Buffalo, New York residents who are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income could have a tough road ahead of them. Even after seeing weekly Social Security paycheck deductions, they could be denied benefits, as are over 70% of disability applicants nationwide. Although there is an appeals process, and some Social Security applicants do have their benefits granted at a later stage, this often comes after a lengthy wait. In fact, if someone who’s applying for disability gets two denials, the next step is to have a disability hearing, and the wait for this hearing could be two years or more.
If you’re applying for disability in Buffalo, go to your local Buffalo Social Security office, or call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at (800) 772-1213. You can also apply online at the SSA's website. It’s a good idea to consider hiring a Buffalo Social Security Disability lawyer to guide you through the disability claim process. This could increase the chances that you’ll be granted benefits upon your initial application.
Buffalo Health Resources
The best way to get awarded disability benefits is to provide the Social Security Administration with consistent medical records documenting the nature and severity of your disability or disabilities. The SSA will pass these on to New York’s Disability Determination Services, the contract agency that makes disability decisions for the SSA. Here, a claims examiner, along with a medical expert, will review your medical records and other evidence to determine if you are unable to work. If you’re applying for Social Security in Buffalo, it’s important to obtain regular medical treatment. However, some disabled workers have trouble finding or affording the healthcare they need. If this is the case, contact one of the Buffalo health care resources below.
Community Health Center of Buffalo
462 Grider Street
Buffalo NY 14215
(716) 986-9199
Geneva B Scruggs Community Health Care
567 Kensington Ave.
Buffalo NY 14214
(716) 894-3556
Geneva Scruggs Community Health Center
608 William Street
Buffalo NY 14206
(716) 858-6171
Northwest Buffalo Community Health Care Center
155 Lawn Ave.
Buffalo NY 14207
(716) 875-2904
Our Lady of Good Remedy Free Clinic
325 Walden Ave.
Buffalo NY 14211
(716) 837-4342
Interim Healthcare
865 Michigan Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-6551
Waterfront Health Care Center
200 7th Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-6551
Find an SSA Office Near Me
Buffalo Mental Health Resources
You can also be granted disability benefits based on a psychiatric condition such as anxiety or depression, either alone or in conjunction with a physical disability. If you’re having problems obtaining the mental health treatment you need, contact the Buffalo Psychiatric Center:
Buffalo Psychiatric Center
400 Forest Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14213
(716) 885-2261
Buffalo Supplementary Benefits
If you haven’t earned enough work credits to be eligible for Social Security Disability, you could be able to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the needs-based disability program. New York residents who receive SSI could receive an additional payment from the state of New York, ranging from $23 to around $250, depending on their living arrangements.
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits in New York, you could be eligible for health care assistance through Medicaid, or New York's Family Health Plus program. For more information contact the Erie County Department of Health at (716) 858-7960.
Your Buffalo Social Security Disability Claim
Unfortunately, some Buffalo Social Security applicants will have their claims denied despite having the appropriate medical documentation. The Social Security Disability evaluation process is complex, and the SSA has their own specific definition of “disabled.” Hiring an experienced Buffalo disability lawyer who is familiar with Social Security laws and regulations can be very beneficial for a disability applicant.
There are no upfront costs involved with hiring a qualified Buffalo Social Security Disability attorney. New York disability lawyers are paid on a contingent fee basis, meaning they only receive a fee if and when the Social Security applicant is granted benefits. If your claim isn’t approved, you won’t pay your Buffalo Social Security disability lawyer. If your benefits are granted, he or she will receive a fee equal to 25% of your retroactive benefits (up to a maximum of $7,200).
Click here for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case by a top Buffalo Social Security disability lawyer.
