Social Security Disability Lawyer in New Bedford
When you are ready to file for either SSDI or SSI benefits, contact our attorneys for help. With years of helping the disabled get their Social Security Disability Income, we know how to navigate the system and help speed up the process. Call your New Bedford disability lawyer today.
Find out what your case is worth.
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Last Updated:
March 17, 2026
"If a hearing becomes necessary, having an attorney is extremely helpful. We offer guidance to help you give the most powerful testimony and prepare you for what to expect, making you a more effective advocate for yourself."
– Ellen Elwell
Ellen Elwell is an accomplished Attorney with 25 years’ experience representing Social Security claimants.
Social Security Attorney
How an Experienced Disability Lawyer Can Help
When you file a claim for SSI benefits, you will need to provide certain documents to Social Security. These documents may include your Social Security card or number, proof of age, citizenship or alien status record, proof of income, proof of resources, proof of living arrangements, medical sources, and work history. Social Security needs to see original documents, but they will be returned to you.
If you believe you qualify for SSI benefits, do not delay in contacting us. The earliest Social Security will pay SSI is the month after the filing date of your application or the month after you first meet all eligibility requirements, whichever is later. We’ll work with you and your local Social Security office to get you the benefits you deserve as quickly as possible. Know your rights and responsibilities for SSI.
Denied SSDI? Get a New Bedford Disability Lawyer
In addition to meeting Social Security’s definition of disability, you must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year. The amount needed for credit changes from year to year.
If you are approved for SSDI, certain members of your family may qualify for benefits based on your work. They include: your spouse, if he or she is 62 or older; your spouse, at any age if he or she is caring for a child of yours who is younger than age 16 or disabled; your unmarried child, including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild or grandchild. The child must be younger than age 18 or younger than 19 if in elementary or secondary school full time; and your unmarried child, age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22 (the child’s disability also must meet the definition of disability for adults).
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Dedicated Team Turns SSDI Denial Into Success
I was quite discouraged when SS denied my claim. From the first moment I started with Rob Levine, I felt relieved. I was assigned Joseph Lee as my case manager, and he helped me tremendously. He kept track of all my documentation and worked with SS on rescheduling my appointment when I couldn’t make it. My claim was approved thanks to Rob Levine and Joseph Lee.
Marcia S.
Highly Recommend for Disability Claims with Care
Rob Levine Law treated me with dignity and respect. I found them to be very professional and kind. I wish all lawyers were more like that. I highly recommend them for your disability claim.
Lisa O.
Clear Answers and Support Every Step of the Way
I just started the process of applying for SSDI, and Rob Levine Law is making the process as smooth as glass and effortless. They answered all my questions. I feel a lot more confident that they are helping me through this process.
Remi R.
FAQs About Your SSDI Case
What is a compassionate allowance?
In order to decrease the decision time for a claim, the SSA has identified a list of conditions that have already met their standards for disability benefits. This initiative was created to help those with serious disabilities by simplifying the process. There are two ways your condition will qualify you for benefits under the CAL Initiative.
- If you have a listed illness or disease that is the same as listed in the schedule of diseases listed on the SSA website, you may automatically qualify for benefits.
- If your disability has the same signs and symptoms as a disease listed on the schedule under the CAL Initiative, then you may qualify for benefits as well.
Can I receive SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time?
In order to receive concurrent benefits, there are going to be two separate tests. The standard to receive benefits medically is the same in both programs. The difference between the two programs is your work history and income level. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for the last five years and paid into the Social Security system. If you qualify for SSDI and your monthly compensation is less than the maximum amount, currently $783, you could be eligible under the SSI program. Remember, you must qualify for each one individually. In order to qualify for SSI, you must not have income greater than the maximum nor can your net worth be greater than $3,000. This looks at both your income and your household income. For example, if you were receiving $500 for SSDI, you could qualify for $283 under the SSI program.
Why do I need a lawyer to help me apply for SSDI?
Hiring an attorney to help you with your Social Security Disability application is beneficial as it can decrease the length of time it takes for you to get an approval. Their experience in these cases allows them to know what information and documentation you need to receive the maximum amount of benefits.
What happens if my SSDI claim has been denied?
