SSD attorneys serving Syracuse and Central New York

The attorneys at Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP know that applying for Social Security benefits can be frustrating and stressful.  While you do not need a lawyer to file for Social Security disability, people represented by attorneys typically are more successful in their claims. With a lawyer on your side you have the peace of mind that a qualified Social Security attorney is doing everything possible to see your claim succeed.

The firm’s Social Security lawyer, Kimberly Slimbaugh, helps with—

• Disability insurance benefits (SSD or SSDI)
• Supplemental security income benefits (SSI)
• Disabled adult and child benefits
• Disabled widow/widowers insurance benefits

She has particular experience assisting clients over age 50 to apply for and receive benefits.

Attorney Slimbaugh can meet with you to discuss your case and—

• Explain the process to you
• Help develop a theory to pursue your claim
• Assist you in the initial application process
• Help to obtain necessary medical reports to support your claim
• Gather opinions from your doctors regarding your functional limitations
• Represent you at a hearing, if one is required
• Meet with you before your hearing to prepare your testimony and how to tell your story to the judge
• Be there after the hearing to make sure your benefits are paid correctly

If your SSD claim has been denied, do not get frustrated and give up.  Contact Attorney Slimbaugh online to discuss whether an appeal of your case is appropriate.  She represents individuals in SSDI and SSI cases throughout upstate New York.

There is no attorney fee unless we win your case.

How does Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluate my claim?

• The Social Security Administration uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether or not you receive disability benefits:
• Does your impairment prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity?
• Is your impairment severe and is it expected to remain severe for at least 12 months?
• Does your impairment meet or equal one of SSA’s Listing of Impairments?
• Does your impairment prevent you from performing a job you have performed over the last 15 years that constituted substantial gainful activity?
• Does your impairment prevent you from being able to perform any other jobs that exist in substantial numbers in the national economy?

Help for the disabled over age 50

A lot of people who apply for Social Security disability are over the age of 50.  They have worked hard during their entire life and paid into the Social Security system.  But now due to an injury or illness, they cannot do their job anymore and cannot find other work.  Many of these individuals are denied benefits when they apply for disability.

The SSA treats individuals who are older than 50 according to a special set of rules.  An experienced attorney can use these rules to help win a disability case.  Further, there is a better chance for an attorney to obtain an on the record decision when a claimant is over 50 and can no longer do the sort of work he or she has done in the past.

If you are over 50 years old and are limited to unskilled, sedentary work, Social Security will presume that you are unable to transition to other work due to your age.  This can make a huge difference for your claim.  A person limited to unskilled, sedentary work may lose a disability claim if filed at age 48, but will win it at age 50.

At age 55 the rules become even more favorable. If you are over 50 and are considering applying for Social Security disability or have been denied benefits, contact attorney Slimbaugh for a free evaluation of your claim.