Cranston, Rhode Island is a city of over 80,000 that has previously made the “100 Best Places to Live,” and “Top 25 Safest Cities” lists. The educational services, retail, health care, and real estate industries all play a part in the diverse Cranston economy, and the city’s top employers include Dell, CVS, Hess, and Staples. The median household income is $44,188, and Cranston’s cost of living is around 25% higher than the national average.
Every year, thousands of disabled Cranston residents become unable to work and have no choice but to apply for Social Security disability benefits. These workers may be in for an unpleasant surprise when they realize what a difficult and lengthy process this can be. Most have seen Social Security taxes deducted from their paychecks for years, yet they will face an ongoing struggle and a long wait before seeing the benefits they deserve – that is, if their claim ends up being approved at all.
Applying for Cranston Social Security Disability Benefits
Nationwide, almost three-fourths of disability applications are denied due to a number of reasons including inadequate medical proof. Although there are multiple levels of appeal available, the process can be stressful and is usually very lengthy. Statistically, disability applicants who are represented by a Social Security lawyer have a higher chance of getting their application approved at the initial level, therefore altogether avoiding the appeals process.
Upon receiving a denial, Cranston disability applicants can file a “Request for Reconsideration,” and will then will then wait another one to three months for this second decision - after the two to four month wait they endured for their initial decision. It can be very difficult for those who are applying for disability benefits in the Cranston, Rhode Island area to survive without an income (or on very little income) while waiting for these decisions to be made. Unfortunately, if you receive a second denial, you’ll be in for an even longer wait.
Approximately 5.5% of Rhode Island residents are currently receiving Social Security disability benefits, with an average monthly payment being $1,118. Many of these disabled Cranston workers were likely granted benefits following their disability hearing, which is the next step in the appeals process.
If a second denial is received, the applicant can then file a “Request for Administrative Law Judge Hearing.” The SSA office that is responsibility for scheduling these hearings for Cranston Social Security disability applicants is located in Providence, Rhode Island. The average wait time between the filing of this request and the hearing being scheduled is 403 days. Of course, this is in addition to the time that was spent waiting for the first two decisions.
Hiring a Cranston Disability Attorney
When your hearing day finally arrives, you may understandably feel nervous about having to testify in front of a judge about your disability. Having a helpful Cranston Social Security attorney by your side can make the entire process much less intimidating. A Cranston disability lawyer can prepare you for what to expect at the hearing and can give you an idea of what the judge might ask.
They can also point out the most relevant parts of your medical records to the judge, and question any expert witnesses that the SSA may hire to appear. These are things that most applicants are simply unable to do on their own. Although there’s no guarantee when it comes to your disability hearing, you owe it to yourself to do everything possible to tip the scales in your favor.
Many disabled Rhode Island workers may feel that they can’t afford a Cranston Social Security lawyer. However, this is not the case, as there is no upfront payment required. You will only pay your Cranston Social Security disability attorney if you’re awarded benefits. If this happens, their fee will be either 25% of your “back benefits,” or $6,000 – whichever is less.
Cranston Social Security disability lawyers also handle claims in nearby cities such as Auburn, Knightsville, Elmwood, Garden City, Wayland, Thornton, Pawtucket and Lakewood. They’ll also represent residents of Kent and Bristol counties, in addition to other Providence County residents.
