SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER PITTSFIELD, MA

Social Security & Disability

If you have a severe physical and/or mental impairment that prevents you from working and  engaging in your normal daily activities, you may be eligible to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.  The benefits are payable under the Social Security Disability Income program (SSDI) based on your earnings and contribution to the social security system while you were working.  The other program is the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) that it is available to adults and disabled children even if they have never paid into the social security system. Also, to receive SSI benefits you must meet the financial eligibility requirements.

The application process is legally complex and confusing so that, in the initial steps of the application process, many applicants are denied benefits. At each step of the application process, there are firm deadlines for taking your appeal to the next step that must be met or you could lose your claim because you didn't file your appeal on time.  Your claim may reach the hearing stage where you must testify before a Federal Administrative Judge.   That's why it is important to consult an attorney who has many years of experience and who has the expertise in the social security disability claims process to ensure the success of your claim.

Why Clients Choose Us: The Benefits of Our Expertise 

The attorneys at HASHIM & SPINOLA have decades-long experience in dealing with all legal matters that involve disease,  catastrophic injury and death as well as workers compensation and social security disability claims. 

Attorney Cynthia A. Spinola is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives (NOSSCR) based in Washington D.C, an elite professional organization of lawyers who specialize in representing social security disability claimants.

“OMG!! Thank you for all you have done for me.  I know how difficult I can be at times.  I definitely picked the right person to guide me thru this.”
— Recent Client

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today

Our team of professionals will guide you through the process and provide you with all the necessary information and support every step of the way. We understand that this can be a challenging time, and we will treat you with the utmost care and respect, as if you were one of our own family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There is no fee due for representation by HASHIM & SPINOLA on your SSDI or SSI claim unless we win. This is called a contingent fee. If we win the case for you, our fee is 25% of any past due benefits that are awarded to you. The past due benefits are calculated by totaling the monthly benefits that should have been paid to you beginning with the date of onset of your disability up to the date of your award. Contact HASHIM & SPINOLA today to see if you qualify for these disability benefits that you deserve.

  • To determine eligibility for SSDI or SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration considers various factors. These include whether you are currently engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) which is defined as earning wages above a certain monthly amount. You must suffer from an impairment or a combination of impairments that is expected to last for a period of 12 months or longer or likely to result in death. The combination of your various impairments can be disabling, even if only one of them is not. Some conditions are regarded by the Social Security Administration as being severe and automatically qualify you for benefits. These are called Listed Impairments. The additional factors that the Social Security Administration considers are your age, education, special skills, and your work history during the last 15 years..

  • If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits or attempting to reopen a previous application, request reconsideration, or prepare for a hearing, we will conduct thorough research including extensive information about all of your medical and/or psychological conditions; your work history and earnings; and your educational background. If you are applying for SSI benefits we will get detailed information about your financial and living circumstances. We also gather comprehensive medical evidence from your treatment providers. It is vital that you have .deserve.

  • Yes. If you were injured at work and are receiving total, or even partial, workers compensation benefits you may be eligible to receive SSDI benefits and your workers compensation benefits at the same time. Workers' compensation benefits are offset against your SSDI benefits but you can combine those benefits which can total up to 80% of your highest wage paid to you in the past few years. That is why it’s critical to call the legal team at HASHIM & SPINOLA when you get injured at work to find out if you are also eligible to receive SSDI benefits.

  • Even if you follow all the necessary steps correctly, there is a high possibility that your initial application for benefits may be rejected. However, you mustn’t lose hope! SSA has a four-stage appeals process. This includes requesting reconsideration, attending a benefits hearing, appealing to the SSA Appeals Council, and appealing to the federal court. This process is overwhelming and you will need the representation of an experienced SSDI and SSI attorney who understands the regulatory scheme and the evidence that will prove your case. As it is crucial to meet the strict deadlines for each stage and to be able present a strong case as to why you deserve benefits, the guidance of an SSDI attorney at HASHIM & SPINOLA can greatly enhance your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.escription

  • There is no fee due for representation by HASHIM & SPINOLA on your SSDI or SSI claim unless we win. This is called a contingent fee. When we win the case for you, our fee is 25% of any past due benefits that are awarded to you. The past due benefits are calculated by totaling the monthly benefits that should have been paid to you beginning with the date of onset of your disability up to the date of your award. Contact HASHIM & SPINOLA today to see if you qualify for these disability benefits that you deserve.