How A Disability Lawyer Helps | Use Lawyer Early | Validating Documents | Helping with Appeal | Lawyer Fees | Work With Disability Apply
Hire Disability Lawyer
When applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, hiring a disability lawyer to represent you can significantly improve your chances of being approved. Why? The Social Security Administration (SSA) rejects about 60% of first-time claims for SSD.
A disability lawyer that understands the ins-and-outs of the application process will work with you to avoid a lengthy process and increase your chances of getting approved by the SSA.
How Can A Disability Lawyer Help You
A disability lawyer can help you throughout the entire disability application process, from filing your initial application to appealing a denied claim. A disability lawyer will work with you to:
- Act on your behalf before the SSA
- Obtain any medical information to support your claim
- Accompany you – or represent you – during disability hearings
- Request a reconsideration, hearing, etc. depending on your case
Find out how a disability lawyer can assist you right now. Contact one of our trusted representatives today.
The Importance Of Using A Disability Lawyer Early On
There are different ways to file a claim for benefits with the SSA. You can:
- Apply online on the SSA website at ssa.gov
- Over the phone by calling SSA customer service
- In-person at the closest Social Security field office
A large number of disability applicants are originally denied because of mistakes made in the application. The primary reason why they are denied is that they do not fill out all of the paperwork correctly and do not submit the necessary documentation. For example, a common mistake when applying is filing an incomplete claim or submitting irrelevant information.
A disability lawyer can prevent this by ensuring that your application is completed correctly and avoid a technical denial. This requires experience dealing with the SSA, an understanding of all their terminology, and knowledge of the rules that dictate eligibility.
A disability lawyer can prepare and submit the initial application for you after gathering personal information, income, prior work history, and medical documentation of your disability. A representative is capable of ensuring that your information is complete and correct before submitting the application to the SSA.
Taking this step reduces the probability of being denied during the initial stages of the process. Additionally, this step includes significant time saving having an experienced representative walk through everything you need to submit in the application.
Validating That You Have All Necessary Documents
A disability lawyer will assist you in gathering all the medical evidence you need for your claim. For example, a representative will review all current medical records in order to let you know what additional medical evidence is missing before submitting your documents to the SSA.
A representative can also help collect any medical information from your past doctor(s) or hospital stays. In some cases, if necessary, a representative can interact with your physicians to gather supportive recommendations, statements, or any additional evidence.
Helping With The Appeal Process
A disability lawyer can be hired at any point even if you already filed a claim and were rejected. A representative will review your information, claim status, and other relevant information to provide you with the best strategies moving forward — depending on the stage of your case. A representative can act as a helpful guide taking control of the case, representing you, and functioning as a communicator between you and the SSA.
In the instance of being denied benefits, you can reach out to a disability lawyer after you receive the initial denial. You will want someone in your corner to walk through the appeals process. It is important to hire a disability lawyer to help you throughout the four levels of appeals:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Review by Appeals Council
- Federal Court review
A disability lawyer can guide you through this process by filing the appeal on your behalf and represent you in a hearing before a judge, as opposed to you doing it on your own.
During a court hearing, the disability lawyer will attempt to prove that your condition qualifies you for disability benefits and that your impairment is listed in what’s known as the SSA Blue Book listing of impairments. A representative can provide documents to support your appeal and help prepare you, health care experts, or any other witnesses to support your case that you cannot work any type of job because of the limitations of your condition.
Do not wait until your application is denied. Contact us today for help!
How Much Are The Disability Lawyer Fees?
Although you are not required to hire a disability lawyer, this is a clear path forward to increase your chances of being approved for benefits. Disability lawyers do not charge up-front fees; lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and are only paid if you win the case. Additionally, the disability lawyer cannot collect any fees without first getting written approval from the SSA.
Furthermore, the federal law limits the fees paid to attorneys for representation. The fees are capped at $6,000 or 25% of past-due benefits awarded to the recipient. In other words, disability lawyers do not take any portion of your ongoing benefits; only a percentage of back pay can be awarded to a representative.
In the case that a disability lawyer appeals your case to the Appeals Council or federal court, they can submit a fee petition asking to charge more than 25% of past-due benefits awarded to the recipient. Otherwise, to avoid any extra fees collected, the SSA will take directly from your back pay and send it to your disability lawyer.
Finding The Right Disability Lawyer
Once you have decided that hiring a disability lawyer is crucial to support your case, it is in your best interest to choose the right representative.
At Disability Apply, our representatives understand how challenging it can be to apply for SSD benefits. We work vigorously to help you complete your application in a manner that best demonstrates your medical need and eligibility for disability benefits from the SSA.
We have the experience and knowledge to walk through this process with you. Also, we provide you with the finest customer service. Our associates take the time to listen to your personal situation to offer our best advice on your case and the potential benefits you may be eligible to receive. With over 50 years of collective experience, we are ready to help you obtain the financial assistance you need.
Let us help you with your case by completing this free, no-obligation evaluation. Or, contact us today to find help starting your application or pursuing an appeal after receiving a denial.
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