Fall River Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyer

When an unexpected injury or chronic illness prevents you from earning a living, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a lifeline. Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSDI provides monthly cash benefits to workers who have paid into the system through their payroll taxes and who now face a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For residents of Fall River, Massachusetts, the path to benefits can feel confusing and, at times, overwhelming, especially when denials arrive in the mail with little explanation.

Our knowledgeable Fall River SSDI lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls to build a compelling case from the outset. Unlike needs-based Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI does not consider your household resources; eligibility is tied to your work history and disability status. Yet, even with a legitimate claim, many first-time applications are denied due to incomplete medical evidence, procedural missteps, or misunderstandings about what the SSA requires to see. Contact our Fall River personal injury law firm for a free consultation now.

To secure SSDI, you must satisfy two broad medical and vocational criteria and an earnings test. In practical terms, the SSA will examine:

• Work Credits. You accrue up to four credits each year you work and pay FICA taxes. Adult workers need at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years, although younger applicants may qualify with fewer.
• Severe Medical Impairment. The condition must be expected to last 12 consecutive months or be terminal. It must "significantly limit" your ability to perform basic work activities. The SSA evaluates your impairment against its Listing of Impairments (the "Blue Book") or considers your residual functional capacity.
• Inability to Engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). For 2025, earning above $1,550 per month (non-blind) generally disqualifies you from receiving benefits. Blind applicants have a higher SGA threshold.
• Duration of Disability. Temporary or partial disability is insufficient; SSDI is only for long-term or permanent loss of earning capacity.

A minor omission can jeopardize benefits because each case is unique and hinges on specific medical records and vocational evidence. Working with an SSDI lawyer in Fall River ensures that all required documents are obtained, organized, and presented in a persuasive manner.

Although you can apply online, by phone, or at the local Social Security field office on President Avenue, having counsel early often makes the difference between approval and rejection. The general roadmap looks like this:

• Initial Application. File SSA Form SSA-16 and submit adult disability and work history reports. Provide the treating physician's contact information and all relevant medical evidence. Processing time averages three to six months in Massachusetts.
• If denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. A different disability examiner reviews the file. About 12–15 % of claims are reversed at this stage.
• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing. The Fall River satellite hearing office currently schedules video and in-person hearings. You, your attorney, and vocational or medical experts testify under oath. Preparation includes crafting a concise theory of the case and cross-examining expert witnesses.
• Appeals Council Review. Unfavorable ALJ decision? You may seek a review with the Appeals Council at Falls Church, VA. The Council can affirm, reverse, remand, or dismiss your appeal.
• Federal District Court. As a final resort, you may file a civil action in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Boston Division.

At each stage, deadlines are strict. Even by a day, missing one date can force you to start over. Partnering with Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers keeps your claim on track and compliant.

Understanding why claims fail can help you avoid common mistakes:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence. Doctors' notes must explain functional limitations, not just diagnoses. Imaging studies, lab results, and treatment history bolster credibility.
• Earning Above SGA. Part-time work may still exceed the monthly limit. Your lawyer can advise on permissible "trial work periods."
• Noncompliance With Treatment. Failure to follow prescribed therapy may lead the SSA to conclude that your condition could improve, and document legitimate reasons for any treatment gaps.
• Prior Denials Refiled Without New Evidence. Submitting a "copy-and-paste" claim rarely results in success. Your attorney identifies and fills evidentiary gaps before reapplication.
• Technical Errors. Incorrect onset date, incomplete work history, or missing forms can result in immediate rejection.

Massachusetts disability law firms do more than fill out paperwork. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, our tailored approach includes:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation. We will give honest feedback on the strength of your claim and the next steps. If another program (e.g., workers' comp) may affect your entitlement, we will explain how.
• Medical Record Development. We gather records, obtain narrative reports, and request functional capacity evaluations from your physicians. Our team synthesizes hundreds of pages into concise hearing briefs.
• Strategic Onset-Date Selection. Choosing the correct disability onset date can mean thousands more in retroactive benefits.
• Hearing Representation. We prepare you for ALJ questioning, submit pre-hearing memos, and cross-examine vocational experts. Our attorneys are familiar with the unique tendencies of the judges who preside over cases in Fall River.
• Coordination With Other Benefits. If you receive long-term disability (LTD) payments, workers' compensation, or VA benefits, we structure offsets to maximize overall recovery.
• Contingency Fee Arrangement. You pay no attorney’s fee unless we win. The standard fee is capped by federal law at 25 % of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less (as of 2025).

While many hearings remain virtual post-pandemic, Fall River claimants are typically assigned to the Providence, RI, or Boston Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Knowing the local landscape matters:

• Processing Backlog. The average wait time from hearing request to decision in Massachusetts is approximately 11 months, which is slightly below the national average. Our staff monitors delays and submits "critical case" requests as needed.
• Judicial Statistics. Approval rates vary by judge, ranging from approximately 40% to 62%. Familiarity with each judge's preferences helps sharpen our presentation.
• Language and Cultural Barriers. Fall River's sizable Portuguese-speaking community may need interpreters. We arrange certified translation at no cost to you.
• Transportation and Access. We can coordinate rides or arrange parking near the hearing site if you choose in-person testimony.

Selecting the right law firm can determine whether you receive benefits:

• Decades of Focused Experience. Since 1995, our firm has represented thousands of disability claimants across Massachusetts.
• Local Presence With Statewide Reach. Though headquartered in Boston, we serve clients throughout Bristol County and maintain meeting spaces in Fall River.
• Integrated Personal Injury and Disability Practice. Injured in an accident? We handle overlapping personal injury claims and SSDI applications under one roof, ensuring consistency and avoiding conflicting statements.
• Advanced Case Management Technology. Secure portals let you upload medical updates 24/7. Automated reminders ensure deadlines are never missed.
• Compassionate, Client-First Philosophy. We return calls promptly, keep you informed, and treat every case as if it were our family's.
• Free Consultation, No Obligation. Please speak with a lawyer today or submit our online form for a fast response.

Q: "How long does it take to get a decision?"
The SSA's average initial decision time in Massachusetts is approximately four months, but complex cases or backlog spikes can extend this timeline. Requests for reconsideration add three months, and hearings typically take around 11 months.

Q: "Can I work while receiving SSDI?"
Yes, up to a point. The SSA offers a Trial Work Period, allowing you to test your ability to work for nine months without losing benefits. After that, the strict SGA limits resume.

Q: "What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?"
SSDI is insurance-based and available regardless of an individual's assets, while SSI is needs-based and considers an individual's income and resources. Many claimants apply for both.

Q: "Will my benefits be taxed?"
Possibly. Federal taxation applies when your combined income exceeds certain thresholds. Massachusetts does not tax SSDI benefits at the state level.

Q: "Do I need an attorney?"
Legally, no, but statistically, claimants with legal representation have a significantly higher success rate. Our firm ensures every form, deadline, and medical narrative meets SSA standards.

Life with a debilitating condition is hard enough; fighting bureaucracy should not add to the burden. Whether you are just beginning your application, appealing a denial, or preparing for a hearing, the dedicated attorneys at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers stand ready to help. We provide:

• Free, no-pressure consultations
• Clear guidance at every stage of the process
• Aggressive advocacy to secure the full benefits you deserve

Call (508) 974-3304 or complete our online contact form. Let our Fall River SSDI team take on the legal burden so you can focus on your health and family. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Fall River Office

99 S Main St #350
Fall River, MA 02721
Phone: (508) 974-3304