Waterbury Social Security Lawyer
Living with a disability is challenging enough without having to worry about paying bills when you can’t work. Social Security offers two disability benefit programs for individuals with disabilities: Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, and Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. However, accessing benefits requires a complicated application process. If you have applied for Social Security disability benefits and waited months for a decision, only to be denied, you are not alone. Social Security denies most applications, and many denied applicants are eligible for benefits.
Our Waterbury Social Security lawyers have over 25 years of experience handling disability claims in Waterbury, Marion, Middlebury, Wolcott, and the surrounding areas. We understand how Social Security examiners view evidence and what causes them to approve or deny a claim. Contact us today to learn how we can give you the best chance of approval on your initial application or appeal.
Find out what your case is worth.
Legally Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
September 15, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Does a Waterbury Social Security Lawyer Do?
- Why Should You Choose the Waterbury Social Security Lawyers at Rob Levine Law
- What Our Satisfied Waterbury Social Security Disability Clients Say
- Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits in Waterbury, CT
- The Social Security Disability Application and Appeals Process.
- Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims in Waterbury, CT, Are Denied
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact a Waterbury Social Security Disability Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
What Does a Waterbury Social Security Lawyer Do?
Our Social Security disability attorneys in Waterbury, CT, can remove the stress from the Social Security application process, decrease wait times, and boost your approval odds by handling every aspect of your disability claim. You will receive caring support 24/7 while we do the following:
- Help you gather the required documents, medical test results, and doctor notes.
- Refer you to doctors who will provide the correct testing and documentation.
- Complete the application with complete, accurate information.
- Answer Social Security’s requests for additional information.
- File an appeal if your claim is denied.
- Represent you in an appeals hearing, anticipate questions the judge may ask, and prepare you to testify.
Why Should You Choose the Waterbury Social Security Lawyers at Rob Levine Law
We are an experienced Social Security Disability law firm in Waterbury that advocates for those in need. Thanks to Rob Levine’s aggressive approach and strong leadership, we have built a nationwide Social Security practice over the past 25 years. We have helped over 50,000 injured and disabled clients receive the benefits and compensation they deserved.
Our Waterbury, CT, SSI and SSDI lawyers know the region. We collaborate with local doctors and have internal contacts at the Social Security office. Our attorneys view every client not as a case but as a person. You can trust us to provide compassionate, personalized service. We offer a free consultation and charge no upfront fees for filing disability claims. We only collect fees after we get your benefits. That’s the Fee Free Guarantee®.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Satisfied clients have written thousands of testimonials after we reversed their denials or obtained approval on their initial applications.
Our Social Security Case Results
We have recovered over $2 billion in compensation and benefits for our clients, including the following results for disabled Connecticut clients:
$94,217
- Social Security
Client was living in Scotland CT, dealing with HIV and Sleep Apnea, our firm was able to get the client SSDI.
Attorney on Case
$88,493
- Social Security
Client suffered from Diabetic nerve pain, depression, COPD, Diabities and HBP. Was no longer able to work due to pain and fatigue.
Attorney on Case
What Our Satisfied Waterbury Social Security Disability Clients Say
I would like to thank Alex Rosa at Rob Levine, who was very helpful and always answered my questions and explained things I didn't understand.
He always called back, and I appreciated him from the beginning to the end. At first, I was like, this is not going to come through. I was going from doctor to doctor. After so many denials, I was ready to give up, but he wasn’t. He said we are going to try again and fight, so I thank him for not giving up on my case. I finally got approved, and I would like to thank him and let him know that I appreciate him from beginning to end.
Diane J.
Thank you guys so much.
Paralegal Daniella Martinez and Attorney Ellen Elwell were extremely helpful throughout the appeal process. Daniella kept me up to date with the process and called frequently to [provide] the most up-to-date information. Attorney Ellen did a great job of putting my mind at ease before the hearing by giving me great support. Today, I’m glad to say I’ve received my SSDI approval.
Ebony A.
Thank you!!!
Rob Levine’s law firm, especially Julian Lopez, helped me tremendously with getting my SSI AND SSDI.
Roxy H.
Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits in Waterbury, CT
SSDI provides benefits to those who can no longer work due to a qualifying disabling condition. Meanwhile, SSI is a needs-based program that provides aid to older, blind, and disabled individuals with little or no income and resources.
