You probably heard or read about the Social Security disability application process being difficult. Before you apply for disability benefits on your own, consider some statistics about the process.
The Social Security Administration’s initial application review process denies benefits to 62% of applicants. A report by the General Accountability Office, a federal agency, revealed that claimants with a representative, such as a disability lawyer, had an approval rate three times higher than those without one.
Is a disability lawyer needed to apply for Social Security disability benefits? The short answer would be that you are not required to have a lawyer, but first find out what having one could do for you and your claim.
Sackett and Associates, the premier disability benefits law firm in Northern California, wants you to consider some of the reasons that people with disabilities have turned to them for assistance for more than 45 years. If you have questions, the Sackett Law disability benefits team is available to assist you.
Disability Lawyers Have Experience With The Application Process
When applying for benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance program, getting SSDI application help may avoid common mistakes, inconsistencies, and omissions that could cause processing delays.
When it encounters a problem with an application, the Social Security Administration pauses the review process to contact you about the issue. If you fail to respond, the SSA may deny the claim.
A Social Security Disability attorney reviewing your application could strengthen it. For example, it could be a mistake to focus only on one medical condition. If you have been diagnosed with more than one medical condition, it is best to list all of them. Listing only the one you consider to be the most serious could be a mistake because the disability evaluation process will consider the limitations of more than one medical condition.
Gathering And Presenting Documentation To Support Your Claim
A Social Security Disability attorney knows how to identify, gather, and present evidence to support and strengthen your claim for SSDI benefits. For example, medical records are crucial, but relying on the SSA to request those records from your healthcare providers takes time and could be delayed when the providers do not comply.
A disability lawyer helping you to file disability claim will gather medical evidence and submit it with the application. The lawyer keeps track of the progress of your application through the evaluation process to be in a position to contact your doctors to ensure they comply with requests from Social Security.
Representing You During The Appeal Process
A denial of a claim during the initial review process does not mean that you are not entitled to disability benefits. The appeals process gives you the ability to challenge an unfavorable decision.
You have only 60 days to submit an appeal. A disability lawyer ensures that your appeal is filed within the time limit.
The appeals process includes the following levels or steps:
- Reconsideration: A review of your application by a new examiner who was not associated with the original review and denial. Your attorney submits new evidence, including updated medical documentation, to be considered along with the original application.
- Hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ): A Social Security disability attorney knows how to present evidence, including witnesses, for consideration by an ALJ. Your attorney spends time preparing you to respond to questions asked about your disability by the ALJ.
- Appeals Council review: An unfavorable decision from an ALJ may be appealed to the Appeals Council, where you need an experienced disability attorney to present evidence supporting your claim.
- Federal court review: An appeal to federal court is a complex process requiring the assistance of a skilled and experienced disability lawyer.
A favorable outcome at any level ends the appeals process, so it is essential to have a representative who is capable of effectively presenting your claim, drafting documents, and presenting legal arguments on your behalf.
Disability Lawyers Get Paid Only When You Win
The disability lawyers at Sackett and Associates represent you under a contingency fee arrangement. You do not pay a legal fee unless you win your claim. SSA rules limit the amount that lawyers may charge to 25% of retroactive benefits, also called back pay.
Learn How Sackett Law Can Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim
Instead of trying to make your way through the SSDI application and appeals process on your own, get help from a disability lawyer at Sackett and Associates. Our lawyers and support staff are committed to fighting for the disability benefits that you need when you cannot work because of a disabling medical condition. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting Sackett Law today for a free consultation and claim evaluation.
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