New York Social Security Disability Attorneys and Bronx Disability Lawyers

Practice Areas

Blog

New York Disablity Attorney Blog

Library

Social Security Disability

Social Security Benefits

Social Security Explained

Why You Need a Lawyer

Disability Benefits—Federal Social Security Program

It’s not easy to get Social Security benefits. Each year, about 65 percent of the 2.5 million people who file with the federal government for Social Security disability are initially denied benefits. The appeals process is so backlogged that it often takes at least 17 months for an appeals hearing to be scheduled.

Statistics show that your chances of winning your claim are improved by having an experienced lawyer. White Plains Social Security Disability Attorneys from Markhoff & Mittman are experts in disability law. We have been helping New York’s injured and disabled since 1933. If you are about to apply for federal Social Security benefits or if you are considering the next step after being denied benefits, consider these facts:

Most claims do not contain enough documentation to win benefits. We can help you gather the right medical evidence to prove your case.

Mistakes in filling out paperwork result in delays or outright denials. We will help complete the necessary forms completely and professionally.
Social Security laws and regulations are confusing and complicated. We will handle your case so that you receive maximum benefits.
Disability benefits are available from other federal or state programs in certain circumstances. We will conduct a complete review of your case to ensure you have filed for all the benefits to which you are entitled.Not only are you eligible, your children or dependents may be eligible for a separate payment based upon your social security disability (auxilury benefits), and we can help obtain these benefits for you as well.

We Deal With the Government So You Can Take Care of Yourself and Your Family

We believe that when you are disabled because of accident, injury, or disease, you should focus on taking care of yourself—and not have the additional stress of dealing with a frustrating government bureaucracy. You’ll find that our lawyers know how to listen. We understand the financial and health worries that our clients face while applying for Social Security disability benefits.

More than 70 years of experience in helping clients who are disabled has taught us the value of combining professional expertise with a personal approach so that each client receives the best that Markhoff and Mittman has to offer. You’ll have peace of mind that you are getting the best legal help possible in fighting for your benefits.

Are You Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

The federal Social Security program encompasses a number of programs that protect against poverty, old age, disability, unemployment, and others. The laws governing disability benefits are too complex to explain fully here, but we’d like to provide this overview:

·First, you must have worked for a specified time period (generally twenty out of forty (20/40) quarters or five of the past ten years in any combination).Do you have enough quarters to even apply?

Second, you must have a physical or emotional disability that is severe enough to keep you from working.

Third, you must have a doctor’s report and other medical evidence proving what your inability to work is, any limitations you may have, and even your ability if any to work.

Even when you are entitled to benefits, the process is lengthy and can be discouraging. The Social Security Administration processes more than 2 million disability claims each year, and managing the sheer numbers of applicants makes it an impersonal and sometimes dehumanizing experience. The government’s resources are limited, meaning that that you’ll receive little government guidance in how to file, what evidence you need to present, and how to best present it. It’s almost routine for the Social Security Administration to reject most applications—especially if a lawyer wasn’t used. To receive benefits, the majority of people have to go on to the next step, which is to file for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, a step that can take an additional 17 months or longer. So, you can understand why some people give up even when they are legally entitled to Social Security disability benefits.

At Markhoff and Mittman, our mission is to make a difference in our clients’ lives. Our experience shows that how a disability is presented can be the difference between receiving benefits and not receiving benefits. As your lawyer, it will be up to us to fully and completely present your case so that the Social Security reviewers, doctors, and judges decide that you meet the requirements of the program and approve your claim to benefits.

Experience counts. Markhoff and Mittman handles countless numbers of clients with Social Security claims. You can feel confident that we’ll apply our knowledge and experience to your case.

We Make a Difference in Our Clients’ Lives

When you’re disabled, you need all the help you can get, and you need it as soon as possible. Contact Markhoff and Mittman for help today.

We recommend that you apply for benefits as soon as your doctor determines you are unable to return to work. While you are waiting for the bureaucracy to process your case, you will also be meeting the benefits waiting period required by law.

