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Should I Hire A Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Seeking legal advice as soon as possible can be important if you are considering filing for Social Security Disability benefits. The process of filing for benefits can seem complicated and overwhelming. Applicants who are unsure how to fill out the necessary forms and paperwork correctly, or fail to supply all the required medical documents, risk a denial of their claim.
According to figures provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than half of all applications for Social Security Disability benefits were denied in recent years, with hundreds of thousands of applications denied each year due to technicalities alone. Having the help of a Social Security Disability attorney right away, before you file your claim, can take a weight off your shoulders and help ensure that all your paperwork is complete.
What to Do If Your Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied?
If you have already filed a claim for Social Security Disability, and it was denied, hiring a Social Security Lawyer can be pivotal for your chances of succeeding with an appeal. An experienced social security disability attorney has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the application process and can potentially assist you in several ways, including but not limited to:
- Trying to expedite your case if your condition is terminal or you are suffering from extreme financial hardship
- Communicate with your medical providers
- Assist with gathering the required medical paperwork for your claim
- Representing your case in the strongest way at any appeal hearings
- Following up on your claim with the SSA and updating you accordingly
Having a dedicated Social Security lawyer, such as one from Schaffer & Associates, help you with your application can potentially reduce the risk of having your claim rejected on technical grounds or due to lack of medical proof.
What Is the SSD Benefits Process?
If you have become disabled and expect your condition to last for at least a year, you should start the application process for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. It may take a year or more before you can receive any benefits. You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
When filing your initial application, it is important to gather all the relevant documents and medical reports needed for the application. You can then apply online at the SSA website, or you can make an appointment at your local SSA office.
The SSA will review your application based on a number of criteria such as:
- Meeting the financial and disability requirements
- Having worked enough years to qualify for benefits
- Any current work activities
Once your application is processed, you will receive a notice indicating the approval or denial of your claim. This notice will include information about the appeals process and the time limit you have for filing an appeal.
If you have not already done so, you should consider hiring a dedicated and experienced Social Security attorney to help you with an appeal. Having a seasoned lawyer by your side is especially important when your appeal involves a hearing before an administrative judge. An attorney can be by your side at the hearing and help to prepare you adequately for questioning. A Social Security Disability attorney can also work with you to help you through the subsequent appeals process.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Many individuals shy away from seeking legal help due to fears of the financial implications of hiring a lawyer. A sudden disability typically comes with financial worries for the individual concerned as well as their family. However, the benefits of having an experienced Social Security attorney by your side can significantly outweigh the costs, especially if you consider that your attorney could prevent you from not receiving any benefits at all.
Social Security Disability attorneys typically work on a contingency basis, which means you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees upfront. Your attorney will not receive their fee unless and until they win your case and you receive your disability benefits. This allows those who are already suffering from financial hardship due to their disability, to hire a lawyer without incurring fees or expenses up front.
Sometimes there can be other miscellaneous costs associated with your case, for example, expenses related to the production of documents such as medical records. In some cases, your lawyer may agree to pay these expenses up front and await reimbursement from you once your benefits come through.
Even if you win your case, there are restrictions on attorney’s fees in Social Security Disability claims. The maximum amount chargeable by your lawyer is $7,200. The SSA will send the attorney’s fee portion of your back payments directly to your lawyer, so you do not have to do anything.
Working with a dedicated and compassionate law firm such as Schaffer & Associates LPA can be important. We honestly and openly address all of your concerns and questions in a free initial consultation, so you are able to make an informed decision regarding legal representation for your Social Security Disability claim. It is your legal right to hire an attorney.
The Schaffer & Associates Toledo Team Can Fight for Your Rights
Having an experienced attorney by your side can maximize your chances of success. Do not risk having your claim denied and consult with Schaffer & Associates, LPA today for help and assistance. We are committed to helping clients in their time of need and fight for the benefits that they deserve after suffering a devastating disability. Call us for a free consultation with one of our dedicated team members at (419) 350-8277.
