Do you need the help of a disability attorney to file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?
The short answer is no. You may not need an attorney during the initial application.
However, individuals who seek professional help with their applications are 23% more likely to be approved for benefits.
It is also advisable to have the representation of an attorney or other qualified professional if your application is denied and you need to have a hearing.
Let us look at how to apply for social security with an attorney and how they may help with your claim.
What to Know About the Initial Application Process
Although many applicants believe that receiving disability benefits is simple, this is not the case. There is a lot of documentation needed, such as medical and personal records, and completion of requirements, such as the Blue Book, which goes into the initial application process.
You can easily make mistakes that can threaten your eligibility for benefits. In fact, over 60% of applications are denied during the initial application stage.
So, it would be best if you had the assistance of a professional who understands the disability application process to increase your chances of being approved for benefits.
Do You Need a Lawyer When Applying for Disability?
You should apply for disability benefits if a health condition prevents you from working and supporting yourself. Before submitting a disability application, you should speak with an attorney.
You can hire a lawyer at any point throughout the claims procedure, but often the earlier you hire a disability lawyer, the stronger your claim will be. A disability attorney can frequently assist you in accelerating the approval of your claim.
A disability attorney can assess the strength of your claim if you engage them before you submit your application for benefits.
You may get the supporting information and medical records your claim requires to be successful with the aid of your disability lawyer. If any information is missing, your attorney could notify you and ensure your application is complete.
You should still consider hiring a Social Security disability attorney even if you have previously applied and your claim was denied.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), claimants with legal representation have a higher chance of receiving disability benefits.
An attorney will guide you throughout the process and fill out all the paperwork needed if your claim is denied and you need to appeal the decision.
You want to go forward with your claim before the deadline to avoid repeating the whole claims process from scratch.
When Should You Hire an Attorney?
You can retain legal counsel at any stage of the process. Most applicants opt to complete their initial application alone. However, a lawyer can help get you approved immediately and forego the appeal altogether.
A lawyer can ensure that the application is thorough and contains all pertinent information, including proof demonstrating how your disability hinders you from working.
The SSA does not consider your lawyer an “official representative.” So, if you hire one at this point, regulations governing how the lawyer should bill will not apply.
Some People Hire an Attorney After Applying for Benefits while Waiting to Hear a Decision
Generally, this is not advisable. Although it could be beneficial and reassuring to have a lawyer walk you through the application procedures, they cannot do much until the case is decided.
A lawyer may say they can expedite your claim, but the SSA will not process it much sooner simply because you retained a lawyer.
It makes sense to spend cash on a lawyer once you are at a point where they can assist.
Most Applicant Hire an Attorney After Their Case is Denied
An attorney is most helpful at this stage. An attorney can identify any anomalies with your application and guide you to address them.
The attorney will ensure that you present your claim with the most up-to-date, accurate proof possible throughout the appeals process. That calls for compiling comprehensive and coherent medical reports that share the same narrative—that your disability keeps you from working.
As part of this, the attorney will put together a work history that proves you paid into the social security system and are now eligible for benefits. It can be challenging to keep up with the volume and complexity of documentation required for the appeals process.
Having an attorney on your side helps reduce the burden of dealing with the SSA since they have experience solving these issues.
Applicants Also Hire Professional Representation For Hearings
Disability hearings typically involve making a physical appearence and may be unpleasant for people with disabilities.
The judge will ask you sensitive and confidential questions regarding your medical status. Usually, applicants are questioned about their ability to stand and sit.
The judge will probably inquire about your capacity to carry out typical domestic duties, such as carrying groceries to the house or doing yard work, to gain a sense of your physical capabilities.
How you respond to these questions will determine the outcome of your claim. For instance, just because a candidate can bring groceries inside from their car does not imply they can handle boxes for eight hours a day, five days a week, at a warehouse.
An attorney knows how to respond to these questions in a manner that will present your claim in the best light possible.
What Are the Benefits of Working with an Attorney?
You now understand how to apply for social security with attorney. But what are the benefits of having one?
First, hiring an attorney before filing your application will increase your chances of getting your application approved and avoiding the appeals procedure.
A disability lawyer or advocate knows the Social Security review procedure and eligibility requirements.
They can help you gather the evidence to demonstrate your condition and eligibility for disability payments unequivocally.
A lawyer can also check your initial application’s information for any discrepancies or missing details essential to demonstrate your disability.
Your ongoing disability benefits claim still includes the data from your first application. Any inaccuracies or omissions might harm your claim at any point during the process.
If your claim was recently rejected and you do not yet have legal counsel, you must retain one to help you through the appeals process.
How Can You Assist Your Attorney With Your Claim?
You will need to keep proving your disability and providing information, even though your lawyer will make every effort to increase the chances of your case being successful.
There is not much the lawyer can do for your claim if you fail to provide information, return calls, or show up for hearings.
Your lawyer is there to assist you, but they cannot present information that you have not handed them.
You and your lawyer must work as a team. It is crucial to keep thorough records of how your condition has impaired your capacity to work if you want to win your case.
Also, learn everything about the disability application process besides maintaining good records and keeping in touch with the law firm.
Knowledge is power. The more informed you are about what will be needed and what to anticipate, the more likely you will succeed.
There are several resources available to educate you about Social Security. You can present your information more effectively if you understand the viewpoint of the Social Security Administration.
Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney Today
Wondering how to apply for social security with attorney? Having an attorney is crucial when seeking social security disability benefits.
The application process is complex and time-consuming, which can be stressful for a person with a disability.
At Legal Giant, we understand how vital disability benefits can be for maintaining financial stability.
That is why we partner with expert attorneys to assist claimants with their disability cases across the country.
Contact us at (833) 641-1650 to get help now.
