Boston Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you have a disability that keeps you from working, you deserve financial support to provide for your basic needs. The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits to Boston individuals with disabilities, but a complicated application process often erects barriers and discourages deserving individuals from applying altogether.
The good news is you don’t have to endure the process alone. Our experienced Boston Social Security Disability lawyers can file your claim, remove the stress from the process, and help you get approved. We understand how confusing the disability claims process can be.
At Rob Levine Law, we can answer common questions, alleviate any confusion about Social Security disability, and pursue the benefits you deserve. To speak with a Boston Social Security lawyer directly, please call us anytime at (800) 742-3920.
Find out what your case is worth.
Legally Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
August 6, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Is Social Security Disability?
- How Can a Boston Social Security Disability Lawyer Help?
- What Is the Social Security Disability Process for Boston Residents?
- Why A Boston Resident’s Social Security Disability Claim May Be Denied?
- Why Are Rob Levine Law’s Social Security Lawyers the Right Choice for Boston?
- Reach Out to Our Social Security Disability Advocates in Boston Today
- Social Security Disability FAQs
What Is Social Security Disability?
Social Security disability encompasses two programs: SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, and SSI, or Supplemental Security Income. Both programs pay monthly benefits to people with qualifying disabilities.
SDI and SSI only cover long-term disabilities. Under both programs, your medical condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSI is also available to blind individuals and those 65 and older.
A qualifying disability is a medical condition that severely limits your daily activities so much that you cannot perform a substantial gainful activity, which is employment with earnings exceeding certain limits that change annually. The 2025 limit is $1,620 for most people, or $2,700 for people who are blind. The substantial gainful activity limits do not apply to blind individuals applying for SSI.
Besides qualifying medically, you must meet certain financial requirements, which differ for SSI and SSDI.
SSDI benefits are paid to people who have worked a sufficient amount of time and paid enough into the system through payroll taxes. Conversely, SSI is a needs-based program available to those with little or no income and assets, regardless of their work history.
How Can a Boston Social Security Disability Lawyer Help?
A Social Security disability lawyer in Boston can answer your questions, ease the application process, and increase your odds of being approved. Rather than gather all the documentation and decipher the application yourself, let an experienced lawyer shoulder the burden. If your disability claim has been denied, an attorney can file your appeal and represent you at a hearing.
We have over 25 years of experience handling Social Security disability claims in Boston and nationwide and have recovered over $2 billion in disability and injury compensation.
What Rob Levine Law Can Do for You
When you choose Rob Levine Law, you get an experienced advocate who focuses primarily on Social Security claims. We understand Social Security’s review process and what medical evidence Social Security accepts.
We will do the following to improve your odds of approval:
- Review your case to confirm you qualify.
- Complete your application accurately and submit it with the required supporting documents.
- Answer correspondence from Social Security after submitting your application.
- File an appeal if your application is denied.
- Represent you in a hearing if your appeal reaches that level.
- Gather the necessary evidence.
- Assist you with your testimony.
Social Security denies 68 percent of disability applications, and most denials are for technical reasons. When you trust Rob Levine Law, you will avoid the pitfalls that prompt denials. Below are a few examples of our Social Security case results:
$30,138
- Social Security
Client living in Chelsea MA, was suffering from double leg ampute and COPD could no longer work we won them SS benefits.
Attorney on Case
$29,625
- Social Security
for a client who was living in a Boston shelter and dealing with bipolar disorder. Our team met with the client, attended an in-person hearing, and ultimately won benefits for the claimant, ensuring they received the necessary support.
Attorney on Case
$84,009
- Social Security
for a client living in Norwood, MA, who was suffering from COPD and fibromyalgia. The client experienced severe pain that prevented them from standing or sitting for extended periods and ultimately left them unable to work. Our team worked diligently to secure Social Security benefits, providing the client with the financial relief they needed.
Attorney on Case
What Is the Social Security Disability Process for Boston Residents?
The Social Security disability claim process starts with submitting an application and supporting documents. The Social Security Administration reviews your application and notifies you of its decision. If your application is approved, you will start receiving benefits. If it is denied, you can appeal within 60 days by requesting a reconsideration. If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing.
