If you have a disability, the road to filing disability claims and getting social security benefits may be difficult for you or your loved ones. The benefits awarded are meant to help people with disabilities, but often the application has been denied. An experienced disability benefits lawyer can help with the appeal processes and get you the help you deserve.
Why Hire a Disability Attorney?
The best reason to find an attorney to help when you file for disability is that it significantly increases the success rate. While it is possible for a claimant who files a disability claim to successfully do so by themselves, statistics show that claimants with legal counsel who are well-versed with disability law have a higher likelihood of getting approved by the Social Security Administration.
Excellent disability lawyers know how to put your case in a better light to increase the chances of a more favorable decision, from the application and onwards. On the initial disability application, your lawyer can argue that you qualify for benefits according to the Blue Book, advise on the alleged onset date of the illness, among others.
At the reconsideration and hearing levels, your lawyer submits evidence, drafts a detailed brief to the administrative law judge, and gets a doctor’s opinion. Your attorney also helps to cross-examine the medical expert or vocational expert to confirm that you are unable to work.
At the appeals council and federal court, your lawyer provides legal arguments to prove that the denial of your case was wrongful.
When Should I Call a Lawyer?
The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better the outcome for you. Even if you’re just thinking about filing for disability, it’s best to call a disability attorney for a consultation. A knowledgeable social security disability lawyer can help you assess the merits of your case when you’re applying for disability benefits. It certainly increases your chances of approval, thus the benefits of hiring one already outweigh the cost when applying for social security.
Of course, if it makes sense to have a lawyer for the application, it follows that it’s also good to have one after the initial denial. A social security disability attorney helps your chances with the appeals process, especially if your medical condition is dire or you’re experiencing financial hardship. Furthermore, you could be approved for a disability benefit with no hearing if your attorney sends a request for an “on-the-record” decision.
Perhaps you’re wondering “how long does the disability appeal process take?” It’s important to note the waiting period may be months or years for a case to be resolved, and most attempts to get case expedited are unsuccessful.
How do I pay my social security attorney?
When you apply for SSD benefits, you may be thinking about the cost of getting disability attorneys. For payment of their fees, lawyers get into a written fee agreement with their client which needs to be submitted to Social Security for approval. Once the claim is approved, Social Security will give the lawyers their fees from your back pay. There is a limit on the fee: it cannot exceed 25% of the back pay or $6,000, whichever is the smaller amount.
Most attorneys won’t ask to get paid in advance. They will probably ask for reimbursement at the end of the case, once you get your disability check. Such conditions should all be stated in the written fee agreement. For inquiries about the costs, it’s best to contact the disability law firm.
Helping people get their disability pay is our priority. If you want to apply for social security disability benefits, consider working with a social security lawyer from the law office of E. Orum Young. Should you need an attorney for a legal issue with Social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits or supplemental security income (SSI) benefits. call us at (318) 450-6453 for a free consultation
