Paterson social security disability benefits are for those workers who have suffered a debilitating condition (mental or physical) that keeps them out of the workforce for at least one year. In order to qualify for social security disability in Paterson, NJ you need to be able to substantiate the claim that you are disabled.
When you apply for social security disability in Paterson, the Social Security Administration (SSA), will review your application to ensure that you meet non-medical eligibility criteria. Once that process is complete, the SSA will forward your case file to the New Jersey Disability Determination Services (DDS) for medical review. The DDS is responsible for working with the SSA to make medical determinations on social security disability cases. In reviewing your file, the DDS will contact your treating physician, employer and other sources that can substantiate your disability claim. If there is enough evidence to support your case, the DDS will inform the SSA of your eligibility. If there is not enough evidence to support your claim, the DDS may require you to undergo a state-paid examination to gather more medical evidence.
In New Jersey, 43.5% of the initial disability claims filed with the SSA are awarded. If you file a claim and it is denied, however, you have the right to appeal the decision and ask the SSA to reconsider your case. If your appeal is denied, you can ask to have your Paterson social security disability case heard by an administrative law judge (ALJ) at the Newark hearing office. Of the claims that are appealed, only about 13% are awarded. At the hearing level, claims that are heard by a Newark ALJ have a 57% award rate.
Paterson Health Resources
The DDS makes determinations on your Paterson social security disability case by reviewing your medical records. So 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 need to treat your disability, there are reduced-cost and free health care facilities in the Paterson area.
Paterson Community Health Center
32 Clinton Street
Paterson, NJ, 07522
(973) 790-6594
Southern Jersey Family Medical Center
1 N. White Horse Pike
Hammonton, NJ - 08037
(609) 567-0434 x4
Snyder Hs Health Clinic
239 Bergen Ave.
Jersey City, NJ - 07305
(201) 451-6300
Quitman Street Community School
21 Quitman St.
Newark, NJ - 07103
(973) 824-2097
Paterson 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.
St. Joseph’s Hospital
300 Hospital Plz
Paterson, NJ 07503
(973) 881-0362
Behavioral Health Services
121 Marion Street
Paterson, NJ 07522
(973) 595-0359
Harbor House
645 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07503
(973) 754-2800
Paterson Supplemental Social Security Benefits
If you receive Paterson social security disability 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 Paterson Social Security Disability Attorney
Once you have submitted your application to the SSA for review, all you can do is wait. While the application can be submitted online in a matter of minutes, the review process can linger on for months and months.
You have the right to hire a Paterson social security disability attorney to help expedite the process. Many New Jersey SSD 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.
