How Can a Lawyer Help Win Social Security Disability Benefits?
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits has a reputation for being a difficult process, but do you really need a lawyer in order to successfully get approved for benefits? While there’s no requirement to have your application reviewed by a Social Security disability attorney, there are a few major reasons why you might want to consider it. Learn more about the advantages of consulting a disability benefits lawyer from Social Security Disability Advocates USA.
#1: They Can Determine Which Programs You May Be Eligible For
Before you even start filling out an application, an experienced disability benefits lawyer can help you figure out which benefit programs you might be eligible for. This might include SSDI, Supplemental Security Income, VA disability benefits, workers’ compensation, or other local assistance programs. Because the approval process for SSDI can take a while, an attorney may also be able to guide you towards other types of financial aid that you may qualify for in the meantime.
#2: They Can Review Your Application for Common Errors
The initial application for SSDI is quite lengthy. If you don’t have all the information you need before you start the process, don’t understand the instructions, or rush through it, you will likely end up with a denied claim (along with about 60% of other first-time applicants).
With the odds stacked against you, you need to make sure that your application is complete, accurate, and well-supported by appropriate evidence. An experienced disability benefits lawyer knows exactly what to look for and will ensure that your application is submitted correctly the first time. They will also look over your entire application for common errors, missing information, and anything else that might compromise your approval.
#3: They Can Help You Properly Document Your Claim
In addition to information about your disability, your application must also include all relevant personal information, banking information, family details, a thorough education and work history, and a plethora of medical records relating to your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, etc. Tracking down and coordinating all of this information could easily overwhelm anyone, let alone someone who may also be suffering from physical, mental, or emotional symptoms related to their disability.
When you hire a disability benefits lawyer, you’re not just choosing someone who will show up in a suit at a hearing. You’re also consulting with an organized professional—one who can assist you in sourcing and obtaining the medical records, doctor’s notes, hospitalization history, tax records, work and salary verification, diplomas or certificates, and any other evidence that will prove to the Social Security Administration that your condition meets their stringent requirements to qualify for disability.
#4: They’ll Represent You at an Appeals Hearing
The first step in the appeals process after receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration is to ask for a reconsideration. This level of appeal involves a complete review of your original application and supporting documents by an employee who did not take part in the original evaluation of your claim. If time has passed and you now have additional supporting information, you can include it in the reconsideration.
If you submitted your application on your own and were denied, this is a good time to consult a disability benefits lawyer, as a few key pieces of evidence may be the difference between yet another denial and being approved for monthly benefits.
If you’re still denied benefits after a reconsideration, you will need to appear at a hearing by an administrative law judge. You and your attorney will have another chance to present new evidence and submit a persuasive legal brief. Witnesses, such as doctors or vocational experts, will also have the opportunity to testify to the credibility and severity of your disability. Your lawyer can ask them questions and answer questions from the judge on your behalf. Should your claim be denied again, a disability benefits lawyer will be essential in the appeals that follow, including appearing before the Appeals Council or even the Federal District Court.
#5: They’ll Always Be Thinking One Step Ahead
There’s no sugar coating the fact that getting approved for SSDI benefits can take months or years to accomplish. Being successful requires legal knowledge, attention to detail, patience, and tenacity. Despite qualifying for disability being a sometimes lengthy process, it’s very easy to lose track of important deadlines throughout your application, reconsideration, and the rest of the appeals process.
Missing one of these deadlines—or not being prepared for the next step in your case—can destroy a valid claim all too easily. With an accomplished disability benefits lawyer in your corner, you can rest assured that your claim will be taken care of without unexpected pitfalls.
Talk to a Disability Benefits Lawyer Today
To get help with applying for disability benefits or appealing a denial, contact a Social Security disability lawyer today. Social Security Disability Advocates USA offers free consultations to help you sort out fact from fiction when it comes to qualifying for and maximizing your monthly SSDI benefits. There’s no hidden fee and no obligation to utilize our legal services—just quality legal advice from a compassionate and dedicated law firm.
To get in touch with a member of our team, give us a call 24/7 at 602-952-3200. Representatives are also standing by via LiveChat to answer your questions. To request your free case review online now, simply fill out this form.
