7 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Disability Attorney
If you’re like most applicants, then you’re probably wondering whether or not you should hire an attorney to help you get approved for Social Security Disability. If you’ve already submitted your disability application to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are waiting to get an update, then you do not need to hire an attorney unless your application is denied. If your initial disability application has already been denied, we highly suggest hiring a disability attorney to help you during the appeals process. If you’re still unsure whether you should hire a Social Security disability law firm to help you get approved for benefits, read our top 7 reasons why you should below.
They Know What It Takes to Win
The first and most important reason why you should hire a disability attorney is that they know what it takes to get approved for Social Security disability benefits. The biggest factor considered when getting approved for benefits is medical evidence. In order to receive disability benefits, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disabled. An experienced attorney knows exactly what information you’ll need in order to prove that you’re disabled.
In fact, 67% of all first-time disability applications are denied. This means that a majority of disability applicants will have to submit a request to appeal their denial. To appeal your denied disability application, you will have to appear before a judge and present your case. This is where having a disability attorney is beneficial. A disability attorney will know exactly what needs to be done in order get the highest chance of approval.
They Make Sure Your Everything is Correct
A disability attorney isn’t just there during your appeals hearing, but also during the process to make sure that everything you’re submitting to the SSA is correct and submitted in time. The disability process is long. On average, it takes from 12 to 24 months to get your appeals hearing. To avoid any processing delays, it’s important that you submit all requested information correctly and in-time. If you don’t then you could be forced to start the application process over.
If you’re like most applicants, you probably aren’t too sure what information to give the Social Security Administration. This may cause you to submit irrelevant information. If you have a disability attorney, they will make sure you submit all medical records, evidence, and tests necessary for your case.
There are No Up-Front Fees
One thing that many disability applicants don’t know when they’re deciding whether they should hire an attorney is that there is no initial cost. This means that you won’t have to pay your attorney any money when you hire them. Your attorney will only be paid if they win your case. If your attorney helps you get approved for benefits then they will receive a percentage of your back pay. Hiring an attorney will only help improve your chances of approval. If you happen to not get approved, then there is no cost to you.
They Communicate with Medical Providers
Commonly, one of the hardest things for disability applicants is communicating with their doctor. During the appeals process, you will be asked to provide medical records about your disability. Depending on your doctor, this can be a challenge. Your doctor may be slow to respond to requests for information or documents or they may be unwilling to help.
Having an attorney will help ease this process. A good attorney will work with your doctor to show functional limitations. This refers to the things you are unable to do and how much you’re able to work because of your disability. Having an attorney during this step of the process will help to present the best possible case during your appeals hearing and ease your stress.
They’re Experts
A disability attorney works on many of the same types of cases all year. This gives them a ton of experience and knowledge on the topic. They are familiar with the judges and their preferences, the appeal hearing process, and how to best present your case. This makes them experts at disability appeals and the best person to represent you during your appeals hearing. Having an attorney represent you during the appeals case will give you the best chance for benefits approval.
They Increase Your Chances of Approval
As we stated above, having a disability attorney will help increase your chance of benefits approval. It is possible to win an appeals case without an attorney, but your chances are much higher if you have one. According to a survey, 71% of people with appeal cases hired a disability lawyer or attorney and 50% were approved. This is compared to the 23% approved who didn’t have an attorney. Having an attorney more than doubled the chance of approval. Given what’s at stake and what you’re getting, it is worth taking the chance of hiring an attorney.
They Can Win You More Back Pay
If you choose to hire an attorney then there’s a chance they could win you more back pay than you would be able to alone. Disability applicants who win their case with an attorney usually receive a better “disability onset date.” The onset date determines the amount of back pay, so receiving the earliest possible date is important. An experienced attorney is able to receive the earliest possible onset date by utilizing their knowledge of the appeals process.
That concludes our list of the top 7 reasons why you should hire a disability attorney. We hope this information was helpful to you. If you’re going through the disability appeals process and would like more help or information, please contact us and let us know what you need help with. We are always happy to help.
If you would like more information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI), check out our blog for all our latest information. If you are looking for more help on how to hire a disability attorney, download our new ebook. We go over what to do before hiring an attorney, why to hire one, and whether you should hire an attorney or representative.
July 20, 2018