It’s important to consult with an attorney because there are other programs that may pay you benefits if you do not qualify for Social Security disability. For instance, if you disability occurred in the course of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Or, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which is a different part of the federal Social Security program.

We have offices that are convenient to Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester County, and Long Island. Please call us for a free evaluation of your case. Our fee is usually 25% of the past-due benefits (not to exceed $5300.00) but we only get paid if we are successful. (Depending on your case the fee arrangment may be different, but this is always discussed and agreed upon before we begin work)

Receive a Free Evaluation.

Call 866-205-2415 toll-free or 914-946-1452 or click here to email us.

We have lawyers and office staff who speak Spanish and French.

Blog for Social Security Disability

New York Disablity Attorney Blog

Library for Social Security Disability:

What Happens If You Return To Work While Your Disability Claim Is Pending?
Description: Returning to work while your disability claim is pending will not end your claim for disability benefits. Since disability claims could take up to two years, claimants often times attempt to go back to work in some capacity. A claimant still may have a claim even if they return to work.
How To Win Your Social Security Disability Claim: PART 1
Description: Knowing how to win your disability claim is crucial in preserving disability benefits for your and your family. Markhoff and Mittman's five part series on how to effectively win a disability claim will help you acquire the benefits you deserve.
The Importance of Your Doctor in the Social Security Disability Claims Process
Description: Filing a Social Security Disability claim or appeal? It is important that you understand how critical your doctor’s input to your case is for your claim to be approved. It isn’t just about your doctor labeling you as too disabled to work – you must have a clear, accurate, and legible medical record case history to back up your claim.
The Most Popular Topics At A Social Security Disability Hearing
Description: The overall goal of the social security disability hearing is to draw testimony from the claimant in an effort to find out why they cannot perform in the workplace. There are several topics that can be discussed at a hearing, but a few pop up every time.
Difference Between Social Security Benefits And Disability Benefits
Description: The Social Security system was designed for individuals to collect monetary benefits once they reach a certain age. The disability program through Social Security was created to compensate those individuals who have become unable to work. Understanding each component of the system will ensure that you receive your maximum benefit amount.
Thinking about foregoing Social Security Disability benefits because of the long wait? Let us help.
Description: Given the massive Social Security Disability backlog, is it worth filing for benefits in this tough economy? With the help of an experienced and passionate New York SSD attorney you can greatly improve your chances of having your claim or appeal APPROVED.
What Happens At A Disability Hearing?
Description: A Social Security Disability hearing gives claimants the opportunity to provide verbal testimony as to why they should be entitled to benefits. The events that take place at a hearing could determine whether or not a person will be deemed disabled.
Properly Treating A Back Injury
Description: A bad back could have a dramatic impact on your abilities to perform in the workplace. Most back injuries are not the result of an accident, but rather the result of many years of deterioration. Treating it can be burdensome, but if done correctly, you could be on the road back to employment.
Your Earnings History Can Affect Your Disability Case
Description: How much you earn throughout your employment history has a direct impact on your social security disability benefits. In fact, your earnings dictate whether or not you will be eligible for disability benefits.
The Main Factors In Every Social Security Disability Case
Description: There are three main factors that always play a major role in every social security disability case. If your case is to be approved by the Social Security Administration, these three factors were found to be in your favor.
You Deserve Your Disability Benefits
Description: Filing for Social Security Disability benefits may require you to do some work, but getting the benefits you deserve can go a long way in protecting your financial stability.
Key Medical Evidence That Will Help You Win Your Disability Case
Description: Submitting the correct medical evidence in your social security disability case could be the difference between winning and losing.
Protecting Social Security Disability Benefits from Creditors
Description: How safe are your Social Security Disability benefits from creditors and debt collectors? Before recently passed rules, any money you deposited into your bank account – even money from federal disability or retirement programs – could be frozen to pay off your debts. However, new rules have just been enacted to protect your Social Security Disability and federal retirement benefits from creditors.
Do You Have To Pay Taxes On Your Social Security Disability Benefits?
Description: Do you have to pay taxes on your social security disability benefits? It depends. The government looks to see how much money you have received over the course of the year to determine whether or not you have to pay taxes.
NATIONAL RANKING REPORT: Average Processing Time To Get A Disability Hearing
Description: Getting an actual hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge in the tri-state area could take several months. The Social Security Administration has been working hard to reduce the amount of cases facing hearing offices across the country. Here is a list of hearing offices and their average processing time for a disability case.
The Truth About Attorneys Fees In A Social Security Disability Case
Description: Claimants often wonder how much it costs to hire an attorney to represent them in their claim for social security disability benefits. Hiring an attorney is always a good idea especially at the hearing level.
Why Should You Attend Our Free Disability Seminar?
Description: Markhoff & Mittman is proud to continue it's series of Free Live Disability Seminars where our goal is to provide information to individuals about the disability process.
FREE Social Security Disability Seminar - Thursday April 15th 7pm - 9pm [PDF]
Description: Don't make the mistakes that could cost you your disability benefits. You need to submit the proper medical evidence if you want to win your disability claim. Speaking with an attorney is always a good idea and attending this free seminar will educate you on the complexities of the disability process.
What To Wear At Your Disability Hearing
Description: Preparing for your disability hearing goes farther than just getting ready to give testimony. Your appearance in front of the Judge can go a long way. What you wear at your disability hearing can have an impact on your case.
Reaching Retirement Age While On Social Security Disability Benefits
Description: You will continue to collect your social security disability dollar amount even when you reach your full retirement age. Your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits but the dollar amount stays the same even though most people have a higher retirement amount.

