what to ask ssdi lawyer

The Top 6 Questions to Ask a SSDI Attorney

1. Do You Specialize in Disability Law? The first question to ask is if the lawyer specializes in disability law. This...
2. What Are Your Fees and How Do I Pay? Before hiring an SSDI lawyer, it’s important to understand the fees and the...
3. Who Will Be Working on My Case? When choosing a lawyer, make sure you are talking to...

Full Answer

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.

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.

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.

How do I get the most out of my SSDI?

How to Make Ends Meet on Social Security Disability Benefits (Updated for 2022)Apply for Additional Assistance. ... Start Clipping Coupons. ... Look Into Energy Assistance. ... Additional Income Sources. ... Look for Income-Based Housing. ... Ask Your Doctor for Samples. ... School Meal Programs.

What are 4 hidden disabilities?

The four most common types of hidden disabilities are:Autoimmune Diseases. In most people, the body's immune system protects them from invaders like bacteria and viruses. ... Mental Health Conditions. ... Neurological Disorders. ... Chronic Pain and Fatigue Disorders.

How does SSDI calculate back pay?

Calculating SSDI Back Payments Count the months between your EOD and application date to determine retroactive months. The number of months between the EOD and approval date, minus the five-month waiting period, plus the retroactive months, times your monthly payment equals the total amount of back pay due.

What should you not tell a disability doctor?

For example, if you are being examined for a medical condition, you should not tell a doctor you have pain everywhere, or your level of pain is 10 out of 10 for everything if your daily activities are not consistent with this level of pain.

Why is SSDI so hard to get?

The SSA will not approve you for SSDI benefits if you perform work that brings in more than the substantial gainful activity rate, which is $1,260 per month in 2020. If you are working and earning more than this rate every month, you will not qualify for benefits.

What are the top 5 disabilities?

Top 5 Disabling Conditions that Receive Disability Benefits1) Arthritis. Over 50 million adults and 300,000 children are documented to have some form of arthritis. ... 2) Degenerative Disc Disease. ... 3) Cancer. ... 4) Paralysis. ... 5) Parkinson's Disease. ... Contacting a Social Security Attorney.

How much does SSDI pay in 2021?

As of 2021, the maximum amount of money an individual can earn while receiving SSDI benefits is $1,310 for non-blind disabled workers. (Disabled workers who are blind are subject to SSDI income limits of $2,190 per month.)

Will Social Security get a $200 raise?

A benefits boost: $200, plus COLA changes Anyone who is a current Social Security recipient or who will turn 62 in 2023 — the earliest age at which an individual can claim Social Security — would receive an extra $200 per monthly check.

Should I file taxes on SSDI?

Regarding social security disability tax consequences, if you're required to file an individual income tax return, Social security disability income (SSDI) is taxed the same as other social security benefits.

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 difference between SSI and SSDI?

The major difference is that SSI determination is based on age/disability and limited income and resources, whereas SSDI determination is based on disability and work credits. In addition, in most states, an SSI recipient will automatically qualify for health care coverage through Medicaid.

Is SSDI taxable?

Social Security disability is subject to tax, but most recipients don't end up paying taxes on it. Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) can be subject to tax, but most disability recipients don't end up paying taxes on them because they don't have much other income.

What questions should I ask my SSDI lawyer?

An important question to ask an SSDI benefits lawyer is are they familiar with your medical condition. Certain medical conditions are complicated, especially when it comes to your benefits for disability. Make sure the lawyer you are considering fully understands your condition.

How to choose a lawyer?

When choosing a lawyer, make sure you are talking to the person who will be working on your case. This is important to get a feel for their personality, working style, sense of compassion, and more. You should also ask how you can contact the lawyer during your case.

What happens if you don't receive Social Security?

If you qualify for social security disability benefits and aren’t receiving them, you are likely feeling stressed and frustrated. The SSDI process can be a confusing one, filled with phone appointments, complicated forms, and more.

Can I win a disability claim on the first try?

While you want to win your disability benefits case on the first try, your claim could be denied. If this happens, you need a lawyer who will handle the appeal process as well.

What You Need to Know About Your SSDI Lawyer in Your First Meeting

When you are vetting a potential SSDI lawyer, it is important to ensure that your prospect is experienced in the right area of law, that they charge a fee reasonable to you, and that they operate their practice in a way that comports with your need as a client.

Call Today for Immediate Assistance with a California Disability Claim

For assistance with a claim for disability benefits in southern California or statewide, call Drake & Drake at 818-914-4055.

Do you have experience handling Social Security Disability Cases?

Since opening his own firm in 2010, I have focused my practice on helping Social Security Disability claimants fight for the benefits they need. We know the ins and outs of the disability appeals and applications process and how to navigate it.

