A social security disability lawyer understands the impact a denied initial claim can have on an individual and his or her family, mainly if the benefits are the applicant's sole source of personal income. An initial denial of Social Security disability benefits is more common than not. Although denials do not necessarily indicate ineligibility, they may suggest that applications for benefits have been denied.
Many applicants who have been rejected abandon their claims instead of going through an intimidating appeal process where they could recover the benefits they are owed. A Social Security disability attorney have extensive experience in the application and appeals process, among other practice areas, and the resources needed to recover benefits.
Hiring attorneys social security disability to help with your disability case dramatically improves your chances of approval. Even though some people apply independently and are approved for benefits, statistics show that those who legal counsel represents are more likely to be approved.
Lawyers social security disability know how to present a case from the initial application to the hearing and beyond. An attorney can help you determine your "alleged onset date" of disability, advocate that your condition fits into one of Social Security's "blue book" impairment categories, and offer legal advice to help you convince Social Security.
You and your lawyer can gather and submit relevant medical evidence, obtain your doctor's opinion, prepare a detailed brief for the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and prepare you for the judge's questions. During the hearing, social security disability specialists may cross-examine the Vocational Expert or Medical Expert to demonstrate your inability to work.
Lawyers for social security disability can make sophisticated legal arguments to show that you were wrongly denied benefits through the Appeals Council and the federal court at the following stages of appeal.
In general, the sooner you apply for disability benefits, the better. If you're even thinking about applying for disability benefits, you should contact a social security disability law firms for a free consultation. Attorneys can assist you with your initial application and evaluate the strength of your case.
Social security disability lawyers near me can help you with your Social Security case, but you should understand the costs and benefits first. Generally, the best social security disability lawyer charges 25% of your disability benefits or $6,000; this is regulated by federal law.
Your attorney will not receive a fee if you do not receive back pay benefits. The lawyer is, however, permitted to ask the SSA for payment in these cases. A social security disability attorney near me usually does not charge any upfront fees.
To apply for disability benefits, a person who becomes ill or injured and cannot work should follow these steps:
The inability to work. When you cannot perform the work you are suitable for (considering your age, education, and experience) because of a physical or mental condition, and the disability is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months or result in your death, then you are eligible. Your ability to work is the key issue.
SSD may not be the only disability benefit available to you. You may also be eligible for VA service-connected disability or long-term disability. Having knowledge of what other benefits may be available to you just in case your SSD application is denied can help you get the full support you deserve. In addition to explaining these benefits in detail, the best Social Security Disability lawyer near you may be able to assist you in applying for other types of benefits as well.