Social Security Disability Lawyers Providence

The legal guidance you need when a serious injury or illness disrupts your life

An injury or medical condition may be serious enough that it results in a long-term disability, leaving you unable to work and earn income for you and your loved ones. Fortunately, an important safety net is available in the form of Social Security Disability (SSDI), a federal program that provides benefits to disabled individuals. If you need assistance with applying for SSDI benefits, a knowledgeable attorney with the Law Offices of Charles Garganese, Jr., LLC in Providence can help. Founded in 1994, we have years of experience helping disabled people across Rhode Island pursue the benefits they need.

What is Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as any illness or injury that leaves a person unable to work for at least 12 months or that will likely result in death. To qualify for the program, you must have worked for  the requisite period of time., and have a condition that the SSA considers a disability. If you’re approved for benefits, you will receive a monthly stipend to help cover your living expenses that continues until you are well enough to return to work.

You may need to collect SSDI benefits indefinitely if your condition is not likely to improve. It may also be necessary to pursue both SSDI and workers compensation benefits if you or a loved one has been injured on the job.

Filing for SSDI benefits

Although SSDI is an incredibly valuable program for people dealing with serious injuries and medical conditions, the process of filing for benefits can be very difficult and frustrating. It generally involves the following steps:

1. Determine your eligibility. You should first review the SSA’s list of impairments to find out if your injury or illness qualifies for benefits. An experienced SSDI lawyer can assist you if you have questions.
2. File an initial application. To start the application process, you must file with your local SSA office. You may do this online, over the phone or in person. Your application will get forwarded to the Disability Determination Service (DDS), the agency in charge of approving or denying these claims.
3. Follow up with the DDS. Because this process can take a long time while you’re suffering with an injury, you should follow up with DDS to inquire about your application. This can help expedite your claim.
4. Get an approval or denial. After reviewing your application, the DDS will notify you as to whether your claim has been approved or denied. Note that the DDS denies a majority of disability claims on the first application, so don’t be surprised if this happens to you.
5. File an appeal. Fortunately, there is a comprehensive appeals process available to individuals who have received SSDI claim denials. The first step is to ask the DDS to reconsider your application. You may need to provide additional information at this point. If you are still denied benefits, you may need to take your claim to an administrative law judge and, after that, to district court. A skilled attorney can help with the appeals process.

Work with a respected Social Security Disability law firm

To learn more about your options regarding Social Security Disability in Rhode Island, speak with an attorney at the Law Offices of Charles Garganese, Jr., LLC From our office in Providence, we serve individuals and families throughout the region. Call us today at 401-352-4431 or contact us online.