If you have a disability or disease that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for government assistance. Typically, that assistance will take the form of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. These benefits are available for a wide range of individuals suffering from a wide range of conditions, and are an important safeguard in the American economy.

However, most people who apply for benefits are denied on their first try. The government is selective with its approvals, and wary of individuals who try to take advantage of the system. An appeal process is available, but difficult to navigate and bound by a strict 60-day deadline.

Sanders Law Firm offers legal representation to individuals who have been denied Social Security Disability benefits. Based in Roswell, and serving throughout New Mexico, our lawyers have a thorough understanding of the claims filing process. We know what documentation the government is looking for, and how to establish the legitimacy of our clients’ claims for benefits. We have helped individuals who were injured on-the-job, who were seriously hurt in an auto accident, or whose disability developed through other means. We have provided counsel to individuals and families in the state since 1945, and stand prepared to help you, too.

Why Was My Claim Denied?

Some of the more common reasons for claims being denied are:

• Failure to complete and turn in necessary paperwork
• Failure to fully and completely describe your conditions in the forms
• Medical records missing from the Social Security file
• Failure to work with treating physician
• Inability to see a physician

Statistics show that working with a lawyer will significantly increase your chances of filing a successful appeal. In addition to providing logistical support with your application, our firm strives to take the stress of filing off you and assume it for ourselves. We will prepare and review all requisite forms, help you obtain medical care if you need such assistance, ensure that all your necessary medical records have been gathered, and represent you before a judge if necessary.

SSDI Vs. SSI

SSD benefits (sometimes called SSDI, for Social Security Disability Insurance) are based on prior work under Social Security. The amount of the SSD benefit that you receive will be based on your earnings record; this is the same earnings record that the Social Security Administration uses when determining the amount of Social Security taxes you had to pay. These disability benefits are paid to disabled workers, widows or widowers, or adults disabled since childhood. They can sometimes be obtained by spouses and children of disabled individuals as well.

SSI benefits, on the other hand, are based on financial need. SSI benefits are for those who are disabled or blind, have limited resources and income, and meet certain other requirements. The amount of the SSI benefit that a worker is entitled to receive varies up to a certain maximum federal benefit rate. That amount may be supplemented by the state or can even be decreased by other income and resources.

Getting Started Is Free

The initial consultation to discuss your case and decide if you would like to proceed is completely free. Even after you hire us to represent you, your attorney’s fees are contingent upon recovering benefits. (The contingency fee is 25 percent of the back pay recovered for you — the standard rate.)

To learn more, or to discuss your case with an attorney, reach out to Sanders Law Firm today. You can call us at 575-622-5440 or reach us online. We’re always prepared to help.