To start the application process for SSDI or SSI, visit one of Boston’s local Social Security offices, apply online, or call (800) 772-1213 to apply over the phone. A local Social Security Office will review the technical details of your application, including your work credits or, if you apply for SSI, your income and asset information. Many applications are denied at this level.
If your application survives the initial review, the Disability Determination Service in Everett or Worcester will receive your application and conduct a disability review to determine whether you have a qualifying disability.
What Happens During the Disability Review?
The reviewer will examine your medical evidence and determine whether you qualify for benefits by using the five-question sequence, which includes the following:
- Are you working?
- Is your condition severe?
- Is your condition on the list of disabling conditions in the Blue Book? If not:
- Can you do the work you did previously?
- Can you do any other type of work?
If you meet all of the technical requirements and the Disability Determination Service determines you have a qualifying disability based on the five questions, your application is generally approved. Whether your application is approved or denied, you will receive a letter by mail notifying you of the decision.
If your application is approved and you applied for SSI, you will usually start receiving your benefits the month following the month in which you were approved. SSDI has a five-month waiting period, which begins on the date Social Security determines your disability began. Generally, this waiting period is completed by the time benefits are approved.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Decision?
The average time for a disability decision nationwide is six to eight months after you submit your application. In Massachusetts, the Disability Determination Service takes an average of seven months to complete its review after receiving the application from the local office.
The time required for your application will vary based on the complexity of your claim. You may receive a decision sooner if your application qualifies for one of Social Security’s fast-track programs, which include the following:
- Quick Disability Determination: The SSA uses a predictive computer system to identify applications with a high likelihood of approval and prioritizes these applications.
- Compassionate Allowances: The SSA has issued a list of specific medical conditions that clearly meet its definition of disability, such as certain cancers and brain disorders, and entitle applicants to expedited processing.
Appeals can take significantly longer, particularly if they reach the hearing level. The average time it takes to receive a decision at the hearing level in Boston is 355 days. Boston ranks 146th in the nation for the length of time.
Why A Boston Resident’s Social Security Disability Claim May Be Denied?
Social Security may deny your application for technical or medical reasons. Technical reasons for a denial may include the following:
- Insufficient work credits if applying for SSDI
- Income or asset levels that exceed federal limits if applying for SSI
- Inaccurate or incomplete application
- Lack of a response to correspondence from Social Security
- Inaccurate information about past earnings in Social Security’s records
- You are performing a substantial gainful activity
Medical reasons for a denial may include insufficient medical evidence, a determination that your disability does not meet Social Security’s definition of disability, failure to follow medical advice or complete prescribed treatment, or failure to attend a medical examination as required during the application process.
What To Do if Your Claim Was Denied
Denials are discouraging, but this doesn’t mean you should give up. You have a right to appeal within 60 days. If you have not already hired an attorney, now is the time. Fewer than 10 percent of appeals are approved, but a knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference. Your denial letter will tell you why your claim was denied. Our attorneys can use this information and a detailed case review to determine the evidence you’ll need for a successful appeal.
The Social Security Administration offers three levels of appeals. If your application is still denied at one level, you can proceed to the next. The levels include the following:
- Reconsideration: a request for a new review of your application with someone who was not involved in the first review
- Hearing: a hearing before an administrative law judge where you can submit new evidence
- Appeals Council Review: a review of the hearing decision by the three-member appeals council
If the appeals council refuses to review your case or denies it, your final recourse is to file suit in federal court. We can represent you in the hearings and support you every step of the way.
Why Are Rob Levine Law’s Social Security Lawyers the Right Choice for Boston?
We are a client-centric law firm that cares about every client. We have over 25 years of experience handling Social Security disability claims nationwide and in Boston. We have helped more than 50,000 people recover disability benefits and injury compensation. As a client of Rob Levine Law, you will have access to us 24/7, and we will keep you up-to-date on your claim.
When you need a Social Security attorney in Boston, you have nothing to lose by choosing Rob Levine Law. We will schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with you remotely or in our Boston office at 100 Hano Street, Suite 16. Even after we accept your case, nothing comes out of your pocket. We charge no upfront fees. Win or No Fee™ means we don’t collect our fee until after you win approval of your benefits. If you don’t get paid, neither do we—that’s the Fee Free Guarantee®.
I can’t thank Rob Levine and everyone else enough.
