Business Details
45 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Social Security Disability & SSI Lawyers in Westport, CT
Shapiro & Siegel PC has been a trusted advocate for individuals seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits since 1981. Our firm specializes in navigating the complexities of Social Security law, offering personalized legal representation to clients nationwide. With decades of experience, we have successfully secured benefits for thousands of clients suffering from severe physical and mental conditions. Our approach combines deep legal expertise with a commitment to understanding each client's unique circumstances, ensuring tailored strategies that maximize the likelihood of approval. We maintain strong professional relationships with the Social Security Administration and affiliated personnel, leveraging this credibility to advocate effectively for our clients.Our team prioritizes transparency, providing free case evaluations and maintaining open communication throughout the process. By focusing exclusively on disability law, we have developed a nuanced understanding of the criteria used to evaluate claims, including medical evidence requirements and vocational limitations. Our attorneys, led by Bernard L. Shapiro, bring a wealth of experience from roles in arbitration, medical malpractice panels, and disability law committees, ensuring comprehensive legal support. We serve clients in all 50 states, eliminating the need for in-person office visits through remote consultations. Our dedication to accessibility and client education is reflected in our extensive resources, including detailed FAQs and guidance on navigating the SSDI/SSI application process.
Services
Social Security Disability
Supplemental Security Income
Case Evaluation
Legal Representation
Appeals
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have 35+ years of experience specializing in Social Security Disability and SSI law.
- Our attorneys personally review each case with direct client consultation.
- We represent clients nationwide without requiring in-office visits.
- We provide free, no-obligation case evaluations with immediate feedback.
- Our team includes attorneys with arbitration and medical malpractice panel experience.
Services
Social Security Disability
We specialize in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims for individuals unable to work due to severe medical conditions. Our attorneys analyze medical evidence, vocational history, and legal criteria to build compelling cases. With decades of experience, we navigate the SSA's evaluation process to maximize approval chances for clients nationwide.
Supplemental Security Income
Our SSI application assistance targets low-income individuals with disabilities. We help clients meet strict financial requirements while demonstrating medical eligibility. Our process includes documenting functional limitations and ensuring compliance with SSA's complex income and asset guidelines for monthly benefit qualification.
Case Evaluation
We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations to determine SSDI/SSI eligibility. Attorneys review medical conditions, work history, and documentation to provide immediate feedback. This service helps clients understand their chances of approval before pursuing formal claims or appeals with our legal team.
Legal Representation
Our legal representation covers all stages of disability claims, from initial applications to federal court appeals. We prepare medical documentation, coordinate with healthcare providers, and present cases before administrative law judges. This comprehensive advocacy ensures clients receive proper legal support throughout the process.
Appeals
We handle denied SSDI/SSI claims through structured appeals processes. Our team identifies weaknesses in initial decisions, gathers additional evidence, and presents cases at hearings. With experience in reconsideration, administrative law judge hearings, and Appeals Council submissions, we work to overturn unfavorable determinations for clients.
People
Bernard L. Shapiro
Attorney
Bernard L. Shapiro has practiced Social Security Disability law since 1981, representing clients nationwide. He graduated from St. Johns University School of Law in 1975 and serves on the Connecticut Bar Association's Disability Law Committee. His experience includes arbitration work and medical malpractice panel service.
Questions
How do I know if I qualify for SSDI benefits?
Qualification requires a severe medical condition preventing substantial work for 12+ months. Our attorneys review your medical records, work history, and functional limitations during free evaluations to determine SSDI eligibility.
What medical conditions qualify for disability benefits?
Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic pain, schizophrenia, PTSD, degenerative disc disease, and diabetes may qualify. We assess how your specific diagnosis meets SSA's disability criteria during case evaluations.
What's the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI requires work credits from past employment, while SSI considers financial need. Our attorneys help determine which program applies to your situation during free consultations.
Can I apply for disability benefits nationwide?
Yes, we represent clients in all 50 states. Our remote consultation process eliminates the need for in-person office visits while maintaining personalized legal representation throughout your claim.
What happens if my disability claim gets denied?
We handle appeals at all levels, including reconsideration, administrative law judge hearings, and federal court litigation. Our team identifies reasons for denial and strengthens cases with additional medical evidence and legal arguments.