What do we need to prove to get my Social Security Disability Benefits?

That you are not currently engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (or working and earning money above a certain limit);

Who is responsible for my case and will that person meet me? Will they know about my case whenever I call?

Experienced Disability Attorney Loyd J. Bourgeois and representative Christy Crotwell will be responsible for handling all aspects of your case. It is our practice to personally meet you, the client, in advance of your hearing to discuss in detail specific aspects of your claim and keep you fully informed of what to expect.

How long does it generally take to resolve my claim?

For new applications, we generally see an average processing time of 3-9 months.

What can I expect during this process?

From the moment you contact our office, you can expect to be treated with compassion and respect throughout our entire relationship. You can expect to have your calls answered or returned promptly and have your questions or concerns addressed.

Questions to Ask a Social Security Disability Lawyer

If an injury is causing you lasting physical or psychological damage that prevents you from returning to work at full capacity, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance.

What Information Do I Need to File an SSDI Claim?

Social Security disability benefits are not given out freely. The United States federal government thoroughly verifies the legitimacy of an applicant’s claim before it is approved, and many claims are rejected. When you meet with your Social Security disability lawyer, be sure you fully understand what qualifies a person for SSDI benefits.

How Long Have You Been Practicing Social Security Disability Law?

Because applying for Social Security Disability Insurance is known to be a lengthy and difficult process, you want to know that you have the right attorney on your side. The last thing you need in this complex process is an inexperienced attorney.

What Is the Process Like and What Should I Expect?

When you choose an experienced SSDI attorney, you should expect an initial consultation during which your attorney asks questions to understand your case. From there, the attorney will assist you in filling out the SSDI claim and submitting it for approval.

Will There Be an Appeal if the Claim Is Denied?

Your claim may be denied for any number of reasons, including an error in submitted documentation. A good SSDI attorney will not take “no” for an answer and will keep fighting for your right to receive Social Security disability benefits.

Hire an Attorney Who Will Fight for Your Benefits

The SSDI claims process can be stressful, especially when you factor in the debilitating physical or psychological symptoms you are experiencing. You need an SSDI attorney who will fight for you at every step of the claims process. The lawyers at Shook & Stone are here for you.

WHAT HAPPENED

A young couple from Monroe, Michigan, was awarded a $15.8 million verdict as the result of their baby son, Jason, being inflicted with Cerebral Palsy as the result of an error during the final stages of a labor.

What Happened

While in the hospital a mother of three was not properly treated for a closed-head injury causing her untimely death.

What Happened

A Livonia pedestrian recovered $1.4 million when he was struck by a commercial van resulting in a traumatic brain injury in Redford, Michigan.

WHAT HAPPENED

Patient suffered cardiac arrest and brain damage when a hospital failed to recognize internal bleeding and treatment was delayed for more than 14 hours.

WHAT HAPPENED

A Tuscola County jury awarded $3.3 million to a severely brain injured motorist as the result of a defective Michigan highway.

WHAT HAPPENED

A seventeen-year-old construction worker suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting from a fall in Flint, Michigan, and was awarded $1.25 million.

What Happened

Middle-aged woman suffered severe disfiguring facial burns from a simple surgical procedure.

What is a disability attorney?

Most disability attorneys are members of NOSSCR, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, which provides continuing education and training in disability law throughout the year.

Why hire a disability lawyer?

Hiring a disability attorney to handle your case can greatly improve your chances of success, but it's important to make sure the person you hire is experienced, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra step for you . Most attorneys will schedule you for a free consultation to explain the disability process and to interview you about your medical ...

Can a non-attorney advocate represent a claimant in a disability hearing?

Although Social Security allows non-attorney advocates to represent claimants in disability hearings , there are many benefits to insisting that your representative is a licensed attorney. In particular, lawyers are more likely to be familiar with relevant Social Security regulations and case law, and unlike non-attorneys, ...

What happens if you are denied a disability?

If your disability application is denied, there are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, administrative hearing, appeals council, and Federal District Court. Some disability attorneys handle appeals at every level; others will not. While you can certainly have different attorneys handle your case at each level, if you want continuity, ...

Do you have to meet with your attorney before a trial?

Although these hearings are less formal than traditional trials – there is no jury and usually, no witnesses other than the claimant testifies – they are still extremely important. Before the hearing date, your attorney should meet with you at least once, if not more, to prepare for the hearing.

Can you meet with a disability attorney?

Sometimes the disability attorney you meet with during the initial consultation isn’t the attorney who will ultimately handle your case. Although this is a common practice, it can be unsettling for some people, particularly if you hired an attorney based on how comfortable you felt with them during the initial consultation.