In order to qualify for social security disability in Jersey City, NJ, there are specific criteria that you will have to meet. In general, social security disability benefits are for those workers who have suffered a debilitating medical condition that keeps them from attaining gainful employment. When you apply for social security disability, you need to be able to substantiate the claim that you are either permanently disabled or suffering from a condition that keeps you from being able to work for at least 12 months. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), 43.5% of the initial disability claims filed with the SSA are awarded, a significant bump over the national average of 31%. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and ask that the decision be reconsidered. If your appeal is denied, you can ask for your case to be heard before an administration law judge (ALJ). Of the claims that are appealed, only about 13% are awarded. At the hearing level, however, claims that are heard by an ALJ in Jersey City have a 47% award rate.
Jersey City Health Resources
The Social Security Administration appoints the Jersey City Disability Determination Service (DDS) to determine if you do in fact have a disability that qualifies you for social security disability benefits in Jersey City. The DDS makes that determination by reviewing your medical records. As such, it is extremely important that you are getting regular medical attention to document your condition. If you do not currently have a primary care doctor or are having trouble paying for the medical attention you may need to treat your disability, there are reduced-cost and free health care facilities in the Jersey City area.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
1 Journal Square Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 547-6800
HORIZON HEALTH CENTER
706-714 Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ, 07306
(201) 451-6300
SNYDER HS HEALTH CLINIC
239 Bergen Ave.
Jersey City, NJ - 07305
(201) 451-6300
METROPOLITAN FAMILY HEALTH NETWORK
935 Garfield Ave.
Jersey City, NJ - 07304
201-478-5802
JERSEY CITY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
324 Palisade Ave.
Jersey City, NJ - 07307
201-459-8888
Jersey City Area Mental Health Resources
The New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health Services offers an extensive list of mental health resources for anyone in need of treatment for mental illness. For a list of self-help centers, community groups, and other services, contact the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health Services.
Jersey City Supplemental Social Security Benefits
If you receive social security benefits, the State of New Jersey will pay supplemental state benefit in addition to the federal benefits you receive. Currently, the Federal social security disability benefit rate is $943 for an independent individual and $1,415 for a couple.
When to Find a Jersey City Social Security Disability Attorney
Filing a social security disability claim can be time-consuming and even confusing. Gathering the right documentation and making sure that you are submitting the information needed by the Social Security Administration to make a decision takes careful attention to the details. Something important can easily be overlooked or altogether missed, extending an already lengthy process. In Jersey City, the average processing time for a social security disability claim is 316 days according to the U.S. Social Security Administration. To improve your chances of being awarded your social security disability claim, you may benefit from the advice of a seasoned professional. You have the right to hire a Jersey City disability attorney at any point during the determination process.
So often, people don’t seek professional counsel until after their disability claim has been denied when they would actually improve their chances of winning their initial claim by taking advantage of an attorney’s expertise. Many attorneys only charge you if they are able to win your case for you. If your attorney wins, a standard fee of 25% of your award is collected from past due benefits or through a fee petition. The maximum an attorney can collect is $6,000.