Appealing the Denial of a Social Security Administration Claim

Montel A. Cherry is the Supervising Attorney of the Government Benefits Project and Workplace Justice Project at Mobilization for Justice, Inc. GBP assists individuals with legal problems relating to Public Assistance, SNAP/Food Stamps, Medicaid/Medicare, and Disability Benefits. This assistance includes representing clients in state and federal courts, at administrative hearings, as well as advocating for clients at the applicable government agency. GBP also serves immigrants in various aspects of obtaining appropriate status including obtaining green cards, adjusting status, and obtaining citizenship. GBP conducts monthly on-site clinics with various community-based organizations. WJP assists low-wage and immigrant workers. WJP provides advice, counsel, and representation to workers who face unsafe or unhealthy working conditions, including workers’ compensation claims, medical leave, and disability accommodations. WJP also helps individuals re-enter the workforce by representing them in hearings to obtain licenses to work. GBP and WJP schedule “know your rights” trainings for the community at large.  

Prior to coming to Mobilization for Justice, Inc., Ms. Cherry was a Disability Law Specialist at Manhattan Legal Services, where she represented adults and children with physical and mental impairments in appealing their denial of disability benefits.  Initially she was hired at the former Harlem Legal Services, as a staff attorney for the government benefits unit specializing in both public assistance and disability law.  She also worked as a decisions editor at the New York Law Journal. Ms. Cherry received her J.D. from CUNY School of Law and a B.A. in Sociology and African Studies from SUNY Stony Brook.