Are you struggling to make ends meet because of a disability but uncertain if you’re eligible for benefits? Has your claim already been unjustly denied? If you cannot work for long periods because of injury or illness, there are many advantages to hiring a social security disability lawyer.
The Legal Helpers connects people with highly-rated social security disability lawyers in their area. Take advantage of our FREE legal matching service and reach out for a no-cost claim review with us!
Some 60 percent of all disability claims are initially denied, but that doesn’t mean applicants should give up. Those who are unable physically or mentally to engage in meaningful employment usually meet the criteria for disability benefits under the Social Security Administration. But it often takes a skilled social security disability attorney to guide you through the process.
Your likelihood of being approved for disability benefits is significantly improved by hiring an attorney specializing in this complex area of law. The paperwork alone is overwhelming for many, but social security disability lawyers know exactly what is needed and help you avoid denials due to technical errors or omissions.
To apply for disability benefits, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The determination for “disability” seems simple enough, but thousands of people are denied SSD benefits every month simply because they submitted their claim incorrectly or failed to gather the correct documentation to substantiate their disability.
When you have dependable legal counsel working on your behalf, you can rest assured that all pertinent medical records, referrals, employment information, and financial documents are carefully prepared in accordance with SSA requirements. Disability lawyers provide sage advice on the alleged onset date of your injury or illness, which can increase the amount of backpay secured. They know what details and evidence are most persuasive to Social Security and ensure the claim is filed without errors.
In addition to enhancing your chances of success, a social security disability lawyer has the resources to expedite your claim through the system and prepare for a hearing should the claim be denied.
If your social security disability claim is denied, as thousands are, the need for legal representation rises considerably. You have the right to initiate the appeals process within 60 days of the denial. The appeal happens in two phases: a reconsideration and a hearing, and it is at this juncture, a knowledgeable attorney is invaluable.
If the Administrative Law Judge upholds the denial at your hearing, your lawyer may request that the case go before the Social Security Appeals Council. The disability appeals process is lengthy and notoriously confusing and best undertaken with legal representation.
While people can win social security disability appeal cases without an attorney or representative, the odds of prevailing are substantially better with one. Claimants without a legal professional in their corner may ultimately receive less backpay or lower monthly benefits.
Every year, over 2 million claim decisions are made by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. Unfortunately, when the livelihood of you and your loved ones is at stake because of a long-term injury or illness, self-representation can diminish your chances of getting the benefits to which you are entitled. Let the Legal Helpers connect you with a qualified attorney who can help you avoid the frustration and pitfalls of applying for disability benefits or appealing a denied claim.
