why would social security ask if i have a lawyer

Statistics have shown that when an applicant uses a Social Security Benefits Attorney the claim is more likely to be approved. An attorney representing you will assist you with the application, and when presenting the case, they can focus on the factors of the disability that support your need for compensation.

Full Answer

Why should I hire a Social Security benefits attorney?

Statistics have shown that when an applicant uses a Social Security Benefits Attorney the claim is more likely to be approved. An attorney representing you will assist you with the application, and when presenting the case, they can focus on the factors of the disability that support your need for compensation.

Can a Social Security disability attorney help my case?

If appearing at a hearing is impossible given your condition, your attorney can request an OTR (on the record) decision from the judge, making it possible for your claim to be approved without a hearing. You may acknowledge that a Social Security disability attorney can help your case, but hesitate due to worry over the cost.

How does a Social Security Attorney get paid?

The attorney will have you sign a document that allows Social Security to pay the law firm directly. 3 Most lawyers will only get paid if they win your claim for you. If you get nothing, you owe the lawyer nothing.

Do I need a social security attorney or advocate?

The SSA will work directly with your representative and provide access to information from your Social Security file. Having an attorney or advocate can be especially important if you disagree with Social Security's initial decision on your claim and file an appeal.

Does Social Security disability investigation?

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.

Can legal matters take from Social Security?

We can withhold Social Security benefits to enforce your legal obligation to pay child support, alimony or restitution. State laws determine a valid garnishment order. By law, we garnish current and continuing monthly benefits. We do not make retroactive adjustments.

Can Social Security disability see your bank account?

For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the short answer is yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can check your bank accounts because you have to give them permission to do so.

Does Social Security disability follow you around?

The SSA Generally Does Not Hire Private Investigators to Follow People. You may have heard some horror stories about how private disability insurance companies hire investigators to follow people around to make sure that they are really disabled. In other words, these insurers effectively spy on people.

How much money can you have in the bank on Social Security?

$2,000The limit for countable resources is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

Do you need a lawyer to file for Social Security disability?

En español | It's not required, but you do have a right to professional representation in your dealings with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Why does SSI want a phone interview?

Basically, they are checking to see how poor you are. They also ask about your household, living situation, and rent, to help decide how much SSI you will get. This interview only happens for SSI. It does not happen for SSDI.

Can I have a savings account while on SSDI?

Yes. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you can have a savings account.

How far back does SSI look at bank statements?

Any payments that you get from SSI or Social Security for past months won't be counted as a resource for nine months after the month you get them. If there are any past payments left over after the nine-month period, they'll count as resources.

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.

What can cause you to lose your Social Security disability benefits?

What Can Cause SSDI Benefits to Stop?Returning to Work While on SSDI. ... Reaching Retirement Age While on SSDI. ... Being Incarcerated or Institutionalized While on SSDI. ... When Social Security Dependents Benefits May Stop. ... Going Above the Income or Asset Limits. ... Returning to Work. ... Turning the Age of 18. ... Changes in Living Situation.

How often does Social Security Review your disability?

If improvement is possible, but can't be predicted, we'll review your case about every three years. If improvement is not expected, we'll review your case every seven years. Your initial award notice will tell you when you can expect your first medical review.

James Zhidun Zhou

I typically ask for social security numbers as well in my consultations regarding bankruptcies but not for criminal defense or civil litigation work. So it depends on what your consultation is for. Social security numbers are necessary when filing for bankruptcy or in other types of legal representation.

Matthew Scott Berkus

Maybe it is a way for the attorney to determine who is serious about the services he or she offers. As has been pointed out, depending on the nature of issue at hand, the SSN may be necessary for the attorney to gather the necessary background to actually help you.

Paula Brown Sinclair

Without knowing the general nature of your legal concern and reason for the consultation, it is not possible to be definite. For some areas of law, the number can be essential. For instance, the number is needed up front for the disability case reviews I do because I obtain claim files from Social Security.

What happens if you claim Social Security?

If your claim is successful, Social Security pays your representative directly out of your “back pay” — past-due benefits the SSA can award if it determines after the fact that you were medically qualified to receive benefits while still awaiting a ruling on your case.

How does the SSA work?

The SSA will work directly with your representative and provide access to information from your Social Security file. Having an attorney or advocate can be especially important if you disagree with Social Security's initial decision on your claim and file an appeal.

Where can I get SSA-1696 form?

Download an SSA-1696 form from the Social Security website and send the completed version to your local Social Security office. Alternatively, your representative can file it for you electronically. Both you and your representative will need to provide an electronic signature for verification.

Who can fill out the SSDI application?

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.

Can you verbally appoint a representative for Social Security?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Social Security is also permitting claimants to verbally appoint a representative during a telephone hearing with an administrative law judge. You must still submit the written notice afterward.

Does having a representative help with disability?

But research has shown that having a professional representative can boost your chances of getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the two SSA-run programs that pay benefits to people with disabilities.

