should you get lawyer when social security re evaluates your disability?

by Leanna Heidenreich 6 min read

However, you can benefit from a Social Security disability lawyer if you need to reapply. Specifically, you should consider that: A disability lawyer can examine your initial application, determine why you were denied, and, if possible, make the necessary changes to get your application approved.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for my social security case?

Feb 09, 2021 · Whether you should hire a Social Security lawyer depends on the status of your claim, the facts of your disability, and your skills at researching the law and representing yourself. There are many pros of hiring a lawyer and the only real con is that, if you win your claim, the lawyer will receive part of your back pay from Social Security.

Do I need a disability attorney to apply for disability benefits?

If you're thinking about hiring a disability attorney to help with your Social Security case, you should first understand the costs and benefits of having a lawyer on your side. The costs are fairly straightforward: disability attorneys charge a fee regulated by federal law, which is usually the lesser of 25% of your disability backpay or $6,000. (Costs can increase if your case goes to the …

Who is the nurse attorney for Social Security disability benefits?

The question becomes, should you get a disability lawyer before you even file for disability, or before you receive an answer on your application for disability? And the answer, as we pointed out, is often no. However, there are cases in which early representation is a good option.

What are the pros and cons of hiring a Social Security Attorney?

However, you can benefit from a Social Security disability lawyer if you need to reapply. Specifically, you should consider that: A disability lawyer can examine your initial application, determine why you were denied, and, if possible, make the necessary changes to get your application approved.

How do I pass a continuing disability review?

If you want to keep yours, here are some tips on how to pass a continuing disability review:Follow Your Treatment Protocol. ... Learn More About Your Condition. ... Answer the Short Form Honestly. ... Keep Copies of Your Medical Records. ... Inform the SSA of Any Change in Address.Apr 22, 2020

How often do they reevaluate Social Security disability?

We redetermine eligibility and benefit amounts of most recipients once every 1 to 6 years. When you report a change that affects eligibility or payment (for example, marriage), we may review your income, resources, and living arrangements.

How long does the reconsideration process take for disability?

between three to five monthsOn average, it will take between three to five months to complete the Social Security Disability reconsideration process and receive this letter of decision. Here are some tips on how you can get your reconsideration request approved.

At what age does Social Security disability stop reviewing?

age 65If you receive benefits until age 65, your SSDI benefits will stop, and your retirement benefits will begin. In other words, your SSDI benefits change to Social Security retirement benefits. Sometimes, SSDI benefits will stop before age 65.

Can you lose your disability benefits?

Social Security disability benefits are rarely terminated due to medical improvement, but SSI recipients can lose their benefits if they have too much income or assets. Although it is rare, there are circumstances under which the Social Security Administration (SSA) can end a person's disability benefits.

Does Social Security spy on disability applicants?

Unlike private insurance companies the SSA does not generally conduct surveillance investigations, but that doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Once you file a disability claim, the SSA looks for proof of your disability.

Who makes the final decision on Social Security Disability?

An applicant can receive payments for up to 6 months while the Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews the claim and makes the final decision.

What percentage of SSDI is reconsideration approved?

The percentage of applicants awarded at the reconsideration and hearing levels are averaging 2 percent and 9 percent, respectively. Denied disability claims have averaged 64 percent.

How do you win SSI reconsideration?

7 Tips for How to Win a Disability Reconsideration AppealFile a Timely Appeal. ... Submit the Right Paperwork. ... Draft an Effective Appeals Letter. ... Provide Additional Medical Evidence. ... Be Honest and Transparent. ... Get a Written Opinion From Your Doctor. ... Hire a Reliable Attorney.Sep 20, 2021

What should you not say in a disability interview?

Do not say things like, “I want to work” or “If I could work, I would.” By saying such statements, a judge may get the picture that you could possibly work. The point is that there are some people with extreme disabilities who do work but this is not the point that you should be making at your hearing.

What other benefits can I get with Social Security disability?

Be referred to as:Workers' Compensation.Black Lung Benefits.Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation.Civil Service (Disability) Retirement.Federal Employees' Retirement.Federal Employees' Compensation.State or local government disability insurance benefits.More items...

What happens to Social Security disability when you turn 65?

When you reach retirement age. When you reach the age of 65, your Social Security disability benefits stop and you automatically begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits instead. The specific amount of money you receive each month generally remains the same.

When you think you won't be able to work for a long time, have a free consultation with a disability lawyer

When you think you won't be able to work for a long time, have a free consultation with a disability lawyer.

Why Hire a Disability Attorney?

