Ungaro Cifuni & Jaffe
Attorneys at Law, LLP
291 Broadway, Suite 1400
New York, New York 10007
Tel (212) 766-5800
Fax (212) 766-6200
Social Security
Disability Insurance
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Eligibility:
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If you are no longer capable of working or have been unable to work for a period lasting (or which you expect to last) longer then one year;
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If you have (a) worked a minimum of 5 years during the 10 years proceeding your disability and (b) paid into the Social Security System during that period; and
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If you became unable to work before the age of 65.
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Entitlements
Title II of the Social Security Act provides monthly payments to disabled workers. Maximum benefits are approximately $3,000.00 per month to the worker, and an additional $1,500.00 for minor or disabled children, totaling over $50,000.00 annually. In addition, SSD beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare after receiving 24 months of benefits.
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Our Services Include:
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Ongoing in-office or telephone consultations;
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Review of medical records and physician narratives;
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Any necessary letters to, or discussions with, doctors;
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Recommending physicians and/or medical or psychological specialists;
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Assistance and advice with the completion of complex and often deceptive forms and questionnaires;
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Informing the Social Security Administration that you are represented by counsel, curtailing further or annoying inquiries directly from Social Security employees;
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Preparation before and representation at any interviews with adjudication officers and/or hearings before a federal Administrative Law Judge;
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Research of the law in regard to specific legal issues connected to your claim;
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Assistance in the procurement of auxiliary benefits for eligible family members;
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Attorney appearances at all hearings, cross examination of any adverse witnesses or experts called to testify at your hearing;
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Mailing costs, local travel expenses and copying costs are included in a nominal expense fee;
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The preparation and filing of any necessary administrative appeals; and
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Federal District Court appeals in deserving cases on a contingency fee basis with expenses, filing and service fees paid by the claimant.
Our Services Do Not Include:
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Medical expenses, doctor letters, expert witnesses, transcript fees and or other necessary disbursements are the responsibility of the client; and
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Legal representation outside New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Connecticut.
Our Fees:
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There is no charge for telephone or in-person consultations. During your consultations we will provide you with our legal opinion with respect to your claim. If you request our assistance and we agree to represent you, then:
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We are paid only if we are successful in obtaining you Social Security Disability Benefits.
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We are paid only a portion of back money awarded to you. We limit our fee to the lesser of $6,000.00 or 25% of retroactive benefits awarded in cases which do not require appeals to the Appeals Council.
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The law firm of Ungaro Cifuni & Jaffe provides quality, affordable legal services to our clients throughout the Social Security Disability claim process.
If you are unable to work because of illness or injury, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. If you have been wrongfully denied benefits by the Social Security Administration, we can represent you in obtaining the benefits to which you are entitled. There is no fee for your initial office consultation, and we charge a legal fees only if we are successful in recovering back benefits for you. We do not receive any portion of any future benefits due you or your family. Our standard fee is 25% of your back benefits or $6,000.00, whichever is less.
The following information is being provided to assist you in answering some common questions about Social Security disability claims. This information is not meant to cover every situation, it is a general statement of Social Security law and procedures. This information is not to be used as a substitute for specific legal advice from an attorney.
Please remember that the law is always changing through actions of the Congress, the Social Security Administration and the Courts. Accordingly, the information provided herein may be subject to change or no longer applicable.
For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions.
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