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Getting a Disability Lawyer in New York for a Social Security or SSI ClaimIn the state of New York, as in all other states across the nation, it is no easy task to win social security disability (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI) benefits. The majority of all disability applications filed in New York, about 62 percent, were denied in recent years, and statistics were positively grim for those who appealed the decision to the state disability determination services (DDS) agency: only 16 percent of first appeals, or requests for reconsideration, filed in New York were approved. Given these statistics, should individuals filing for disability retain a disability attorney, and if so, when? Well, there are cases in New York in which disability cases are approved within three to four months of the initial application, without any disability help from attorneys or non-attorney representatives (a non-attorney representative is someone, often a former employee of the social security administration, who, though not an attorney, is qualified to advocate for disability applicants). However, as stated previously, these cases are in the minority. Getting a disability lawyer does not, of course, ensure that you will win your case. However, statistics have shown that those with legal representation are more likely to win SSD or SSI benefits, particularly if their case winds up before a federal administrative law judge. Many people filing for disability in New York never consider the possibility that they will reach this point, but the fact is that most cases are not approved by DDS, and must be taken to the second level of appeal, which is to request a hearing before a disability judge. This hearing is the very best chance New York disability claimants have of winning benefits, and having some form of legal representation at this level of appeal could mean the difference between winning and losing, i.e. qualifying for disability. Therefore, if you are filing for SSD or SSI in New York, you should start planning, at the outset, at what point you will retain a New York disability lawyer for your case, because it could make a difference in whether or not you qualify for disability. Some individuals will feel more secure if they have a consultation even before filing their claim, some will consider it only when their claim is denied and they must file an appeal with DDS—it’s really up to the level of comfort an individual has with the disability process, and how well they are able to present their case. However, at the second appeal, anyone who decides to apply for social security disability or apply for disability from SSI is strongly advised to retain legal counsel. 
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