The most important reason to hire an attorney to help with your disability case is that your chances of being approved are significantly increased.

When Should I Call a Lawyer?

The general rule is "the earlier, the better." If you're even considering filing for disability, you should call a disability attorney for a free consultation. Your attorney can help you evaluate the strength of your case and assist you with your initial application.

What can a disability lawyer do for you?

Having a disability lawyer or disability representative will do the following for you: 1. You probably won't miss deadlines, such as for filing an appeal or going to a consultative medical exam. This is because your representative will know about your appointments and remind you. 2.

How long does it take to get a disability?

1. Apply for disability - On average, a disability application filed with the social security administration will take 3-4 months for a decision. 2. File a reconsideration appeal - This is the first appeal in the social security system.

How long does it take to file a disability claim?

It can be filed within 60 days of the denial on the disability application, though, for the sake of common sense, it should be filed immediately after the first denial is received so that time can be saved. Reconsiderations are nearly always denied.

The Advantages of Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer Before You Apply

If you hire an experienced Social Security disability lawyer before you apply for Social Security disability benefits, then you can be confident that your attorney will:

The Advantages of Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer If You Need to Reapply

You may not have hired a lawyer the first time you applied for Social Security disability benefits and your application may have been denied. However, you can benefit from a Social Security disability lawyer if you need to reapply. Specifically, you should consider that:

What Does it Cost to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

If you decide to hire a lawyer to represent you at any stage of the SSA disability process, you should know how that lawyer is paid. First and foremost, you do not pay the lawyer any fees that are not part of your settlement. Federal law regulates this.#N#You only pay if the lawyer succeeds in getting your benefits for you.

How much can a disability lawyer charge?

The maximum amount a disability lawyer can charge is 25 percent of your backpay. The maximum an attorney can receive from your backpay is $6,000. As an example, if your backpay is $12,000, your attorney will receive $3,000 and you will receive the remaining $9,000. Your attorney can advance you the expenses associated with your case.

What happens if you are denied a disability?

When your claim is denied, you will be sent a notice of denial. That notice will explain why your claim was denied and/or what evidence was lacking. Your disability lawyer will be able to review that denial notice and determine what needs to be provided to get your claim approved.

What happens if your claim is denied?

If your original claim is denied, your attorney will represent you at any necessary appeals, such as reconsideration and hearing proceedings. He or she can collect and submit key medical evidence, communicate with your doctor and any other medical professionals who have treated you, and prepare you for any questions that the administrative law judge may ask. They may also be able to move your case forward more quickly, especially if you are in dire financial need or your condition is terminal.

How long does it take to get a disability claim?

For a new disability claim, the average processing time can vary from 3 months to 9 months. For claims that are appealed following the initial denial, the processing varies from 8 to 16 months in most cases.

Can a lawyer help with Social Security disability?

Social Security Disability attorneys understand the application process. They know how to present your case in a way that makes your disability obvious and not a matter of conjecture, and can assist you in obtaining the necessary medical documentation from your doctor and the hospitals where you received treatment. A lawyer can help you understand the Blue Book listing and make sure you meet the criteria. The risk of your claim being rejected due to insufficient medical proof of disability is greatly reduced.

What is administrative law hearing?

An administrative law judge hearing is just like any case in court. You will testify before a judge, and medical and vocational experts may be called to testify. You should be prepared to respond to the questions, and your attorney will be able to help you get ready for this.

Do I need an attorney to file for disability?

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complicated and confusing process. Most applicants don’t know how to fill out the necessary paperwork and submit the correct medical documentation. This is a primary reason why over 65% of disability claims are originally denied. While you don’t technical ly need an attorney to represent you ...

How often does Social Security review your disability?

After you are approved for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will conduct a continuing disability review every few years to see if your condition has improved.

What to do if you are denied unemployment benefits?

And if you are denied benefits at your CDR, you can ask that they be continued until your hearing.

How often do you get a CDR?

In most cases, however, your CDR will occur every three years, but if you are over 55 or if you have a condition that is unlikely to get better, your CDR will occur every seven years. (For more, see our article on how often disability reviews happen .) If you face a CDR, your case will be sent to the Disability Determination Service (DDS) ...

How long can you sit after spinal fusion?

After a successful spinal fusion, your ability to sit was increased to four hours, so can now do some types of sedentary work. The SSA would consider this medical improvement "related to your ability to work.".

Does the SSA discontinue disability payments for children?

Continuing disability reviews for child recipients are handled somewhat differently, due to the different definition of disability for children. The SSA will discontinue a child's disability payments if the following criteria are met: