Becoming disabled due to illness or injury is incredibly stressful.
Dealing with health issues and financial strain from not working can be overwhelming.
You might think about getting a lawyer for disability benefits.
While not mandatory, hiring an experienced disability attorney is strongly advised for various reasons.
WILL I HAVE BETTER RESULTS IF I USE A DISABILITY LAWYER?
Whether you are applying for the first time or appealing a denial, you will have a better outcome with an experienced lawyer on your side.
Statistics show that applicants who use attorneys are more likely to have their claims approved than those who apply on their own.
And, it is even more important to hire a lawyer if your initial claim has been denied.
You will significantly increase your likelihood of succeeding at an appeals hearing when you are represented by a knowledgeable lawyer.
DO I NEED A LAWYER IF I’M APPLYING FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Yes, it’s a good idea to use a lawyer for your initial application.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies a large percentage of first-time applications.
And, the major reason is incomplete medical records and insufficient documentation.
Further, if your claim is denied, you may have to wait a year for an appeals hearing.
When a lawyer helps complete your application, your odds of being approved the first time are greatly increased.
A disability lawyer will make sure your application contains the information the SSA requires in order to approve your benefits.
In addition, if your claim is denied, you will already have an advocate who is ready to fight for the benefits you deserve.
HOW WILL A DISABILITY LAWYER HELP IF MY CLAIM IS DENIED?
If your claim is denied, you can appeal to the SSA, but it’s a complex process with strict deadlines.
Using an experienced disability lawyer is key for a successful appeal.
They can navigate the process, excel in hearings, prepare you for judge questions, and secure supporting witnesses against the SSA’s experts.
CAN A DISABILITY LAWYER HELP ME DETERMINE WHICH BENEFITS TO APPLY FOR?
The Social Security disability program can be confusing for newcomers. It’s wise to consult a disability lawyer before applying for benefits.
There are two main types of benefits: Social Security disability (SSD) or SSDI (Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), which is for long-term disabled workers, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is need-based for disabled individuals with limited income and specific eligibility criteria.
WHAT WILL IT COST ME TO HIRE A DISABILITY LAWYER?
Social Security disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they collect a fee only after your disability claim is resolved.
Their fees are taken directly out of the back pay you receive when your case is won.
This means you should not have to pay any up-front fees or retainers.
With limited exceptions, attorneys cannot receive fees greater than $6,000, or 25% of the client’s back pay, whichever is less.
CAN I USE A NON-ATTORNEY REPRESENTATIVE INSTEAD OF A DISABILITY LAWYER?
Choosing a disability lawyer offers distinct advantages over non-attorney representatives or advocates.
Lawyers undergo rigorous legal education, pass the bar exam, and maintain attorney-client privilege for confidential communication.
They also possess trial experience for courtroom cases and can represent you in federal district court appeals, which non-attorney advocates cannot do.
CAN A DISABILITY LAWYER HELP EXPEDITE MY CLAIM?
An attorney can expedite your benefits in a few ways.
They ensure your application has all necessary records, reducing the chance of denial or delays.
They can also help with Compassionate Allowances for certain medical conditions.
Special categories like those with visual impairments or eligible widows and children can benefit from a skilled disability lawyer’s expertise.
Simplify the complex Social Security law by finding the right lawyer.