Denied SSDI? Worried About Your Application? Our Attorneys Fight For Your Disability Claim.

Taking on the disability claims process on your own is intimidating. You are up against a complex and powerful system that often puts applicants at a disadvantage. However, you don’t have to file for SSDI benefits or mount an appeal by yourself. A disability claims attorney on your side can increase the chances of accessing the benefits and compensation you need.

At Pierce, Pierce & Napolitano, based in Salem, our Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) team knows the stress and uncertainty of the claims process. Our legal team has more than 100 years of collective experience supporting injured workers as trusted advocates. Our goal is to ensure you receive the workers’ compensation and disability benefits you need to face your post-injury future.

Our small, dedicated team allows clients to work directly with our experienced attorneys. We offer an affordable fee structure and maintain strong community ties, including relationships with judges, doctors and insurers. Our deep understanding of Social Security procedures and regulations makes us the right choice for handling your disability claim needs.

Do You Qualify For SSDI? Four Questions To Ask Yourself.

To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets the definition of disability provided by the Social Security Administration. If you qualify, you should be able to answer “yes” to the following questions:

1. Are you currently working? The SSA will look to see if you are working or participating in “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) and earning more than $1,690 ($2,830 if you’re blind). To qualify, you should be able to answer “no” or be earning under the SGA cap. However, if you are self-employed, the SSA will evaluate the nature, hours, and value of your work, meaning you can still be found to be engaging in SGA even if your net profits are below the threshold.
2. Have you worked recently enough – and long enough – to qualify for SSDI? You must meet work coverage requirements to qualify for SSDI, independent of other criteria. In 2026, you can earn one Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,890 in covered earnings each year, and you can earn up to four credits per year. The number of credits needed to qualify for disability varies with your age.
3. Does your injury or condition meet the SSA’s definition of severe? Your injury or condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work, and it must have lasted, or be expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 consecutive months (or be expected to result in death).
4. Is your injury or condition found on the SSA’s list of disabling conditions? Social Security maintains a comprehensive list of conditions, known as its Blue Book, that can qualify you for SSDI. Some of the conditions in the Blue Book include chronic respiratory disorders, PTSD, bipolar or depressive disorders, spinal and nerve conditions, extensive burns, compound fractures, traumatic brain injuries. There are many rules of evidence in the Blue Book that determine whether SSA will approve your SSDI application. Our attorneys understand the nuances of the SSA’s language and can help you document your claim properly.

It’s important to remember that SSDI benefits are separate from workers’ comp benefits, but both can be pursued simultaneously. Our attorneys can explain the relationship between these benefits, as they can impact each other, as well as help you determine your eligibility and guide you through both processes.

Why Most DIY SSDI Applications Fail

Filing for SSDI involves several important steps. The process is designed to document the severity of your injury and prove it qualifies for benefits. However, because SSA asks for specific types of evidence and has specific guidelines for evaluating them, it can feel as if the system is designed to lock you out of the benefits for which you paid into the Social Security system.

Here is a quick overview of why “do-it-yourself” disability claims fail, with information on how our attorneys can act as your safety net for avoiding common errors:

• Incomplete medical records. SSA will reject claims based on incomplete or outdated medical records that don’t demonstrate the true state of your injury or condition. Our attorneys will help you gather the proper records to effectively tell the clinical story of your injury.
• Inadequate supporting documentation. Medical records may not tell the entire story of your injury or condition. Our legal team can help you request items such as doctor’s notes and test results and ensure they are sent to SSA.
• Application Errors. Our attorneys can review your application to check for common issues, such as listing an inaccurate date of injury. We can also explain all terminology used on the application so you do not make a mistake based upon a misunderstanding of Social Security jargon.
• Missed or misunderstood communication between the claimant and SSA. Social Security does give applicants for SSDI brief periods of time to correct or add to the application. Our attorneys know what questions to ask SSA personnel and will make sure you don’t miss critical application deadlines.

Completing the SSDI application online can be convenient, but working with a lawyer helps to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. Our team is here to assist you with each step, increasing your chances of a successful claim.

The Appeals Process

If your initial SSDI claim is denied, do not lose hope. You have the opportunity to challenge your claim denial. This involves multiple stages, including:

1. Reconsideration
2. An administrative court hearing
3. Potentially more appeals

Hiring an SSDI attorney is crucial during this process. We can help you present a strong case and improve your chances of success. Our experience with disability claims ensures that your appeal is handled with care and attention to detail.

Start Seeking SSDI: Make A Free Consultation

At Pierce, Pierce & Napolitano, our team of lawyers is ready to guide you at each stage of your disability claims process. For a completely free initial consultation, please contact us at 978-935-4632 or send us an email. To prevent financial strain on you, we offer an affordable fee structure.