what takes place at a ssi lawyer office

A lawyer or advocate can fill out the SSDI or SSI application on your behalf and help gather medical records and other evidence for your claim. They can review your application for mistakes or omissions that could hurt your chances of success and can join you for meetings or conferences with Social Security officials.

Full Answer

Why hire an attorney for SSI?

Our SSI attorney knows how important your case is, and knows how important the benefits would be. Whether you’re applying for SSI or appealing a denial of SSI, we can help. At ARM Lawyers, we handle disability cases in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York and have offices in each of these states.

Who can apply for Social Security disability?

Those who can apply for SSI are adults with a disability, children with a disability, anyone who is blind, and adults aged 65 and older. In addition to meeting the disability and/or age requirements, a person also must have limited resources and income.

Who is the best attorney for Social Security disability?

Attorney Patrick J. Best has represented thousands of disabled individuals who were wrongfully denied Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income. Attorney Best has been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for his work with the disabled.

Can I represent myself during a Social Security disability hearing?

However, representing yourself during a disability hearing might be intimidating. An experienced disability advocate helps improve your chances of winning your claim. Advocates have specialized knowledge of Social Security’s rules and regulations for benefits. If you need to appeal your disability application, our advocates know how to help.

What is the most a disability lawyer can charge?

$6,000First, the basics: Federal law generally limits the fees charged by Social Security disability attorneys to 25% of your backpay, or $6,000, whichever is lower. Back payments are benefits that accrued while you were waiting for Social Security to approve your case.

How long does it take for the SSA to make a decision after a hearing?

Once you have been through a Social Security Disability hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, you need to wait for your decision to come in the mail. Six weeks to 3 months is the usual time that should be expected.

Who makes the final decision on Social Security disability?

While the DDS office reviews applications and makes recommendations to the SSA, it is the SSA which makes the final decision to accept or reject claims for disability benefits.

How do you answer an ALJ question?

Most important is that you directly answer your ALJ's questions about your case to the best of your abilities. You may also have questions about aspects of your case that might be regarded negatively by the ALJ. Don't panic, be honest, and make sure that you've gone over your case for these types of facts.

How far does SSI back pay go?

Retroactive benefits might go back to the date you first suffered a disability—or up to a year before the day you applied for benefits. For SSI, back pay goes back to the date of your original application for benefits.

What is the most approved disability?

1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.

What happens at SSI interview?

For telephone and in-person interviews, we send a letter telling you that we will call you on a certain date and time, or ask you to come into the local Social Security office for a redetermination. Our staff will fill out the forms during the interview based on information you give them.

How can I increase my chances of getting disability?

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Disability BenefitsFile Your Claim as Soon as Possible. ... Make an Appeal within 60 Days. ... Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment. ... Provide Proof of Recent Treatment. ... Report your Symptoms Accurately. ... Provide Medical Evidence. ... Provide Details of your Work History.More items...•

What medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability?

Conditions that qualify for SSDI and SSI include:Cardiovascular System. Conditions of the heart, such as High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure and Blood Clots.Digestive System. ... Endocrine System. ... Genitourinary Impairments. ... Hematological Disorders. ... Immune System Disorders. ... Malignant Neoplastic Diseases. ... Mental Disorders.More items...•

Do you call an ALJ Your Honor?

Be respectful of the administrative process, and address the Administrative Law Judge as “Your Honor” , “Judge”, or “Mr. or Ms….” but do not address the Judge by his or her first name or as a “hearing officer”. 2.

What kind of questions does Social Security Disability ask?

Dates you last worked; The names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of visits to your doctors; The names of medications that you take and medical tests you've had; and. Marital information.

Is chronic pain a disability?

The SSA does not consider chronic pain to be a disability, so there is no listing for it in the SSA's Blue Book. Chronic pain, even if it is severe and disabling, does not qualify unless you can prove it is caused by a verifiable condition that lasts for at least 12 months.

What to do if denied SSI?

If you have been denied SSI benefits in the past, but truly believe that you should qualify for them, you should consider hiring a professional lawyer to help represent your case. You do not have to already have been denied to hire a lawyer because a lot of people feel like they should already have a lawyer just in case they need one. It is never a bad idea to have a legal attorney fighting for your side. If you are looking for a quality SSI attorney that will represent you in an honest manner, you need to contact our team at National Disability Benefits. We can provide you with a free disability evaluation and a free case evaluation. It is our goal to help you get the benefits that you deserve, even though it can be a frustrating process.

What does SSI stand for?

Other folks do not even know what SSI stands for, let alone whether or not they qualify for it. SSI is an abbreviation for Supplement Security Income , which is a federal welfare program for the blind, elderly, or disabled.

How to contact Social Security Administration?

For more questions regarding your eligibility, the amount of benefits that may be paid to you, what documents you’ll need, and how you can appeal a decision made by the Social Security Administration, contact us today at 570-503-6255 or e-mail us.

What is SSI disability?

SSI makes monthly payments to disabled individuals. The SSI program is a “need-based” program rather than an insurance program like SSD. Thus, in order to qualify, you must have limited income and resources (things you own).

How much do you have to make to qualify for SSI?

However, in order to qualify, you must have a disability that meets the criteria established by the Social Security Administration: You are not making more than $1,260 per month (for 2020);

Does a receipt of income preclude SSI?

loans to you (cash or in–kind) that you have to repay; money someone else spends to pay your expenses for items other than food or shelter (for example, someone pays your telephone or medical bills) Receipt of income does not necessarily preclude SSI eligibility.