They really helped me out a lot with winning my case. Daniella Martinez was amazing. Great communication. Explained things thoroughly. Very prompt responses. She was amazing to work with!
Quinitra J.
My experience was amazing with this firm.
I was always updated and treated exceptionally. I can’t thank them enough for fighting for me in my disability claim. My lawyer, Robert, was so great and stood by me all the way through the hearing. My case manager, Gerry Cuadra, was also fantastic. He always addressed my concerns and was right there throughout it all. Thank you, Rob Levine Law, for everything.
Stephannie K.
I would recommend anyone to this law firm.
I truly would like to thank Rob Levine Law and especially his assistant Grezza Brecio she has been very kind and patient with my case. She also was very professional and on point with every document that was needed to have me approved less than two Months for my SSDI. Thank you once again Grezza Brecio you are true blessing to me!
Tanya Milhouse
Reach Out to Our Social Security Disability Advocates in Boston Today
At Rob Levine Law, we understand how important it is to access your Social Security disability benefits as soon as possible when a disability prevents you from working. Our experienced Boston Social Security disability lawyers know what it takes to prove your disability claim so you can get the benefits you deserve without unnecessary delays. Don’t wait another day to start the process. We’re available 24/7.
Win or No Fees™! Call (800) 742-3920 or contact us online today for a free, confidential case review.
Social Security Disability FAQs
What Happens if My Condition Improves While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits?
Your benefits will generally stop if Social Security determines your condition has improved enough to allow you to perform a substantial gainful activity. The Social Security Administration will review your case every seven years or more often if your condition is expected to improve.
Can I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits for a Mental Health Condition?
Yes, you can receive Social Security Disability benefits for a mental health condition if it severely limits your activities to the point that you are unable to perform a substantial gainful activity. Some mental health conditions are listed as qualifying impairments in Social Security’s Blue Book.
How Can I Check the Status of My Social Security Disability Claim?
You can log into your Social Security account online to check your claim’s status. If our firm filed your claim, we will keep you up-to-date, and you can contact your attorney anytime.
What Documents Do I Need To Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
You will generally need the following documents to apply for SSDI:
- An original birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Proof of citizenship, which could be a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization
- Last year’s W-2 forms
- Last year’s tax returns for self-employed individuals
- A completed Adult Disability Report
- Any available medical evidence, such as test results and medical reports
- A signed medical release authorizing Social Security to obtain your complete medical record
- Proof of any workers’ compensation benefits you are receiving, which could be pay stubs and an award letter
If you are applying for SSI, you will need the above documentation along with proof of income, assets, and living circumstances. Documentation may include award letters for unearned income, bank statements, property deeds, motor vehicle registrations, rent receipts, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
Do I Need a Lawyer To Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
It is possible to apply for Social Security disability benefits without an attorney, but the odds of approval are slimmer. Our experienced Boston disability attorneys have an in-depth understanding of Social Security’s review process and documentation requirements. We can dramatically improve your chances of approval and help you avoid delays in receiving your benefits.
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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.
Valentina Henao is a lifesaver.
Her expertise and commitment turned a complicated process into a seamless journey for me. Valentina’s attention to detail, quick responses, and empathetic approach make her an invaluable asset.
Juanito
Thank you, Eliza, for helping me with my case.
Thanks for the quick response and the compassion you showed during our conversation. Ms. Eliza is very knowledgeable of what I needed and helped me in a great way! I recommend this law firm 100%. She’s very sweet and kind heart easy to talk to. Thank you for all you’re doing and may God bless […]
Tawanda L.
I would recommend them to anyone looking for a good lawyer.
I have been working with Rob Levine Law for a few years now on receiving Disability benefits. I was approved recently thanks to my wonderful lawyer and her associates. Thank you also Jean Munoz for helping me navigate through the process. Thank you to the Rob Levine team that helped me receive my benefits. I’m […]
Leah Q.
I would recommend anyone to this law firm.
I truly would like to thank Rob Levine Law and especially his assistant Grezza Brecio she has been very kind and patient with my case. She also was very professional and on point with every document that was needed to have me approved less than two Months for my SSDI. Thank you once again Grezza […]
Tanya Milhouse
Thank you all so much for supporting my family.
My family and I have reached out to Rob Levine Law about a recent accident. Everything has been amazing and they are extremely welcoming from the beginning.
Christopher Bell
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