If a medical condition is keeping you from working, the Social Security Disability (SSDI) process can feel like an uphill battle. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by confusing paperwork, strict deadlines, and frequent denials. But you do not have to take it on alone. A Social Security Disability lawyer in Woodbury with Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. can step in to guide your claim, represent you in hearings, and fight for the disability benefits you qualify for.
Whether you are filing your initial application or challenging a denied Social Security disability claim, our attorneys understand the system—and we know how to work it in your favor. Call 516-496-0400 today to set up a free consultation.
How SSDI Works
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is a federal benefit available to workers who can no longer maintain full-time employment due to a qualifying physical or mental condition. SSDI is not income-based. Instead, eligibility depends on two main factors:
- Medical eligibility based on your diagnosis and limitations.
- Work credits, which are earned through taxable employment history.
Work credits vary based on your age and how long you have worked. Most applicants must have worked at least five of the last ten years before becoming disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your application using its SSDI medical conditions list to determine if your impairment meets or equals their definition of disability.
Your medical condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is the SSA’s way of measuring your ability to earn a living. In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 for blind individuals) generally disqualifies you from SSDI benefits.
SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the Difference?
While SSDI is for workers who have paid into the system through payroll taxes, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed for people with limited income and resources who have not built up enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. SSI can help children with disabilities, older adults with limited means, and individuals with minimal or no recent work history.
Our lawyers at Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. can assess your eligibility and explain the requirements for both programs. In some situations, you may simultaneously be eligible for SSDI and SSI.
SSI has its own rules about income, resources, and household composition. Your living situation, savings, and even who you live with can affect whether you qualify and how much you receive. Our team will help you document everything the SSA needs to evaluate your application fairly.
Medical Conditions That Qualify for SSDI
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medically diagnosed condition that prevents you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” for at least 12 months—or is expected to result in death. The SSA uses a published SSDI medical conditions list (often called the “Blue Book”) to evaluate your eligibility.
Common qualifying conditions include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., arthritis, back injuries, degenerative disc disease)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s)
- Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD)
- Cardiovascular issues (e.g., heart failure, stroke, chronic arrhythmia)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Cancer (any stage, especially metastatic or terminal cancers)
- Respiratory illnesses (e.g., COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis)
The SSA also considers the severity and frequency of your symptoms, how they impact your daily function, and whether your condition responds to treatment. Even if your diagnosis does not appear in the Blue Book, you may still qualify if your symptoms significantly limit your ability to work.
What Happens If My SSDI Claim Is Denied?
Getting denied does not mean the end of the road. In fact, most successful SSDI cases are won during the appeal process. We can help you challenge the decision and keep your case moving forward.
There are four main stages of appeal:
- Reconsideration: A new SSA reviewer evaluates your original claim with any updated evidence.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: You will present your case before a judge, which is often the most critical stage of appeal.
- Appeals Council Review: If the judge denies your claim, the next step is to have the SSA Appeals Council review it.
- Federal Court: The final level involves filing a lawsuit in federal court, where a judge will examine whether the SSA made legal errors in its decision.
Disability hearing representation can be especially important at the ALJ level. This hearing is your best chance to speak directly to a judge and explain your case. Our attorneys prepare you for the types of questions you will be asked, gather supportive testimony from your doctors, and make sure your case file is complete and persuasive.
Building a Strong SSDI Case
The SSA looks at several key pieces of information when evaluating your claim:
- Detailed medical records and treatment history
- Doctor’s opinions and functional capacity evaluations
- Your education, work history, and vocational training
- Statements from you, your family, and former employers
A strong claim connects all these pieces to show the full picture of your disability. We know how to present your case in a way that highlights the impact of your condition on your daily life—not just your diagnosis. We also make sure all documents are submitted correctly and on time, which is critical to avoiding unnecessary delays.
We take time to understand your story and your symptoms so we can argue your case from both a medical and personal standpoint. We develop well-supported legal arguments grounded in SSA regulations and relevant case law, always with your individual circumstances and needs at the center of the strategy.
Who Needs a Social Security Disability Attorney?
The SSA denies the majority of initial applications—often for reasons unrelated to the applicant’s medical situation. Technical errors, missing documentation, or vague medical records can all derail a claim.
At Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C., we help clients with:
- Preparing and filing initial SSDI or SSI applications
- Gathering medical and vocational evidence
- Meeting strict SSA deadlines
- Responding to requests for additional information
- Filing appeals after a denial
- Representing claimants at disability hearings
Having an experienced attorney involved early can drastically reduce the likelihood of your claim being delayed or denied. We understand how the SSA thinks and what their reviewers need to see. Instead of guessing what to include, we help you build a strong claim from day one.
Why Work with Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C.?
For over 40 years, we have provided strategic legal support for New Yorkers facing disability challenges. Our Woodbury Social Security Disability lawyers combine local knowledge with deep experience handling SSDI and SSI cases from start to finish.
What sets us apart:
- Personalized service: you will work directly with your attorney—not just a case manager.
- In-depth case prep: We do not take shortcuts. Clients get a custom strategy built around their condition, work history, and goals.
- Aggressive advocacy: We do not hesitate to appeal, escalate, or litigate when your claim is denied without cause.
- Local insight: Our lawyers understand how ALJs in the Woodbury area evaluate claims, and we use that insight to your advantage.
We believe that our clients deserve to be heard, respected, and fully supported throughout the process. That’s why we stay in close contact, answer your questions, and keep you updated every step of the way.
From initial filings to disability hearing representation, our team stands by your side every step of the way. And because we work on contingency, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
FAQs About SSDI in Woodbury
How long does it take to get SSDI benefits in New York?
Most initial applications take three to six months to process. If your case goes to a hearing, it could take a year or longer. We help expedite your case wherever possible.
What are work credits for SSDI?
Work credits are based on your yearly income and how long you have worked. You can earn up to four credits per year. Most applicants need at least 20 credits earned over the past 10 years to qualify.
Can I work while receiving SSDI benefits?
Yes, but there are income limits. The SSA offers work incentive programs like the Trial Work Period, which allows limited earnings without losing your benefits. Talk to our attorneys before accepting any employment while on SSDI.
What’s the difference between a lawyer and a disability advocate?
A Social Security disability attorney is a licensed professional with legal training, bound by ethical standards, and can represent you in court if needed. Advocates often lack that background or authority.
Do you still have questions? Contact Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. at [phone number] for honest answers and actionable guidance.
Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Woodbury Today
The SSDI process does not leave much room for error—but with the right legal support, you do not have to face it alone. [Firm-name] offers hands-on help at every stage of your disability claim, whether you are applying for the first time or appealing a denial that never should have happened.
Ready to get started? Call 516-496-0400 now to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you secure the benefits you have worked hard for.