Supplemental Security Income is a United States means-tested federal welfare program that provides cash assistance to individuals residing in the United States who are either aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSI was created by the Social Security Amendments of 1972 and is incorporated in Title 16 of the Social Security Act. The program began operations in 1974.
Mar 01, 2022 · Do You Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer? You should consider hiring an attorney if: You have a disability that makes it impossible for you to work. You have tried to apply and find the process overwhelming and confusing. You are simply too disabled to do the work of applying. You have applied and have been waiting a long time for a decision.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a difficult process. The paperwork can seem overwhelming, and making even a small mistake can lead to delay or denial of your claim. By having an experienced attorney assisting you in the process as early as possible — at either the initial or reconsideration level — you gain the …
Why You Need a Disability Lawyer. Your Social Security Disability case can benefit in many ways from the guidance and representation of an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer. Proper application for benefits is a complex process that requires time and preparation to be successful. Given that these benefits are so valuable to you and your loved ones, doesn’t it make sense to …
A disability 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. Once your application is submitted, your attorney will check in with the SSA on your behalf and give you updates as they become available.
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:
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:
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.
Many people believe that the information they are providing to the Social Security Administration (SSA) is helpful when, in fact, they are hurting their cases.
You need someone on your side — someone who can help you avoid mistakes, protect your interests throughout the process and possibly even make suggestions regarding your medical care.
We believe you are entitled to the SSDI benefits you earned through your years of working and paying into the system. We believe that you and your family deserve SSI benefits as long as you meet the requirements for the program.
Our knowledgeable and effective attorneys can provide your Social Security Disability claim with the extensive resources and thoroughly prepared representation necessary to find success in your case.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
There are thousands of attorneys and professional advocates across the U.S. with expertise in Social Security disability. Some advocates formerly worked for the SSA, as disability examiners or claims representatives.
Most disability lawyers and advocates work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if your claim is approved. Any fee agreement between you and your representative must be authorized by Social Security.
When you think you won't be able to work for a long time, have a free consultation with a disability lawyer.
The most important reason to hire an attorney to help with your disability case is that your chances of being approved are significantly increased.
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.
One of the benefits of hiring a Disability lawyer is not having to worry about schedules or filing deadlines. A lawyer will handle whatever comes down the pike and keep you up to date.
If your claim gets denied, a seasoned attorney can identify the problem and work to overcome it.
Not to mention, all those acronyms: SSA, SSI, SSD, CE, VE, ME, SGA, SSA, ALJ. Understanding the Social Security Disability system is like trying to decipher a secret code. It’s best left to a well-versed Disability lawyer.
Skip the painstaking paperwork. To apply for Disability benefits, you will be required to submit about 40 pages of forms filled with information about your medical condition, education, work history, limitations and capabilities.
By hiring a Disability lawyer, you will not have to wait in long lines at your local Social Security office or get stuck on hold waiting to talk to a government worker . In fact, you may never have to leave your home or deal with the federal government at all.
If your Disability application was denied, there’s a good chance you will end up having a Disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ.) While this can be a very nerve-wracking experience for a claimant, it’s a Disability lawyer’s time to shine. A savvy Social Security Disability lawyer will fully prepare you for the hearing, skillfully question the expert witnesses, and make the appropriate legal and medical arguments to the judge. Hiring a Disability attorney could make the difference between winning and losing your Social Security Disability appeals hearing.
Hiring a Disability lawyer at McDonald Law Firm means you will get aggressive, legal representation from the word go. Because the Disability process can take a long time, our team won’t waste any time getting started on your claim. Regardless of whether you want to apply for the first time or appeal a denied claim, we can help you. Our goal is to get you the maximum amount of benefits as quickly as possible. Call us today at 855-702-9061.