Trustworthy SSDI Attorneys in Gloucester, New Jersey

At Rebel Brown Law Group, LLC, we understand that navigating the complicated Social Security system can be an overwhelming experience for those trying to obtain disability benefits. Our experienced legal team has over 50 years of combined legal expertise and has been serving Gloucester County and other South Jersey communities since 2008.

The vast majority of first time Social Security disability applicants are denied benefits. This is why it is crucial to have a well seasoned disability lawyer by your side. Working with a skilled SSD lawyer in Gloucester County can increase your chances of reaching a positive outcome. If you or a loved one have previously been denied benefits or would like assistance applying for the first time, give our professionals at Rebel Brown Law Group a call. We are here to help fight for your rights.

What Does the SSA consider a Disability?

The Social Security Administration, also known as the SSA, has a very strict definition of being considered “disabled”. Social Security does not offer temporary or partial disability benefits that are often provided by veterans’ benefits or workers’ compensation. In order to be considered disabled under the Social Security Act, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• The individual is unable to work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or result in death.
• The condition, or conditions, the individual is suffering from must prohibit them from doing the work they were doing before becoming disabled, and also prevent them from working a different job.

The Social Security Administration has posted two comprehensive lists of impairments that may qualify for disability benefits. The first list is for adults over the age of 18 and the other is for children under the age of 18. Being diagnosed with one or more of the medical conditions named on these lists does not automatically guarantee that you will be awarded with Social Security disability benefits. It just requires the process to move on to the next phase.

Who Qualifies for Disability Benefits?

For an individual to qualify for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI), they must meet the following requirements:

• The individual must have been employed in jobs covered by Social Security (however, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if you do not meet this requirement);
• The individual must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s strict definition of disability;
• The individual must meet the specified number of credits based on the number of years they have worked and their age when becoming disabled;

If an individual has met all of criteria listed above, they must then complete the following five questions in order for the SSA to determine if they have a qualifying disability:

1. Are you working?
2. Is your condition “severe”?
3. Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions?
4. Can you do the work you did previously?
5. Can you do any other type of work?

The Social Security Administration does offer special rules that apply to unique circumstances. If you feel you are entitled to benefits, but do not meet the stated requirements, please reach out to one of our disability attorneys. Your situation may fall under one of these uncommon circumstances and you still may be able to obtain SSD benefits.

A Look at the Social Security Process

The road to obtaining Social Security disability benefits can be lengthy and complicated, however, when the process is broken down into five steps, it can feel less overwhelming. You can be confident that your trusted SSDI attorney from Rebel Brown Law Group will be right there with you throughout the entire benefits process.

1. Apply for SSDI Benefits
   The first step in the Social Security disability process is applying for benefits. After we have successfully submitted your initial application, you should receive a decision within 3 to 5 months. Remember, it is common to receive a rejection letter the first time you apply for benefits so try not to be discouraged. Our loyal legal team will be prepared to continue fighting for you.
2. Reconsideration of Disability Benefits
   If you receive a denial decision from the SSA, we will help you file a Request for Reconsideration. This request askes the Social Security Administration to rereview your application. Updated medical records or a medical examination are commonly requested during this point in the process. 15% of the applicants who file the request are approved for benefits.
3. Hearing
   If during the reconsideration process you are denied for benefits once again, we will request a hearing before an administrative law judge on your behalf. We will explain your case in detail, present any relevant medical proof, and advocate for you during this hearing. It typically takes around 18 to 24 months to receive a hearing date.
4. Appeals Council Review
   If you happen to be denied benefits after the hearing, your Social Security disability attorney can help you submit your case to be reviewed by the Appeals Council. This step is a last effort used in situations where we believe the law has been ignored or misinterpreted despite the compelling amount of evidence provided on your behalf.
5. Expediting
   The benefits process from start to finish can take a lengthy amount of time. However, if you have reached the hearing stage and your basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care, are in jeopardy, we can request the SSA to expedite your case, allowing it to be reviewed sooner.

Why Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney

It can be intimidating trying to maneuver through the Social Security process alone. You can eliminate a lot of the stress by securing trusted legal representation to assist you in applying for benefits. Working with a knowledgeable SSDI lawyer provides several benefits including:

• Social Security disability lawyers have years of expertise in handling the mountains of paperwork necessary to complete the benefits process. A disability attorney will make sure your documents are properly completed and submitted before any deadlines. A missed deadline or a simple mistake on the paperwork can cause a significant delay in obtaining benefits.
• A SSDI attorney can communicate on your behalf with doctors and other medical staff to obtain proper documentation that may support your case. This allows you time to focus on your health and family.
• Disability lawyers can speak the complicated language of the Social Security Administration and can easily navigate through the benefits process in an efficient and legal manner. A knowledgeable attorney knows when appeals should be filed and how to properly advocate for you during hearings.
• Your chances of obtaining a successful decision from the Social Security Administration is greatly improved when you have a disability attorney working by your side.
• Our compassionate legal team at Rebel Brown Law Group recognizes the ongoing financial burden that individuals with disabilities face while trying to obtain SSDI benefits. This is why we offer both a free case consultation and work on a contingency basis so you can get your case started without any money upfront. Our firm will be compensated from your back benefits if you are awarded SSDI. If we are unable to obtain benefits for you, you will not owe for our services.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one have recently been denied benefits, or are planning to apply for Social Security disability for the first time, contact our experienced legal team at Rebel Brown Law Group, LLC. Our compassionate and knowledgeable Gloucester County Social Security disability lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience and are acclimated to maneuvering the intricacies of the Social Security disability process.

Remember, you don’t have to face this alone, we can help you get the benefits you deserve. Call the law office of Rebel Brown Law Group at (856) 485-0062 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your free consultation.

Disclaimer: This page is intended solely to offer information about the law, and it should not be used as legal advice.