
Do I Need a Lawyer for All Stages of the Disability Process?
Have you been unable to work because of an injury or illness? Then you’ve probably considered applying for disability Social Security benefits.
However, whether it’s someone applying in Charleston, SC or Pittsburgh, PA, most people are rejected during the SSDI application process, often because they don’t hire an attorney who specializes in the services they need to gain the proper benefits. Automatic rejection can often be because the paperwork is filled out improperly or the applicant fails to include a detail that might sway the case in their favor.
While you might be tempted to put off getting an attorney until it’s absolutely necessary, like when you’ve arrived at the hearing process, the best time to hire an attorney is as soon as possible, as they can sometimes not only help you through the process, but expedite your access to benefits.
How SSDI Attorneys Can Help You Through the Process
The first thing you should know about hiring a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) attorney is that most of them do not require up-front fees, meaning that the fee they take in will either be 25% of the backpay you receive or $6,000—typically whatever is less. SSDI attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they have to get you benefits in order to get paid through those benefits. You’re working as a team to receive compensation and benefits for both of you.
Even though this sounds like a pretty simple process, make sure you still read what attorneys make you sign so you’re fully aware of how everything will work and there are no surprises on your end. Occasionally an attorney may incur extra costs when representing you, and it’s good to know what you might be responsible for on your behalf.
Here are other things that the attorney can help you with in the SSDI application process:
The Paperwork
Does the thought of doing your taxes make you squirm? No one likes doing paperwork. Except maybe attorneys. And most of the time, people who are rejected for SSDI benefits are rejected because they didn’t fill out the paperwork properly, something legal teams specialize in. Since SSDI professionals do this on a daily basis, they know exactly what needs to be filled out and how to get the proper details.
Filing the Appeal
Have you already been denied with a claim? This is also where an attorney can help. They’ll know exactly how and what to file. During this process, evidence will need to be provided, and this is something that disability attorneys specialize in. Neglecting to provide the right evidence can sometimes automatically get you rejected.
The Hearing Process
Scheduling a hearing can take a while, sometimes even several months, and once you get to this level of the process, this is where your case is most likely to be approved, so having an experienced attorney by your side can make the difference. They will know how to appeal to certain judges, the strengths of certain cases, and so on, because this is their specialty.
The Decision
Then, comes the decision. Whether the judge files in your favor or not, the SSDI attorney can be extremely helpful in this process as well. If you’re approved, then they can provide you with information about Medicare and insurance options and help you figure out what to do next. If you’re denied, then they can refile for you and use other strategies they know to have worked in getting approved.
As you can see, it’s a win-win when it comes to hiring an attorney to represent you in your disability case when you’re trying to get disability benefits. You’re not responsible for any up-front fees and they are working to not only get you your benefits, but to also get their own compensation, as they work on a contingency basis. The last thing you want to do is get to the hearing process, where you’re most likely to be approved, and be rejected because you didn’t have the appropriate representation behind you. With specific details being all too crucial, hiring an attorney can make or break an SSDI case.
More Information
Think that you might be in need to hire a disability lawyer? Are you hoping to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or an injury or illness? Then contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.