What To Expect When Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits

If you have suffered a disabling injury or developed an illness that keeps you from working, it is good to know there is financial help available through Social Security disability. Yet dealing with a disabling medical condition is a challenge – the last thing you need right now is to struggle through a convoluted Social Security disability application process. I can help.

I’m John F. McKeown, and I have more than 25 years of experience as a lawyer helping people just like you in Rochester and the Finger Lakes area. Call my office at 585-337-0479 or contact me by email to schedule an initial consultation about your situation and how I can help.

How The Social Security Disability Application Process Works

You probably qualify for one of the two SSD programs if:

  • You have a severe medical condition, physical or mental, that has lasted or is expected to last for at least a year or result in your death
  • You can’t perform your previous work, and
  • Your medical condition will keep you from adjusting to other work

In New York, your application will be considered by the Division of Disability Determinations at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. They will consider information you provide, such as medical records, test results and your work history, and follow up with your doctors and healthcare providers. It’s very important to collect all the information needed to prove that you qualify. I will work with you to ensure that your application is complete and to avoid any delays in recovering benefits.

Legitimate Claims Are Often Denied At First

The fact is, your application may very well be denied. This is normal and should not scare you – well over half of applications are initially denied in New York. If yours is one of them, we can ask for a rehearing or appeal.

Once your claim is approved, you will not only receive monthly benefits in the future but also back-benefits going back to the sixth full month after your disability began.

There is no up-front cost to you. I am compensated from a percentage of any benefits you receive. I am not paid unless I am able to recover for you.

Contact Attorney John F. McKeown Today For Help

Every Social Security disability claim is different, and there may be special circumstances in your case that we will need to consider. I welcome you to call my office in Canandaigua at 585-337-0479 or contact me online to schedule an initial consultation.