Many people are under the false impression that filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social is as easy as filling out a few simple forms—unfortunately, this is not the case. Just the preliminary application process alone requires you to disclose extensive personal information and medical records.
Because such a large amount of materials are necessary to submit your application, it is easy to make mistakes that can compromise your ability to receive benefits. Although you are not required to hire an attorney to help fill out your SSDI application, retaining the services of a professional could help you avoid these potential errors and maximize your Social Security benefits.
In This Article:
- What Can a Disability Lawyer Do?
- Why is it Important to Work With an Attorney
- Disability Application Denied? It’s Not Too Late to Hire a Lawyer
- How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost?
- Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer
What Can a Disability Lawyer Do?
You may be asking yourself, what can a disability lawyer do? Although it may be possible to successfully apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, the odds of being approved are much higher with a skilled social security lawyer. Here are some of the key tasks and services that a disability lawyer can provide:
- Assessment and Consultation: The first step to applying for disability benefits is confirming that you qualify for them. A disability lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if you qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) guidelines. They can assess the strength of your case and the likelihood of success.
- Application Assistance: A Social Security disability lawyer can assist you in completing the complex paperwork required for SSDI or SSI benefits applications. Your application must be thorough and accurately reflect your disability and its impact on your ability to work. A lawyer will know how best to articulate this to the SSA.
- Medical Evidence Collection: Disability lawyers can help gather medical records and other evidence to support your disability claim. They can work with your healthcare providers to obtain the necessary documentation of your condition and its effects on your ability to work.
- Negotiation and Settlement: In some cases, disability lawyers may negotiate with the SSA to reach a settlement or agreement regarding your benefits. They can advocate for you to receive the maximum benefits available under the law.
- Continuing Support: Even after you are approved for disability benefits, a disability lawyer can provide ongoing support and assistance. They can help you navigate any changes in your circumstances or benefits status and ensure that you continue to receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Why It Is Important to Work With an Attorney
Hiring an experienced attorney before submitting an initial application is crucial to making sure it will be accepted. 60 percent of applications are initially denied by the Social Security Administration and are forced to go through an appeals process.
A skilled SSDI lawyer will be familiar with the application process, common mistakes, and the rules that determine eligibility and can help avoid an unnecessary rejection. Because any misrepresentations or errors may follow an application throughout the process, it is crucial to enlist the help of an attorney early on.
Disability Application Denied? It’s Not Too Late to Hire a Lawyer
If you have already applied for Social Security on your own but were denied, it’s not too late to speak to a lawyer. The denial letter will outline several options you have moving forward, one of which is filing an appeal.
The appeals process can be challenging to manage as several strict deadlines must be met. A disability attorney can help navigate the process and ensure that you file all the required documents accurately and on time.
After filing for an appeal, you will likely need to attend a disability hearing before an administrative law judge. A lawyer can represent you during the hearing, present evidence, and cross-examine witnesses to strengthen your case. They can also help prepare you for the questions they may be asked at an appeal hearing and make sure there is enough evidence for a successful case.
How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost?
Although the cost of hiring an attorney is a common reason people avoid seeking legal help, the Social Security Administration mandates that an SSDI attorney can only be paid if an applicant wins their case and receives benefits.
No more than $6,000 or 25 percent of a person’s back pay can be charged, and these fees will be withdrawn directly from the award and distributed to a lawyer by the court to avoid complications or additional charges.
Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer
The skilled SSDI and SSI lawyers at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers work tirelessly to secure benefits for our clients. Whether you are just beginning the application process or your application has already been denied, you are still entitled to representation to give you the best chance of receiving the financial support you need.
Our attorneys do not back down from a fight and will do everything in their power to get your disability benefits approved. Reaching out to an attorney is completely risk-free. It’s free unless we win… and winning for our clients is what we’re best at.
For a FREE case review, contact us today. Call (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say, Larry wins!