View All

Frequent Questions for Social Security Disability:

Case Results for Social Security Disability:

32 Year Old Former Financial Adviser Entitled to Social Security Disability Benefits

Awarded: $24,000 Retroactive, $1700 a Month

Videos about Social Security Disability:

Web Resources for Social Security Disability:

Alzheimer's Association
Description: The leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.
Knee Pain Info
Description: A comprehensive look at various causes of knee pain, basic knee anatomy and function, knee injuries and osteoarthritis. Also provides links to related websites that focus more directly on specific knee related issues and injuries.
National Resource Center for Safe Aging
Description:
An organization dedicated to gathering and sharing the best information and resources on senior safety, including fall prevention, pedestrian and motor vehicle safety, and prevention of elder abuse.
National Center for Assisted Living
Description: Provides information for both assisted living providers, residents and their families throughout the country. Statewide groups are part of this national organization to make it easier in serving the needs of the assisted living community.
Disabled Sports USA
Description: Disabled Sport USA’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.

As of August 2009 Disabled Sport USA had 100 local chapters serving permanently disabled individuals around the United States.
NYSIF Cutting Minimum Premium on Disability Policies
Description: A look at how the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF)cut the minimum annual premium for disability benefits policies from $100 to $60 for all new and renewing policies in a move expected to cut costs for about 20,000 employers across the state.
Medicare Advantage Fact Sheet
Description: This updated fact sheet provides an overview of the Medicare Advantage program, describes program changes made by the new drug law in plan participation and beneficiary enrollment, presents data on benefits and premiums, and explains changes in Medicare payments to participating plans.
Medicare -- Official Site
Description: The official U.S. Government site for people with medicare.
Does Medicare Cover Pregnancy?
Description: A woman on medicare because of a disability ask whether medicare will cover pregnancy and childbirth.
Six Critical Health Care Reform Issues
Description: What’s being said and who’s saying it in the debate on available, affordable, health care coverage.

View All

Ask an Attorney

Main Office
14 Mamaroneck Avenue
Suite 201
White Plains, NY 10601
Phone: (914) 946-1452
Fax: (914) 946-0810
Toll Free: (866) 205-2415

Get Directions

Long Island Office
1778 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
Phone: (914) 946-1452
Fax: (914)946-0810
Toll Free: (866) 205-2415

Get Directions

New York City
New York City
by Appointment Only

Get Directions