You've Earned These Benefits. I'll Help You Get Them.
Applying for Social Security disability is harder than it should be — and a mistake on your application can cost you months or years of benefits you're entitled to. I've been guiding New Jersey residents through this process since 1979.
What Is Social Security Disability — SSDI vs. SSI
William A. Sheehan Supporting Clients Across New Jersey
45 Years Handling SSDI and SSI Claims in New Jersey
A disabling condition doesn't just affect your health. It affects your income, your mortgage, your ability to keep the lights on. The Social Security Administration's process is long, document-heavy, and unforgiving of errors — and most first-time applicants are navigating it without any legal background while managing a serious illness or injury.
I've spent 45 years as a Social Security disability lawyer in Gloucester County and across South Jersey. I know what the SSA looks for, where applications fall apart, and how to present a claim that gives you the best possible chance of approval. When you work with me, you're working directly with me — not a paralegal, not a junior associate.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for workers who have paid Social Security taxes over their career and have accumulated enough work credits to qualify. Benefits are based on your earnings history. If you've worked steadily and your medical condition prevents you from maintaining substantial gainful employment, SSDI is likely your primary path.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. It's often the right option for people who haven't worked long enough to qualify for SSDI, or whose disability began early in life. Both programs require you to meet the SSA's definition of disability — a medically determinable condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
I'll assess your situation during our free consultation and tell you plainly which program fits your circumstances and what your application will need to succeed.
Why Attorney Representation Makes a Real Difference
The SSA denies a significant share of initial applications — often not because the applicant isn't disabled, but because the medical documentation is incomplete, the work history isn't framed correctly, or the claim doesn't clearly connect the diagnosis to functional limitations. These are fixable problems when caught early.
- I review your medical providers, medications, and work history
- I identify documentation gaps and address them
- I prepare and submit your application with the SSA's evaluation criteria in mind
- I communicate directly with the SSA on your behalf throughout the process
- If your claim is denied, I handle the appeal — you don't take the next step alone
Getting it right the first time matters. An approved initial application means benefits sooner. An unnecessary denial means months of waiting for a hearing that could have been avoided.
If Your Claim Has Already Been Denied
Most people who are ultimately approved for disability benefits were denied at least once. A denial is not the end — but the appeal process has strict deadlines, and missing them can require you to start your claim over from scratch.
If you've received a denial notice, the most important thing you can do is act quickly. I handle SSDI denials and appeals for clients across Gloucester County and South Jersey, and I can tell you in a free consultation what the path forward looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability in New Jersey
Answers Designed To Keep You Protected
Do I need a lawyer to apply for Social Security disability in New Jersey?
You're not required to have an attorney, but representation meaningfully improves your odds. The SSA's process is detailed and documentation-intensive, and errors or gaps in an initial application are a leading cause of preventable denials. Having an attorney prepare and submit your claim costs you nothing upfront — Social Security disability attorneys are paid from back benefits only if you win.How long does it take to get approved for SSDI or SSI?
Initial decisions typically take three to six months. If your application is denied and you need to appeal to the hearing level, the wait for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge can extend well beyond a year in many parts of New Jersey. This is why filing a strong initial application — and acting quickly after any denial — matters so much.What medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability?
The SSA evaluates hundreds of conditions across its published listing of impairments, but a listed diagnosis alone isn't enough. What matters is whether your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity. Conditions including musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, cancer, mental health conditions, neurological disorders, and chronic pain conditions can all qualify — if properly documented and presented.What does it cost to hire a Social Security disability attorney?
Nothing out of pocket. Social Security disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis regulated by federal law. The fee is capped at 25% of your back benefits, up to a statutory maximum — and only applies if your claim is approved. If we don't win, you owe me nothing.Can I appeal if my SSDI claim was denied?
Yes — and you should. Most successful disability claimants were denied at least once before approval. The appeals process has several levels, and many cases are resolved at the reconsideration or hearing stage. The critical factor is time: you have 60 days from your denial notice to file an appeal, and missing that window can require starting your claim over entirely.