To qualify for SSDI or SSI, you must meet certain financial and medical eligibility criteria. To meet the financial requirements for SSI, you must have low income and limited resources. For SSDI, you must have accrued enough work credits, which you earn by working and paying payroll taxes.
To qualify medically for a disability, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability—a condition that severely limits your activities and prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity, or SGA. The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Substantial gainful activity is employment with earnings higher than the limit, which is adjusted annually. In 2025, non-blind people cannot earn $1,620 or more to be eligible for SSDI or SSI. SSI has no SGA limit for blind individuals. However, the SGA limit for blind SSDI recipients is $2,700.
The Social Security Administration assesses medical conditions using the Listing of Impairments in its Blue Book. Common qualifying conditions include the following:
- Arthritis
- Amputations
- Blindness
- Hearing loss
- COPD
- Asthma
- Chronic heart failure
- Chronic liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety disorders
- Systemic sclerosis
The Social Security Disability Application and Appeals Process.
You can apply for Social Security disability online, over the phone, or in person at the Waterbury Social Security office. The application requests detailed information about you, your spouse, your former spouse, and any minor children you may have. You will need detailed information with supporting documents when you apply, including the following:
- An original birth certificate
- Employment information for the last five years if applying for SSDI
- Information about your earnings
- Documentation about all sources of income and assets if applying for SSI
- Medical test results, doctors’ notes, and any other relevant records
Once you submit your application, the Social Security Administration may contact you for additional information or to notify you that you must attend a medical examination. Correspondence from Social Security will come in the mail. Watch for such correspondence, answer promptly, and attend the examination if required. If you do not answer, Social Security will continue evaluating your application without the information, which could hurt your chances of approval.
The Appeals Process
If your initial application is denied, you have the right to appeal, but you must do so within 60 days unless you can show good cause for a delay. You must file your appeal online or by mailing or faxing a written request to the Waterbury Social Security office. If your appeal is denied, you can follow the same steps to appeal at the next level, as follows:
- Reconsideration: A request for Social Security to review your application again with a different reviewer.
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing: An informal hearing during which you can present new evidence
- Appeals Council Review: A request for the three-member Appeals Council to review the administrative law judge’s decision
- Federal Court Lawsuit: If the appeals council denies your request or refuses to review it, you can file a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in New Haven
You do not have to go through this process alone. Our caring Waterbury Social Security attorneys can handle the entire process and determine what evidence is needed to show Social Security that you deserve disability benefits.
"At the end of the day, an appeal is fighting for your disability, saying we don’t agree with them saying that you’re not disabled and you can work. By appealing, you have a certain amount of time, 60 days, to file an appeal to the next level. But we’re going to keep fighting all the way until the end."
– Nikcole Cotnoir
Nikcole finds fulfilment in helping people get their livelihood back after a disabilty – it’s why she does the job.
Social Security Manager
Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims in Waterbury, CT, Are Denied
The Social Security Administration denies applications for a wide range of reasons. The most common include the following:
- Insufficient work credits if applying for SSDI
- Too much income or assets if applying for SSI
- Discrepancies in earning history
- Incomplete or incorrect application
- Insufficient medical evidence
- A determination that your disability is not severe
- Evidence that you are performing a substantial gainful activity
- Missing the deadline, if you are appealing
A denial does not necessarily mean you are unqualified. Most denials stem from technical problems with the application. If Social Security has denied your application, let our skilled Social Security attorneys in Waterbury, CT, review your application. We may be able to turn it around. Call (800) 742-3920 for a free case review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Social Security Lawyer Cost?
There is no upfront cost to hire our Waterbury Social Security attorneys. We only get paid if we obtain benefits for you. If we fail, you owe us nothing. Win or No Fee™—that’s the Fee Free Guarantee®.
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for Disability Benefits?
The average wait time for a disability decision is six to eight months. SSDI has a five-month waiting period before you become eligible, commencing on the date Social Security determines your disability begins. Generally, the waiting period is over by the time Social Security reaches a decision. If you need to file an appeal, the wait can be a year or longer, particularly if it reaches the hearing level.
What Kind of Medical Evidence Do I Need?
