Social Security Disability benefits are available to you if you can prove that you are unable to work for at least twelve months as a result of a debilitating injury.
The New York State Division of Disability Determinations (DDD) is responsible for rendering disability decisions based on your medical file once your Rochester Social Security Disability application has been reviewed by the SSA. Applications can be submitted online or you can feel free to pick up any resources at a local Rochester field office. You may choose to submit your application in person while you are there. The DDD uses the information in your medical records to determine the severity of your disability and to offer a projection of how long your disability payments would continue based on information provided by your doctor. As a general rule, cases for individuals with disabilities that are expected to improve will come up for review within 6 to 12 months. Cases for individuals with disabilities that may improve over time will be reviewed in 3 years. Cases for individuals with permanent disabilities come up for review every 5-7 years.
Health Resources in Rochester, NY
As soon as you are injured, you should make every effort to seek out medical treatment. The DDD places high importance on your medical file to back your disability claim. If there is not sufficient evidence in your file to support your claim, your claim may be denied. It is in your best interest to make sure that you are receiving regular treatment for your disability from a licensed medical professional.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, there are several reduced-cost and free health facilities in the Rochester area which may be of service to you.
Monroe County Department of Public Health
111 Westfall Rd.
Room 952
Rochester, NY 14692
(585) 753-2991
New Faith Community
d/b/a Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center
Rochester, NY - 14614
(585)325-1180
Orchard Street Community Health Center
158 Orchard St.
Rochester, NY - 14611
(585) 368-4500
Northeast Health Service
1425 Portland Ave.
Rochester, NY - 14621
(585) 922-4200
Sojourner House
30 Millbank St.
Rochester, NY - 14619
(585) 436-7100
Salvation Army – Hope House
100 West Ave.
Rochester, NY - 14611
(585) 987-9540
Rochester Mental Health Resources
If you are suffering from a mental illness that keeps you from being able to perform the duties of your job, you must see a mental health professional for treatment and documentation. Contact the Monroe County Department of Human Services at (585) 753-6047 for assistance.
Rochester Supplemental Benefits
How state supplemental benefits work with your federal benefits
If you are approved for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the state of New York will give you benefits in addition to what you are already receiving from the federal government. The combined monthly maximum of state and federal social security disability payments you can receive is $943 per individual and $1,415 per disabled couple.
Getting Assistance with Your Rochester Social Security Disability Claim
The process of applying for Rochester Social Security Disability benefits can be lengthy. Only 37.7% of initial claims in the state of New York are awarded. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and ask the SSA to reconsider your case. If your appeal is also denied (more than 80% of first appeals are denied), you can ask that your case be heard before a Rochester administration law judge (ALJ). At the hearing level 44% of claims are actually approved. However the average time it takes for your case to be heard by a Rochester Social Security Disability judge exceeds 400 days.
If you are unable to work during that time, a long process can mean financial chaos. You have the right to hire a Rochester Social Security Disability attorney to assist you and improve your chances of being awarded your claim.
Rochester Social Security lawyers are paid on a contingency basis and are not paid unless your disability claim is approved. If you are approved, your Rochester SSD Attorney will receive either 25% of the back pay you are awarded or $6,000, whichever amount is lower. Contact a Rochester Social Security lawyer if you would like to request a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case.
