Paterson, New Jersey is the county seat of Passaic County in Northeastern New Jersey. Its population of 147,000 makes it the third largest city in the Garden State.
Paterson was founded in the 1830s to take advantage of the industrial opportunities afforded by the area’s Great Falls. Originally, textile and agricultural mills were the backbone of the local economy, though this later shifted to heavy industry and Paterson became one of the most prominent cities in the Industrial Revolution.
In the 1970s and 80s, much of the industry left the Paterson area for other parts of the country and overseas. This left a large city with very few employment opportunities, though the city continued to attract immigrants moving to the United States.
Today, much of Paterson’s economy and employment opportunities center on small businesses, many of which are owned by immigrant families. The city boasts the country’s largest population of Peruvian and Turkish immigrants, and the second largest population of Arabic immigrants (behind Dearborn, Michigan).
Paterson is among the most densely populated cities in the world. In the United States, only New York City is more densely populated. Owing to many generations of immigrants, it is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States.
Over 35% of Paterson’s residents live with a disability, which is fully double the national percentage. Less than half of the disabled persons in Paterson are able to find gainful employment that they can perform in spite of their disabling conditions.
Applying for Paterson Social Security Disability Benefits
It is important for Paterson residents, many of whom are immigrants, to note that you do not need to be a United States citizen to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits such as SSI and SSDI. Instead, the requirements for disability benefits are based on how long you have lived in the United States, your work history here, and whether you have paid FICA taxes.
Hiring a Paterson Disability Attorney
Whether you are a US citizen or an immigrant, you should contact a Paterson disability lawyer before proceeding with a Social Security disability claim. Besides the fact that your chances of having a disability claim approved increase dramatically when you have competent representation by a Paterson Social Security Disability attorney, a Paterson disability lawyer will be familiar with the local field office and any special considerations which may apply to you based on your residence or citizenship status.
Applying for Social Security Disability poses a unique challenge, even for those who are somewhat familiar with our Social Security system. First, you must prove that you are disabled to the degree that you are no longer capable of performing any work which you have done up until now. You must also prove that you cannot do any work for which you could reasonably be trained based on your level of education and age. If English is not your native language, this can actually work in your favor, as many available jobs require proficiency in English.
Don’t be surprised if your initial claim is denied even if you are represented by a Paterson disability attorney, as fully 70% of claims are turned down at first. The SSA has an appeals process which will allow you to make your disability case more thoroughly, including a step during which you may make your case in person at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
At each stage of the appeals process, having the help of a Paterson Social Security Disability lawyer is not only helpful, but represents your best chance at having your claim ultimately result in approval. Best of all, your Paterson Social Security Disability lawyer only charges you if your claim is approved and you collect Social Security disability benefits.
A Paterson Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Passaic County, Hudson County, Essex County, and Union County: Jersey City, Newark, Hoboken, Wayne, Union City, Bloomfield, Ridgewood, Bayonne, Elizabeth, Rahway, Paramus, Irvington, Pompton Lakes, East Orange, West Orange, Passaic, Glen Rock, Rutherford, Montclair, Fairlawn, Cliffton, and Livingston.