Can I still get Social Security Disability if I don't fit in?

If you don’t fit within SSI’s financial qualifications, you may still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (or “ SSDI “). You should consult an SSDI attorney to discuss whether you may qualify. For more information about what SSI is and whether or not you’ll qualify, refer to the following.

Who can apply for SSI?

Those who can apply for SSI are adults with a disability, children with a disability, anyone who is blind, and adults aged 65 and older. In addition to meeting the disability and/or age requirements, a person also must have limited resources and income.

What is the Social Security Disability application process?

When applying for SSI, the process can take anywhere from four to six months. If you are applying for SSI with our office, we would schedule an appointment to speak with you to gather all necessary information. We would complete the SSI application with you and submit it to the Social Security Administration.

Can I work while applying for SSI?

Technically, yes, you can work while applying for SSI, but this is not necessarily advisable. To start, when you are applying for SSI, you are stating that you are unable to work full time. Working, even part time, can tend to show that you are capable of working. This can hurt your chances of winning your application.

Are SSI benefits retroactive?

One of the most common questions we get when applying for SSI is whether the benefit payments will be retroactive. When you’re applying for SSI, your benefits will only be retroactive to the date of application.

Do I need an attorney to apply for SSI?

While you can certainly apply for SSI without an attorney, this isn’t recommended. Too many people who apply for SSI on their own are denied over technical issues in the application that could have been prevented if the application was completed with a top SSI attorney.

How to contact SSI disability?

Contact us online today for more information. We can also be reached at (618) 732-0146.

How do I qualify for SSI?

The requirements for SSI require you to have little to no income, and one of the following: 1 You must be at least 65 years old. 2 You must be blind. 3 A determination that you are disabled must be made.

Accuracy

With Affleck & Gordon, we make sure we conduct a thorough intake consultation with our clients to provide as much clarity as possible regarding what the SSA expects from a claimant to have their claim approved. When you begin your SSI claim, you have several options. You can file your claim online if you meet certain categories.

Communication

One of the greatest benefits of having a lawyer for SSI on your side is that we’ll communicate as a team with you and the SSA, and the SSA will also contact your legal team throughout the process at all times. We’ll also communicate with you every step of the way.

We Know the Law

It’s often said that “you don’t know what you don’t know.” At Affleck & Gordon, we know the law and the intricacies that could trip up your claim. We know the right documents needed to support your claim so that you are more likely to receive the appropriate benefits for your disability.

We Fight For You

Simply put, the Social Security Administration may move quicker when they see that you have legal representation. They understand that legal teams take on cases deemed winnable, and that the best SSI lawyers will fight to win on behalf of their clients.

Who Are We?

We’re Affleck & Gordon, and we’re a firm dedicated to assisting disabled and injured people in Georgia. Tens of thousands of our clients receive Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with our team on their side.

How do I get a disability lawyer?

If you have filed your SSDI or SSI application you are most likely now playing the “waiting game.” Although some applicants are approved immediately, most are not. In fact, up to 75% of first time disability applicants are denied the first time they apply and may have to appeal their disability denial.

How is the SSI or SSDI disability lawyer paid?

So if the Social Security Administration is not going to pay for a disability lawyer and you are out of work with limited funds, what are your options for payment? The good news is the disability lawyer is only paid if you win. Their rate is established by the SSA, and they will be paid 25% of your back pay up to a maximum of $6,000.

Why will the SSA not help me more with my disability case?

Claimants often wonder why the SSA is not more helpful when they are applying for SSDI or SSI benefits. For instance, why do they not spend more time with you or meet with you? Why doesn’t the SSA seem to care about your case? The bottom line is the SSA processes millions of applications per year and they are simply overwhelmed.

What to do if the SSA denies your appeal?

If the SSA denies your reconsideration appeal, you must request a hearing with one of their official hearing offices. The SSA then sends your case to the office serving your area and sets up a hearing date.

How long does it take to get a disability hearing?

Usually, this part of the disability benefits application process takes the longest. Some claimants must wait upwards of two years in some states to get a hearing.

How can a disability advocate help you?

How a Disability Advocate Can Help You With Your Appeal. Instead of hiring a lawyer for your social security disability appeal, consider getting an advocate. Unlike social security disability appeal lawyers, advocates have specialized knowledge of disability rules. In fact, disability advocates must be certified by the SSA to represent claimants.

How long do you have to appeal a disability claim?

If the SSA denies your initial application for benefits, you need to submit an appeal 60 days after your denial. You can do this online or through the mail. During your appeal, the Social Security office lets a different examiner review your application. If this examiner determines that the first reviewer made a mistake, they approve your appeal. Applications denied in this step must apply for a disability hearing to argue their case in front of a judge.

What to do if you don't get approved for disability?

If you don’t get approved for disability benefits, you owe us nothing. If you would like to apply for SSI or SSDI benefits with an advocate, call us 201-720-1434 or fill out our online form for a free evaluation of your claim.

What to expect at a disability hearing?

Questions to Expect During Your Disability Hearing. The disability hearing usually intimidates claimants, especially if they decide to represent themselves. At your hearing, the judge will hear testimony from a vocational expert (VE) hired by the SSA.

What happens if the SSAC denies your claim?

After this review, if the SSAC denies your claim, you have the option to file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. However, very few claims ever make it this far.

What Is Their Role?

See more on socialsecurityofficenear.me

Supporting During The Appeals Process

Gathering Medical Evidence

Remember Two Important Things Through This Process