We Handle Every Type of Disability Claim in New York
Disability claims are never one-size-fits-all. Most people are surprised to learn that the majority of Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications are initially denied. The system is complex, the rules are strict, and even minor errors can set you back months or years. That’s where we come in. Our Amherst Social Security disability lawyers represent clients in a wide range of matters.
- SSDI Claims & Applications
- SSDI Denials
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claims
- Disability Appeals & Hearings
- Veterans Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration has strict criteria for evaluating each type of disability, and even small gaps in evidence or procedural missteps can lead to denial. Our Amherst SSD attorneys have seen every type of claim and are familiar with the SSA’s expectations at every stage. By leveraging this experience, we tailor each case to the client’s unique situation, ensuring that applications and appeals are fully supported.
Disability Attorneys Who Build Winning SSD and SSI Cases
At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we treat every claim as if it is headed for a hearing. That level of preparation means no shortcuts, no gaps in evidence, and no missed deadlines. From the moment you work with us, your case is built to withstand scrutiny and move toward approval. Clients who choose an Amherst SSD lawyer from our team often avoid the endless delays and denials that frustrate so many applicants.
Crafting Evidence That Persuades
A diagnosis alone will not secure disability benefits. The SSA wants to assess how your condition limits your ability to perform real-life activities and prevents you from working. Our Amherst SSD attorneys leave no detail unchecked, from daily activity limitations to long-term prognosis.
Dedicated Guidance, Every Step of the Way
A dedicated Amherst SSD attorney will guide you through each stage of your claim, answer your questions promptly, and make sure you understand every decision. Your application or appeal is managed efficiently and effectively, reducing stress and maximizing your chances for approval.
Coordinated Strategy for Complex Situations
Clients seeking Social Security disability benefits have overlapping claims, such as personal injury settlements or workers’ compensation. Our team can navigate these intersections strategically, ensuring all avenues of support are pursued without jeopardizing your SSD or SSI eligibility.
We Have a No-Fee Guarantee
You never pay us upfront. We only get paid if we win for you, so our success is directly tied to yours.
Free Case Evaluation
Speak with a lawyer at no cost. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward.
You’re More than a Case
We treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your story and guide you through every step with care and compassion.
Types of Disability Benefits You May Qualify for in Amherst
Many applicants in Amherst are unsure which benefits apply to them or miss critical documentation that could significantly impact their claim. An SSD attorney at our firm will help you pursue every benefit available and avoid common pitfalls.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI provides monthly benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but are now unable to work due to a qualifying disability. Eligibility is based on your work history, medical evidence, and the severity of your condition.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a need-based program for adults and children in Amherst with limited income and resources who are disabled. It does not require work history, but applicants must meet strict financial limits and demonstrate significant functional limitations.
- SSD Benefits for Older Workers: Workers over 50 may qualify under rules that consider age-related limitations. An Amherst SSD attorney can help present your work experience and transferable skills to strengthen your claim.
- Veterans Disability Benefits: Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for VA compensation. Our Amherst SSD attorneys can help coordinate VA and Social Security claims to maximize total benefits.
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Plans: Employer-sponsored or private LTD insurance provides income if you cannot work due to a disability. Our attorneys assist with both initial claims and appeals to ensure you receive what you are owed.
With a Social Security disability attorney on your side, you can make sure every benefit for which you qualify is pursued. From first-time applications to complex appeals, our attorneys in Amherst guide you through the process, protect your filing dates, and advocate to secure the maximum benefits possible.
Our SSD/SSI Lawyers Guide Your Claim from Start to Finish
An Amherst disability lawyer strengthens your claim by turning raw medical facts into a structured legal argument. Instead of submitting stacks of records and hoping the SSA connects the dots, we highlight the precise evidence that meets the agency’s rules. We also anticipate weaknesses that the SSA is likely to question and address them before they become grounds for denial. This transforms your application from a loose collection of documents into a persuasive case for benefits.
Our approach includes:
- Developing a clear medical narrative. Medical files often contain raw data but little context. We work with your physicians to connect those records to real-world limitations that matter to the SSA.
- Organizing evidence that speaks to the rules. The SSA has strict criteria for approving claims. We identify which rules apply to your case and tailor the evidence to those standards.
- Managing the process from start to finish. From filing to appeals, we track every deadline and communicate with the SSA so your claim does not stall.
