When you think you cant work for a long time, have a free consultation with a disability lawyer.
If you're thinking about hiring a social security disability attorney to help with your Social Security case, you should understand the benefits of having a lawyer on your side. One main setback for many people is that fees attorneys charge. The easiest way to put it is that attorneys only get paid if they win your case. If they dont win, you do not owe them a fee. Social security disability attorneys charge a fee regulated by federal law, which is usually the lesser of 25% of your disability back pay or $6,000, whichever is less. No money is required up-front, and you're only charged a fee if you win your case.
Why Should I Hire a Disability Attorney?
The main and most important reason to hire an attorney for your social security disability claim is because your chances of being approved are much much higher with an attorney than without one. While it is possible that some people who apply on their own are approved without the need for a lawyer, statistics have show that, Social Security is more likely to approve an applicant who has an attorney than one who doesnt have an attorney. From the initial application stage all the way to the hearing stage, social security disability attorneys know how to present and argue your case that will likely lead to a favorable outcome. At the initial application stage, your lawyer can advise you on your "alleged onset date", argue that your condition meets or equals one of the listing of impairments in SSA's blue book, as well as focus on the medical evidence that will be most persuasive to Social Security. At the reconsideration and hearing stages, your attorney can submit strong medical evidence, obtain a medical opinion from your doctor detailing why your disabled, draft a brief to the Administrative Law Judge outlining the reasons why you should be approved, as well as prepare you for what to expect at the hearing before a judge. Your attorney will assist in asking the right questions at your hearing as to elicit the best testimony that will help your case get approved. In addition, there will likely be a vocational expert at your hearing that will be testifying. Your attorneys job is to cross-examine this expert to demonstrate why you are unable to work and maintain a job.
Whens the best time to Call a Lawyer?
As early as possible! If you have the slightest though as to whether you should file for social security disability, you should call an attorney. We offer absolutely free consultations. We can help evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and determine if filing a claim is worthwhile. We can also assist you with submitting the application for benefits as well as as assist you in filling out any paperwork you may receive from SSA. Although some people decide to pursue their claim without an attorney, you're more likely to get approved if you have a lawyer on your side.
If you feel hiring an attorney to help with filing your initial application is a great idea, hiring a lawyer after you've received a denial is a MUST. There are deadlines associated with a denial so its best you have an attorney file your appeal for you. If your medical condition is terminal or your financial situation is especially dire, your attorney will notify SSA so that your case can be expedited for decision making. In critical cases, your attorney can even submit an "on-the-record" (OTR) request, which means that you could be approved for social security disability benefits without a hearing.