Denied Social Security Disability in Brooklyn? Here’s What to Do Next
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), to qualify for Disability benefits, you must have a long-term disability or blindness that prevents you from working, with monthly earnings below the 2025 Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit—$1,620, or $2,700 if you are blind. You generally need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years, though younger individuals may qualify with less. The SSA also provides benefits to eligible family members, such as a spouse, ex-spouse, or child.
Even if you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), your claim can still be denied for reasons that are unclear or buried in vague paperwork.Navigating the Social Security Disability process can be confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming—especially after a denial.This is where hiring a qualified disability attorney can make a major difference.
When your claim is denied, SSA will send you a denial letter that typically offers little to no insight into why you were denied. Most people don’t realize that they are entitled to request their complete case file, which includes all submitted medical evidence, consultative exam (CE) results, and the rationale behind the decision made by Disability Determination Services (DDS)—a separate agency from SSA. Disability attorneys know how to obtain and interpret this information, identify missing or weak areas in your file, and take the right steps to strengthen your case.
SSA employees are not directly involved in the decision-making process and often cannot provide accurate or useful advice about appealing a denial or building a strong application. Many claimants unknowingly submit incomplete information or misunderstand how to document the full extent of their disability. Attorneys are trained to avoid these pitfalls by gathering detailed medical records, working directly with your doctors for supportive statements, and ensuring that your condition meets SSA’s strict definitions and functional limitations.
The disability claim process also considers non-medical factors such as age, education level, past work experience, and transferable job skills. A skilled attorney knows how to present your situation strategically, showing how these factors combined with your medical condition prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity. Without expert guidance, many applicants are unprepared to meet this high legal standard.
Here are some key advantages of hiring a disability attorney:
- Thorough Case Preparation – They gather medical evidence, obtain necessary documentation, and help you fill out forms correctly.
- Appeals Expertise – If denied, your attorney can file the appeal, request hearings, and represent you in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
- Communication with SSA/DDS – Attorneys know how to deal with SSA and DDS effectively and can monitor the status of your claim or appeal.
- Building a Legal Argument – They know how to make the legal case for your disability under SSA’s five-step evaluation process.
- Medical-Vocational Analysis – They assess how your medical condition interacts with your work history, age, and skills to present a persuasive argument.
- Increased Approval Odds – Statistics show that applicants with legal representation are significantly more likely to be approved—especially at the hearing level.
No Upfront Costs – Disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. Their fee is capped by federal law (typically 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200 as of recent guidelines).
Many applicants lose hope after an initial denial, but it’s important to understand that denials are common, and they do not mean your case is unwinnable. Having a disability attorney by your side gives you the best chance of success. They understand how to navigate the complex rules and overcome the common breakdowns in the system that delay or prevent people from getting the benefits they deserve.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling with the SSDI or SSI application process—or if you’ve been denied—it is in your best interest to consult a disability attorney.The Law Office of Oliver C. Minott provides legal representation in Social Security Disability and SSI in all of New York and New Jersey. Our hardworking Social Security Disability/ SSI lawyers understand the complex nature of your Social Security Disability/ SSI claim
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month, or $2,700 if you are blind. Earning more than this amount may disqualify you from receiving disability benefits.
To qualify, you must have a long-term disability or blindness that prevents you from working and earning above the SGA limit. You typically need to have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 5 of the last 10 years. However, younger individuals may qualify with fewer work credits.
Yes. Eligible family members—including spouses, ex-spouses, and children—may also receive benefits based on your record.
Claims are often denied for incomplete paperwork, insufficient medical evidence, or not meeting SSA’s strict definitions of disability. Denial letters are often vague, but a disability attorney can review your case file and determine the specific reasons.
There are no upfront costs. Attorneys are paid only if you win, receiving 25% of your back pay, up to $7,200 (as per federal guidelines).