New Hampshire Social Security Disability Attorneys

Securing Your SSD Benefits

The Social Security disability attorneys and staff at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. have experience and expertise in all aspects of Social Security Disability law practice in the New England courts of New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, and at federal courts and agencies.

At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we are proud of our history fighting to protect the rights of injured or disabled people in our community. Over the years, we've helped literally thousands of individuals make ends meet after suffering a disabling injury or illness. If you have recently become disabled and cannot work, then you need to understand your rights and responsibilities. Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. has the experience and expertise to help you.

Click here to contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer Today for a FREE Consultation!

About the Social Security Disability Program

Most people know about the Social Security Retirement Program, but few are familiar with the Social Security Disability program until they are personally affected by a disability. Generally speaking, there are two programs which provide benefits to qualified individuals who are deemed disabled under the law.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – These benefits are paid to individuals who suffer a disabling injury and/or disease, which prevents them from continuing to work. Generally, to be qualified for the program, the individual must have worked in recent years, usually five out of the last ten years.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – These benefits are paid to qualified individuals depending on certain income and asset limitations, regardless of whether or not the person has worked in the past. There are also benefits available under this program for disabled children depending on the income of the child's guardian.

Social Security Disability Benefits

Did you know that a 20-year-old worker has a 30% chance of becoming disabled by the time they are retired? Disabilities may increases depending on the type of work they are involved with and the amount of years that are spent in their respected fields.

If you are disabled and are looking to receive the benefits that you are entitled to, it is important that you work with an attorney as soon as possible. Our team of dedicated Social Security lawyers can help you receive what you deserve and fight for your rights and benefits.

What Can I Receive?

• SSI is a benefit that is paid to you and dependent members of your family. This benefit is only provided to those who have paid into the Social Security system and are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security.
• This is granted to elderly individuals or those who are disabled and is funded by taxes. If you are unable to work because of a disability and have no means of income, you may be considered eligible for SSI.

Who Is Eligible?

Most Social Security benefits are provided to those that are facing financial complications due to a disability, blindness or to the elderly. Determining eligibility should be easy, but some individuals require assistance for their benefits, which is where an attorney can assist you.

By working with our team, we will help provide you with quality representation for your disability and walk you through the legal process of obtaining benefits. Some benefits information is available online, but by working with Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we can help you complete an application and firmly represent you in the event of a denial.

Social Security Disability Cases We Handle

Appealing a Claim

After a denial or notice to stop benefits, you need to work with our team to fight to retain the SSDI or SSI that you are receiving.

Application Process

What to file for Social Security benefits? Let the team of disability lawyers in NH at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. help! We can assist you throughout the entire application process.

Do's and Don'ts

Do you file now? Should I speak with a doctor? When can I receive benefits? All of these questions can be answered in our do's and don'ts section.

Social Security Disability Benefits

If you are disabled, it may be to your advantage to work with an attorney to file for Social Security Disability benefits.

Medicaid and Medicare

Are you eligible for Medicaid or Medicare? Find out by working with the team at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. now!

Applying for Social Security Do's and Don'ts

Are you looking to receive Social Security benefits? It is important that you work with an attorney and act quickly to ensure that you receive the benefits that you are entitled to. There are some helpful tips which you can follow that may provide you with the best possible outcome for your Social Security Disability case.

If you are applying for Social Security Benefits, DO:

• Apply to receive benefits as soon as you know you are temporarily or permanently disabled
• Speak with an attorney right away
• Seek medical attention right away and let the providers know you are applying for benefits
• Record and keep track of all medical conditions including doctor's records and prescriptions

Do NOT do any of the following:

• Do not delay seeking medical attention for your accident and injuries
• Do not assume that the Social Security office has your best interests in mind
• Do not assume that you are not eligible to receive benefits
• Do not leave out any details or symptoms when consulting with a doctor

Our dedicated team of professional lawyers and trial litigators is not afraid to take your case to court. The team of dedicated lawyers at our firm will help you navigate all the laws and New Hampshire regulations regarding Social Security and applying for benefits. If you face an appeal, you can guarantee that our team will help you fight for your Social Security and work to help you obtain what you are owed.

Social Security FAQ

What is a "disability" for Social Security purposes?

A person has to have an injury, disease, or medical condition which prevents that person from engaging in any "substantial gainful activity." Basically this means your disability must be so severe as to prevent you from doing not only the work you performed in the past, but also any other type of work within the national economy. For instance, if a severe back injury prevents you from returning to a job where heavy lifting is involved, you may be able to do a lighter job, and therefore you would not be entitled to Social Security benefits.

If I'm receiving Workers' Compensation benefits, am I entitled to Social Security benefits?

Yes, although the Social Security system has a different standard which has to be met, you could receive workers' compensation and Social Security disability benefits at the same time; however, if you are receiving workers' compensation benefits, the amount that you may be entitled to receive from Social Security will be reduced to count your workers' compensation benefits. Fortunately, both benefits can be coordinated so that you receive the most money possible for your disability.

I've been hurt in an automobile or other type of accident where I am suing another party. I have been out of work and am receiving Social Security Disability benefits. If I settle my lawsuit or get a judgment, do I need to reimburse Social Security?

No, any reimbursement or set-off is only by Social Security law or regulation. There is no Social Security law that states that an injured person must give up Social Security disability benefits or pay back Social Security for benefits received if he or she obtains a settlement or judgment from another party; however, if you collect social security benefits under the SSI program, a settlement could jeopardize your continued eligibility for those benefits.

When should I file for disability benefits?

A person should file as soon as he or she learns of being unable to work for at least 12 months or that the condition will lead to death. Initially, most claims for disability benefits are filed by the claimants at the local Social Security office.

When should I hire a social security disability attorney?

At some period after the initial filing, the claimant should receive a determination either accepting or denying the claim. If the claim is denied the claimant has the right to file a reconsideration or appeal and submit any additional relevant information at that time. The claimant has the right to file an appeal, which will be heard before an administrative law judge.

You also have a right to seek legal advice and to be represented at any time during this entire process, however, the appeal before the administrative law judge is the most formal part of the entire process and most claimants, if they have not already done so, seek representation immediately after receiving notice that their application has been denied. It should also be noted that there is no fee for representation unless the claimant is successful and collects benefits.

Do you have more questions regarding Social Security benefits? Contact our firm today! Your initial consultation is free, whether we take your case or not; after that, our fees are contingent upon recovering money for you on your case.