There are two reasons for the denial. The first is that the SSA indicates that you are not qualified for either the SSDI or the SSI program, or both. This is based on your work history, your household income, and your net worth. Generally, unless you believe they are making an error as to what you paid into the social security system or your income level, this is not something that attorneys generally appeal. The second is that the SSA determines that you are not medically qualified for benefits–meaning they believe that you are able to perform gainful employment or your medical condition doesn’t qualify. This could be grounds for appeal. There are four levels of appeal at the administrative or agency level. In order of application, you begin by filing an initial claim. You then file for reconsideration, you then go before an administrative law judge for a hearing, and finally, you can appeal the administrative law judge’s decision before the appeals council. You can be approved or denied at any of those four levels. After you have exhausted all four agency levels, you can either start your application over and remain at the administrative level by filing a new initial claim. Or, you can file an appeal by the appeals counsel leaving the agency level and appealing to the federal district court.
If I don’t have enough work history, or any at all, can I still receive benefits?
Although you may not be able to receive SSDI benefits, you can still apply for Supplemental Security Insurance. Since this is a program based on financial need, you can qualify for these benefits if you do not exceed the Social Security Administration’s limit for income and/or assets.
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Notable Case Results
$330,000.00
Client was renting an apartment in New Bedford, MA, and while going down stairs in the dark due to a broken light, he slipped on the steps and fell down the remainder of the stairs.
$90,000
Veteran living in North Dartmouth served in both the Navy and the Coast Guard during the 60’s and 70’s. Veteran served in Vietnam in the 60s and suffered exposure to Asbestosis which lead to breathing issues. He also had PTSD. We earned the veteran over $90,000 in benefits.
$77,913
Client living in North Dartmouth MA Anterolisthesis ,Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Migraines, High Blood Pressure.
$90,000
Client was riding their motorized scooter at night, and was hit by a car. The insurance companies argued about liability as our client did not have lights on their scooter. The insurance company was forced to pay 90% of the policy out as they accepted 90% responsibility for this case. The client did suffer broken bones and needed months of rehab.
$330,000
Client fell on poorly maintained stairs on Hazard Court in New Bedford. Lost conciousness when the fall happened. Was rushed to St. Lukes, but the injuries, including internal bleeding of the brain were so severe they rushed him to Boston Medical Center where the client was in ICU for several days.
$70,000
Client was driving in New Bedford on Chaffee Street, Defendant ran a stop sign. Client was rushed to St Lukes Hospital with left side pain and numbness. Treated with PT and ortho and settled the file months later.
$18,000
The client was in Wareham driving on Swift’s Beach Road when the defendant failed to stop at the intersection, hitting our client. The client suffered from neck, back, and shoulder injuries.
$75,000
Client was driving straigh, defendant had a medical emergency cross lanes and hitting our client head on. The client suffered from broken ribs and time missed from work. This occured on Chase Road in Dartmouth Massachusetts
Outstanding VA Legal Support and Results
I put my trust in the Rob Levine Law Firm to help me with my VA case, and I’m sure glad I did. They did everything they said they would and more. Thank you so much.
Donald C.
Personalized Attention and Care in Accident Cases
I am extremely grateful to Rob Levine’s office and all its staff, especially Samantha De Souza at RLL, who has always called me to check on me and how my case is progressing. Everyone at the office goes above and beyond to ensure I am well and to respond quickly to any concerns or questions I may have. I am very grateful to have them as my representatives in my accident case, which is progressing very well. They care about the clients they represent and will do everything they can to help them in any way possible. God bless you, Rob Levine Law.
Peter R.
Best Decision for Legal Support After an Auto Accident
The best decision I ever made was contacting this place after my auto accident. So thankful for my attorney, Kevin Marchand, and case manager, Duane Emnacen. Can’t recommend them enough!
Layne K.
From Start to Finish, Made Easy
This firm was everything you could possibly want, hope for, expect, and most of all, thankful that they’re there to help. My process was long and drawn out by no fault of Rob Levine Law. What I can tell you is they made it as painless as possible with making sure all my I’s were dotted and my T’s all crossed. They did it all and held my hand through it all. I want to acknowledge Daniella Martinez for helping me gather all the necessary medical records and what have you. She was an absolute pleasure to speak with, and I could sense her genuine concern to make sure I had all the proper information. She was a blessing, and I’m glad she was in my corner as my case manager. All in all, although the experience was longer than I anticipated, it was made easy by the likes of Daniella Martinez and others like her, but not quite her!
Bradley M.
Finally, a Hassle-Free Experience
Adrian was very thorough, and he made the process very smooth for me. I now finally feel like someone will help hold my hand along the way throughout this process. I’ve been waiting for this for years!
Michelle L.
Compassionate Legal Assistance
Delaney Grune was very professional, helpful, friendly, and treated me with nothing but respect. She showed me she cared about me and my needs. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone I know who is in need of legal representation.
Evy R.
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