How much do lawyers charge for Social Security?

Lawyers take their fees from any retroactive benefits you’re awarded from Social Security. The fee is limited to 25% of your past-due benefits , up to a maximum of $6,000. 1.

What to do if you can't resolve a Social Security claim?

If you have a Social Security dispute that you can’t resolve on your own, finding a lawyer can be the next step. Since you may not have a lot of experience looking for lawyers—particularly lawyers specializing in Social Security—we put together a guide to help you find the right one for your case.

What is a disability on Social Security?

Social Security disability is for people who have a medical condition that fits Social Security’s definition of a disability. And to qualify, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. 2 In other words, if you never paid into Social Security, you’re not going to get anything out. If you do qualify, you can get monthly benefits checks ...

What happens if you get nothing from a lawyer?

Because the lawyer will likely have to request medical, school, work, and psychological records that come with a cost, they might pass on that fee to you. This should be a couple of hundred dollars at most.

Can a lawyer guarantee you will win?

Just like lawyers can’t speed up the process, they also can’t guarantee that you’ll win. With the help of a good lawyer, you’ll up your chances of winning, but lawyers can’t ethically say that they will win your case for you. If they do, that’s probably a lawyer to avoid.

Can lawyers speed up the process?

Just like lawyers can’t speed up the process, they also can’t guarantee that you’ll win.

Can I get Social Security if I can't work?

If you do qualify, you can get monthly benefits checks only if you are unable to work for at least one year because of a disability. 2. If you paid into the system in the past, you can't work for at least a year, and still didn't receive your benefits checks, your disagreement with Social Security probably stems from whether your medical condition ...

Why do I need an attorney for Social Security?

However, applying for Social Security is a task that should not be underestimated because many forms and documents need to be completed and verified.

What does an attorney do for a disability?

An attorney representing you will assist you with the application, and when presenting the case, they can focus on the factors of the disability that support your need for compensation. In addition, the attorney will make sure that you have all of the current medical information that supports your disability claim, ...

Why is my disability denied?

This denial is usually because the applicant did not complete the paperwork correctly or they failed to provide the medical information asked for on the application.

How long did you have to work to get unemployment benefits?

Everyone who reached the age of 62 could apply for these benefits as long as they had worked at least ten years and had paid into the system.

Is an attorney always user friendly?

However, the application is not always user-friendly, and in addition the applicant needs to provide a lot of information and documentation that they may find hard to uncover. That is when the attorney can assist the applicant and move the process ahead.

Can I apply for Social Security with a lawyer?

The application process for Social Security can look simple, but if you have special circumstances or you are trying to organize a more comprehensive retirement plan, a Social Security Benefits Lawyer is prepared to assist you.

Brian C. Snell

Many lawyers have a standard in-take form. If you are not ready to select the lawyer and would prefer to hold on to that information, then don't complete that question. If you ultimately retain the attorney, they may need your social securtiy number in the future...

Alan James Brinkmeier

At first blush It would appear to be a sure way to avoid being scammed. Your SS # clearly identifies you so the lawyer knows you are who you say you are. You won't believe how often people use alias information on an intial consult to scam the law office later. It happened multiple times today

What does a lawyer know about a claim?

Based on the notice, your lawyer will know what evidence is lacking. Your attorney will know what kind of evidence is needed to help you get your claim approved. Your lawyer will gather the documentation that he or she believes will help you get your claim approved.

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 does an attorney do during a subpoena hearing?

If so, your lawyer will handle the process of subpoenaing witnesses to testify on your behalf during the hearing.

What to do if your medical 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 to file a disability claim if you can't work?

The claim can be filed online at www.ssa.gov, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative.

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.

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.

When an Attorney Takes Your Case

Now if an attorney is taking the case, it doesn’t mean it’s a winning case either. It just means the case has “ good bones “. By good bones, I mean that it has the “ makings ” of a good case. It will still need to be worked on to ensure it’s a winner.

4 Reasons Why Attorneys Are Rejecting Your Case

A lot of claimants file their claim and wish to base their claim on diagnosis and medical records from years ago.

Reason 2 – Despite having doctors visits, your records do not demonstrate you are disabled

I wish there were a “ Medical Records Writing 101 ” in medical school so that aspiring doctors would learn how to properly document patients issues.

The physical exam portion of the records is the most important part of the record because this is where the doctor is writing his findings after he examines you

That’s where the “good stuff” is when assessing a winning claim. By “good stuff” I mean, the part where the severity of your impairments is usually listed.

If you have not filed your claim yet, I have the perfect book for you

My book Real Tactics for Filing Your Disability Claim is now available on Amazon Kindle and paperback.

Understand that there is a reason why you want an attorney

You are emotional. Your disability hurts or it’s very stressful. You want to be heard. You want your disability to be “ recognized “. You want “ affirmation “.

Reason 4: You filed your case a little too early

Attorneys will usually tell you to call them once you get your first denial. There are several reasons why:

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