncertain process. Fortunately, an experienced team of long term disability lawyers can help you recover the social security benefits you deserve.

Turley Redmond & Rosasco provides a candid assessment of whether you are eligible for Social Security Disability and other types of benefits, and helps you to obtain your rightful compensation. Contact our New York and Long Island disability lawyers today to learn more about your rights and options. 

What Types of Conditions Are Considered Long Term Disabilities by the Social Security Administration?

Social Security regulations define “disability” very specifically as “a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death.” The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not deviate from the one-year time period, except if the disability does, or is expected to, result in death.

Even a very serious disability does not meet the SSA’s definition of disability if you recover within the year. This does not mean you have no recourse, just that you will not likely succeed on a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application. Other programs, such as workers’ compensation, may pay you benefits for certain disabilities, however. Our long term disability lawyers will conduct a complete analysis of your claim and explain the benefits you may be entitled to.

Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability?

The SSA decides whether you qualify for social security disability by conducting a step-by-step assessment of your claim. Questions include:

Are you working and, if so, what are your earnings?

If you are working, the SSA will make inquiries into your earnings. SSDI is available only if your wages fall below a certain amount that is updated yearly. If you earn too much, you do not qualify. If you are not working or you make less than the threshold, the administration asks the next question. 

Do you have a “severe” medical condition?

The Social Security Administration has established its own criteria for what is considered “severe” that may be different than other programs. The SSA considers your condition severe if it significantly limits your ability to perform basic activities, including walking, sitting, standing, lifting, communicating, and remembering, for at least one year. If you can still perform basic work functions or your restrictions last less than 12 months, you do not qualify. Otherwise, the SAA moves to question three.

Is your condition included on the Listing of Impairments?

The SSA’s Listing of Impairments contains descriptions of numerous serious conditions, including cancers, mental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and dozens of other categories, that qualify as a disability. You may also have an unlisted but equivalently serious condition that the SSA approves.

Can you do the work you performed before the disability?

Unless your condition interferes with your prior job functions, you do not qualify, regardless of how severe your condition is otherwise.

Can you perform any type of work?

If you cannot return to your former occupation but can find other gainful employment, considering your age, education, skillset, and experience, you do not qualify. The SSA will determine that you are disabled if you cannot do another type of job.

Learn More About Your Rightful SSDI Benefits During a Free Consultation With Our Long Term Disability Lawyers

Get the guidance you need to navigate through the SSA system with the help of Turley Redmond & Rosasco. Our long-term disability lawyers offer free consultations where you can learn more about the qualifications and process of obtaining SSDI benefits. Call us today at 800-671-4927 or contact us online to schedule a consult. We assist clients throughout New York and Long Island, including Ronkonkoma, Shirley, and Garden City.