- Advocating in hearings. If your case requires a hearing, we prepare you for the questions you will face and present your case with clarity and credibility.
The goal is not only to win approval but also to secure the maximum benefits available. That is where an Amherst SSD lawyer makes the difference: by shaping your application into a case that not only meets the SSA’s technical requirements but also withstands scrutiny at every stage.
What is the Difference Between SSD and SSI Benefits?
Qualifying for disability benefits is not the same for everyone. The Social Security Administration reviews each application under two separate programs, and the rules for each are strict. Knowing which program applies to you is the first step toward a successful claim.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is intended for workers who have paid into the Social Security system through their jobs but can no longer continue working due to a serious health condition. Eligibility requires proof of both work history and medical disability.
- Work Credits: Most applicants require approximately 40 credits, with at least 20 of those credits typically earned in the decade preceding the onset of the disability. Younger workers, however, may qualify with fewer credits.
- Medical Requirements: The SSA assesses whether your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity, which refers to steady, gainful employment. This is assessed through your medical records, physician statements, and other supporting documentation.
If you are unsure whether your recent work history meets the credit threshold, a Social Security disability attorney in Amherst will analyze your record and advise whether you are likely to qualify under SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a separate program that does not depend on prior work history. Instead, it provides benefits to people who are disabled and have limited income and resources.
- Adults: Individuals who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older may qualify if their household financial resources fall below SSA’s limits.
- Children: Minors with severe disabilities that significantly restrict daily functioning can also be eligible.
To qualify, the disability must prevent regular employment, last at least one year, or be expected to result in death. For Amherst residents, proving both the medical and financial criteria is often the most challenging part of an SSI claim, making legal guidance critical.
Denied Claim? An SSD Lawyer Can Help Win Your Appeal
Most disability applications in New York State are initially denied. After that first denial, your choices are to request reconsideration or to push forward to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. That is where persistence pays off, because approval rates increase significantly at the hearing stage, with some New York hearing offices reporting approval rates as high as 80.2%. If the judge denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council or even a federal court to review your case.
An Amherst SSD attorney at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law will build a case designed to win. We pinpoint exactly why the SSA denied your claim and address each issue with precision, strengthening your medical documentation and work history to meet SSA standards. At the hearing, we present your limitations clearly, anticipate the judge’s questions, and advocate aggressively so your claim has the strongest chance for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Managing a disability while navigating Social Security benefits is overwhelming. Our Amherst SSD attorneys have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions, helping you understand your options and plan your next steps.
How do I know if I qualify for SSD benefits in Amherst?
Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) depends on your work history and whether your disability prevents you from performing substantial work for at least a year. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) focuses on financial need and does not require a work record, but you must demonstrate a severe disability and meet income limits. An Amherst SSD attorney can review your situation to determine which program fits your circumstances and guide you through the application process.
Can I continue receiving medical care while my claim is pending?
Yes. Maintaining consistent treatment is not only important for your health but also strengthens your claim. The SSA considers ongoing medical care as evidence of the severity and persistence of your disability. Your Amherst SSD attorney can guide you on what types of documentation and reports are most persuasive for your application or appeal.
Are there local resources in Amherst that can support my claim?
Amherst residents may have access to supportive services such as community health centers, local VA offices for veterans, and social services programs that can provide documentation or financial support. Our attorneys can help coordinate these resources to ensure your case is as well-documented as possible.
Is it possible to qualify for both SSD and Veterans benefits?
Yes. Veterans with service-related disabilities can receive VA compensation in addition to Social Security Disability benefits if they meet eligibility requirements. Our Amherst SSD attorneys work to coordinate claims so you can access all benefits for which you are entitled without affecting your eligibility for either program.
What should I avoid doing while my claim is pending?
Avoid missing appointments with your doctors, failing to provide requested records to the SSA, or exceeding work activity limits. Each of these actions can negatively impact your eligibility. Your attorney will guide you on what to document and how to comply with SSA rules to protect your claim.
How can I afford a Social Security disability lawyer in Amherst?
Many people hesitate to hire an attorney for Social Security disability claims because they worry about legal costs. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we structure our fees to make representation accessible. Instead of charging upfront, our payment is a percentage of any past-due benefits you receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This approach ensures that our interests are aligned with yours. We only succeed if you do.
