where can i get a lawyer for my disibility claim

by Prof. Malachi Stanton 6 min read

VA hosts a searchable database where veterans can look for accredited representatives. The database includes accredited VA disability lawyers, claims agents, or VSO representatives. Additionally, those seeking representation may also visit their local Regional Office for assistance.

Full Answer

Where can I find a disability lawyer?

Nov 19, 2021 · You can find your local legal aid office in this directory from Legal Services Corporation. If you live near a law school, you could call them to see if they have a disability "clinic" where law students represent disability claimants, although you won't get the benefit of an experienced disability lawyer.

How can a Social Security disability attorney help me?

Usually, a disability advocate or attorney receives 25 percent of your disability backpay – up to a maximum of $6,000.If you have a disability or severe ailment and you think you will be out of work for at least 12 months, get a free case evaluation today. When your claim is approved, you will receive backpay.

How does a disability lawyer get paid?

You've come to the right place. If you or someone you know is unable to work because of a long-term disability, and who may be eligible to receive social security disability benefits (SSDI) from the government, a social security disability lawyer can help. Use FindLaw to hire a local social security disability attorney near you to help guide you through the claims process, and resolve …

Do I need an attorney to file a disability claim?

Nov 12, 2021 · Your lawyer can then review the details of your medical records and compare them to the Blue Book to see if a listing can be met. Your attorney can regularly check on the status of your claim and find out if a decision has been made or if additional information is needed by Disability Determination Services to make a more informed decision ...

What happens if a claim is denied?

After the claim is denied, you will file a request for reconsideration. Upon the reconsideration review, very few claims are approved. After the second denial, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

What to do if you are unable to work?

If you are unable to work and are seeking disability benefits, there are many ways that a lawyer can help your claim. First off, the key to a successful case is hard medical evidence and other supporting documentation that proves your condition is so limiting you are unable to work.

What happens if you get denied Social Security?

When your initial claim for Social Security disability is denied you will have to go through an appeal process. People who have legal representation at this stage are often more successful in being approved for benefits than those who decide to go on and represent themselves.

How long does a disability last?

To receive disability, the condition must be expected to last a year or longer or it must be expected to culminate in your death. Disability claims can be complicated, and the odds of having a claim approved aren’t always in the favor of the disabled worker. Those who have a disability advocate or a Social Security Disability attorney representing ...

Can an attorney represent you at a hearing?

An attorney can represent you at this hearing and will be able to help you prepare for questioning at the hearing. An attorney will be able to determine what kinds of questions you will be asked and will be able to help you determine the best way to proceed with your claim.

How long does it take to get backpay?

You cannot receive backpay for more than 12 months before your application date minus the five-month waiting period. However, it can often take several months to have a disability claim approved and those months are added into the count for backpay.

Do disability attorneys get paid?

Disability attorneys and advocates take cases on the contingency basis. This means that your advocate or lawyer isn ’t paid until your claim is approved and you get disability benefits.

What is the benefit of hiring a disability lawyer?

First and foremost, an attorney will serve as your advocate. Bound by professional rules and ethical obligations, your lawyer will handle your case carefully. Further, working with the SSA can be like speaking another language.

Why are disability claims denied?

For example, the majority of disability claims are initially denied, often due to the applicant’s inability to provide sufficient medical evidence. Additionally, there are specific deadlines that must be met throughout the application process.

What to do if you have been denied SSDI?

If you have already been denied, however, it is still a good idea to consider legal representation . From your first appeal to a disability hearing, a Disability lawyer or advocate is likely to be a valuable asset at any point in the SSDI application process.

Do disability lawyers get paid?

Instead, the Social Security Administration has regulations that establish how a disability lawyer is paid. Disability lawyers take claims on a contingency basis, which means that your lawyer doesn't require a payment for his or her services until you are awarded disability benefits.

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.

Why do you need an experienced disability attorney?

This is because a successful hearing requires significant preparation, a thorough understanding of the issues, and the ability to ask the SSA's vocational expert the right questions. Also, an experienced disability attorney is familiar and comfortable with the process, which will allow him or her to prepare you and your child for the hearing.

Why is my disability denied?

However, one common reason that claims are initially denied is that the disability claimant (or claimant's parent) did not provide enough information needed to prove the disability. An experienced disability attorney will review your file carefully to make sure that you submit the correct evidence.

How to determine if a child is disabled?

To find that a child is disabled and eligible for SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must conclude that the child: 1 has a physical or mental condition that seriously limits the child's activities 2 that the condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 consecutive months, and 3 meets certain household income and asset eligibility requirements.

What are the conditions that qualify for disability?

visual and hearing loss. chronic liver disease. burns. HIV. cancer. kidney disorders, and. heart transplants. Each condition has specific, and usually complicated, criteria that must be met in order to qualify for disability; additionally, the SSA will only accept certain types of medical evidence, depending on the child's condition. ...

How long does a child have to be disabled to get SSI?

that the condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 consecutive months, and. meets certain household income ...

Why is it so hard to get disability for my child?

Getting disability benefits for your child can be difficult because the evidence needed to support a child's claim is frequently complex. An experienced disability attorney will be able to review your child's claim and advise you as to how to get the best outcome possible.

Is SSI a federal benefit?

Caring for a physically and/or mentally disabled child can be not only emotionally demanding, but financially devastating. Fortunately, there are financial resources available for income-eligible disabled children in the form of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a federal benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration ...

What to do if denied for disability?

Disability lawyers know how to prepare a disability case for a hearing and they have the necessary expertise with Social Security rules and regulations to win at the hearing. Your lawyer may want to practice asking you questions that the judge might ask so that you aren't nervous at the hearing and so that you can testify (honestly) in a way that's helpful to your case.

How long do you have to wait to get a disability hearing?

And if you don't want to wait upwards of two years for a hearing date, you might try to hire an attorney for help with the initial application.

Does disability affect Social Security?

While the severity of your disability doesn't affect the amount of money you get, the date that Social Security thinks you became disabled does matter.

How to choose a lawyer?

When choosing a lawyer you should talk to at least 2 or 3 before you sign any contract. Choose someone who is prompt to respond to your questions and eager to discuss your case. If you are shuffled from one paralegal to the next and you aren't able to speak with the lawyer, move on to someone else.

What is the SWAN number?

Call the SWAN legal resource at 202-798-5570.

Do lawyers work for free?

Most lawyers won't work for free. Any lawyer who says they will help you file a claim and then charge you for it is breaking the law. If you do need help filing your claim, for whatever reason, you should contact a veterans service organization for free help.

What does a disability lawyer do?

A disability lawyer generally gets a quarter of your Social Security back payments, if you win. Social Security attorneys work "on contingency," which means that they collect a fee only if they win your disability claim. Whether you are applying for SSDI (Social Security disability) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), ...

How much does it cost to copy a medical record?

Usually, copying and mailing costs in a case are not more than $100 - $200.

Do you have to pay upfront for a disability case?

While lawyers in Social Security disability cases cannot charge upfront fees for their time, they are allowed to charge a reasonable upfront fee to cover expected expenses in a case. So some attorneys will ask you to pay a small amount in advance to cover the costs associated with your case.