You are only required to submit the medical evidence you possess. When you submit your application, you must sign a medical release to authorize the Social Security Administration to access your medical records. The types of medical evidence Social Security will need include the following:
- Doctor’s notes
- Test results
- Names and dates of any tests you have taken
- Medications
- Your health care providers’ names, addresses, and contact information
Can I Work While Applying for Disability?
Working while applying for Social Security can hurt your claim. Social Security will deny your application if you are engaging in substantial gainful activity. However, even if your earnings do not exceed the substantial gainful activity limit, Social Security could use it as evidence that your disability does not severely limit your activities and deny your claim. If you are working, speak with one of our experienced Waterbury Social Security attorneys before applying.
What Happens at a Disability Hearing?
A disability hearing takes place before the administrative law judge. It is considered informal, but is recorded. You will testify, have the opportunity to present new evidence, and can question witnesses. The judge may ask questions and invite additional witnesses to testify. All testimony is made under oath. If you are facing a disability hearing, contact our attorneys. We can anticipate the questions the judge might ask, prepare you, and attend the hearing with you. The judge will mail you a written decision after reviewing the evidence.
Do I Need a Lawyer for the Initial Application?
Applying without an attorney is a gamble. The Social Security Administration denied about 68 percent of all disability applications from 2013 to 2022. Avoid becoming another statistic, and let Rob Levine Law handle your disability claim.
Contact a Waterbury Social Security Disability Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
When you are unable to work because of a disability, you have a right to receive monthly benefits from Social Security so you can meet basic financial obligations. We are here to help you navigate the complicated application process or overturn an unfair denial. Win or No Fee™—Let Rob Levine win for you.
Contact us online today or call (800) 742-3920 for a free consultation.
Get Your Free Consultation Now
"*" indicates required fields
Notable Case Results
$500,000
Client was crossing Pawtucket Avenue in East Providence when he was struck by a car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Our office represented the family, getting them the full policy limits.
$950,000
Client was riding his motorcycle on Londsale Avenue in Pawtucket. Defendant took a left out of a side street and slammed directly into our client on their motorcycle. Client was rushed to Rhode Island hospital, trauma 1 center where they attempted to perform surgery but the client passed away from his injuries. Rob Levine Law […]
$500,000
We represented two clients that were jetskiing in Newport. Another jetski hit them causing severe injuries, as they were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. Each had fractures to their extremities. We were able to settle for defendants policy limits.
$1,005,000
Veteran that after years of serving in the US Air Force in the early 1980s, she suffered from PTSD and was a sexual misconduct victim in the service. Our firm won over a million dollars in back benefits for the vet.
I would gladly work with her again in the future.
Manuela Ramirez Rodriguez, the case manager for Rob Levine Law, has been a pivotal instrument in the resolution of my case. I am very pleased with her fortitude and tenacity.
Darryle N.
Thank you, Valentina, for your exceptional service!
Valentina Henao is a phenomenal case manager. Valentina’s caring approach and proactive attitude ensured I received the support I needed promptly. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking assistance.
Franklin M.
Professional Law Office for special support needs of disabled veterans.
They are patient and guide you through what they need to pursue your case. Their callbacks are on the time established. Jamal was courteous and professional.
Gregory G.
Absolutely recommend.
Was referred to Rob Levine Law by a close family friend, and they have been nothing short of superb. The frequent communication, assistance, patience, and explaining complex issues in layman’s terms were phenomenal. In particular, Riemar was assisting me and was not only knowledgeable and professional, but also kind.
Veez Ceez
I will definitely recommend anyone I know that needs a social security lawyer to Rob Lavine.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at Rob Levine Law that helped me with my social security case. My attorney Scott Wilson was incredibly helpful and supportive. The entire team that worked on my case diligently thank you from my whole heart. You guys are amazing. If I could rate you […]
Melanie Jones
You guys are amazing. And again a huge Thank You to my caseworker Yessica!
I chose this firm from many on the internet. I could not have made a better decision. My caseworker Yessica was awesome. She went above and beyond to get me approved for disability. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone looking for help with a disability.
Dennis Oglesbee
Additional Resources
Related Pages
Social security disability benefits are calculated based on the average lifetime earnings you made before your disability. How severe your...
Is Social Security Disability taxable? For most recipients, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits aren’t taxable. But there is a caveat....
Social Security disability payments are not standard across the board. Social Security disability pays different individuals different amounts depending on...