Has a disability or medical condition prevented you from working? Then you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
However, navigating the complex process of filing a claim and receiving benefits is challenging, especially if you’ve never filed a claim before.
That’s where a Social Security Disability lawyer comes in. If you’re unsure what to do or if you qualify for benefits, consider setting an appointment with a lawyer who handles these types of cases.
What services do Social Security Disability lawyers provide?
As the name implies, these lawyers specialize in helping clients apply for and receive Social Security Disability benefits. They provide various services, including evaluating your case, filing your claim, representing you in hearings, negotiating with the Social Security Administration, and providing legal advice.
Here’s a breakdown of some of their services:
- Evaluate your case: They will assess your unique situation and determine whether you have a valid claim for benefits. This includes evaluating your medical records, work history, and other factors.
- File your claim: The lawyer will help you complete and submit your application, ensuring that all necessary information is included and your claim is filed on time.
- Represent you in hearings: A lawyer can represent you at an administrative hearing to appeal the decision if your claim is denied. They will prepare your case, gather evidence and call witnesses to testify on your behalf.
- Negotiate with the Social Security Administration: A lawyer can sometimes negotiate with the Social Security Administration to secure your benefits without going to a hearing.
- Provide legal advice: This involves answering your questions, helping you understand your options, and providing recommendations for your case.
How can a Social Security Disability lawyer help me with my claim?
Aside from filing your claim and representing you in court, here are some other ways a Social Security Disability lawyer can help you:
- Assist with the appeals process: If your initial claim is denied, a lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process. They can gather additional evidence to support your claim and present it to the Social Security Administration on your behalf.
- Manage paperwork and deadlines: The application process involves a lot of paperwork, and missing deadlines can be detrimental to your case. A lawyer can help you manage the paperwork and meet all deadlines.
- Provide guidance and advice: Social Security Disability lawyers can help you understand the benefits you are entitled to and your rights and obligations under the law. They can answer your questions and provide guidance throughout the application and appeals process.
- Represent you in court: If your claim is denied and you need to go to court, a lawyer can represent you in federal court. They can present your case to the judge and argue on your behalf to secure the benefits you deserve.
- Communicate with the Social Security Administration: Social Security Disability lawyers can communicate with the Social Security Administration on your behalf, answering questions and addressing concerns as they arise.
Overall, a Social Security Disability lawyer can provide you with the legal knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the complex and often confusing process of applying for and receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
In other words, they give you the best possible chance of receiving benefits.
How much do Social Security Disability lawyers typically charge for their services?
The work is typically performed on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of your back pay (the amount of benefits you would have received from the time you became disabled until the time your claim was approved).
The percentage varies but is typically around 25 percent of your back pay up to a maximum of $6,000. The Social Security Administration will deduct the lawyer’s fee from your back pay before sending you the remaining benefits.
So, what happens if your claim is denied? In cases like this, you do not owe the lawyer a fee. However, you may still be responsible for other expenses, like filing fees and the cost of medical records.
The Social Security Administration limits how much a lawyer can charge. The cap is typically the lesser of 25 percent of your back pay or $6,000. This is something to discuss with your lawyer right away.
How can I find a reputable and experienced Social Security Disability lawyer?
The problem with finding representation is the sheer number of choices you have nowadays – it’s almost information overload. Follow these tips to expedite the process:
- Research: Look for lawyers who specialize in Social Security Disability law.
- Reviews: Check their websites and social media platforms to see if they include reviews from past clients to get a sense of their experience and success rate. You can also find reviews on national and state databases online.
- Seek referrals: Know someone who has used a lawyer for their Social Security case? If so, how did the case go? Ask friends, family, or even your doctor for recommendations. An excellent place to find “word of mouth” reviews includes senior centers and even your local church.
- Consult with multiple lawyers: Don’t say yes to the first person you meet. Set several appointments with several lawyers, then meet with each before deciding. Now you compare experiences, fees, and approaches to your case.
- Consider the lawyer’s communication style: Are you not a “texter” and prefer a phone call? Choose a lawyer who communicates regularly and in the most comfortable way so you can keep up to date on the status of your case.
- Check their credentials: Ensure the lawyer is licensed to practice law in your state and has experience handling Social Security Disability cases.
Just remember: Finding a lawyer specializing in these cases can significantly affect the outcome.
Will a Social Security Disability lawyer handle all aspects of my case, including paperwork and communications with the Social Security Administration?
The shower answer is “yes.”
With that said, your lawyer will prepare and submit all necessary paperwork on your behalf, communicate with the Social Security Administration, answer any questions, and provide whatever additional information is requested.
And if your claim is denied, your lawyer can file an appeal and represent you at a hearing. That process includes, among other tasks, gathering evidence, calling witnesses, and making arguments on your behalf.
How long does it typically take to process a Social Security Disability claim?
The time it takes varies and depends on several factors.
Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three to six months for the Social Security Administration to make an initial decision on your claim. If approved, you’ll start receiving benefits after a five-month waiting period.
If your claim is denied, you can still appeal the decision (although that can take several months or even years to resolve).
That, however, helps underscore another point: This process can be lengthy. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for claims to be denied multiple times before finally being approved. Working with a Social Security Disability lawyer can help ensure that your claim is filed correctly and that all necessary evidence is included, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
What types of disabilities may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?
You must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability to qualify for disability benefits. Your condition must be bad enough to prevent you from working and/or earning a substantial income.
Some examples of disabilities that may qualify include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (back injuries, arthritis)
- Cardiovascular conditions (heart failure, coronary artery disease)
- Respiratory disorders (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Mental health conditions: (depression and anxiety)
- Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS and lupus
- Cancer and other malignant tumors
Remember, the Social Security Administration has strict criteria for determining whether a medical condition qualifies as a disability. Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.
How do I claim disability insurance?
If you have private disability insurance through your employer or another source, the process for claiming benefits may differ from Social Security Disability.
Here’s what to expect when filing a claim for disability insurance:
- Review your policy: Your policy will outline the specific requirements for filing a claim, including the definition of disability, waiting periods, and benefit amounts.
- Notify your employer: You may need to notify them of your disability and request a claim form.
- Gather medical records: Provide documentation of your disability, including medical records, doctor’s notes, and other evidence.
- Complete the claim form: Fill out the claim form carefully and thoroughly, ensuring you provide all necessary information and documentation.
- Submit your claim: Send the completed claim form and all supporting documentation to the insurance company.
- Follow up: Stay in touch with the insurance company and follow up regularly to ensure that your claim is processed on time.
It’s important to note that private disability insurance policies can vary widely. Therefore, carefully review your policy and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Is a lawyer necessary to apply for Social Security or SSDI benefits?
The short answer is “no,” – but having one to help is highly recommended.
A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you navigate the complex application process and ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. Afraid you don’t know what paperwork is needed? The lawyer can also help you gather the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim.
And If your claim is denied, a lawyer can help you file an appeal and represent you at a hearing. Working with an experienced attorney can increase your chances of a successful outcome and make the process less stressful.
How much does a Social Security Disability lawyer cost?
Social Security Disability lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win your case.
If you win, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of your back pay, which is the amount of benefits you would have received from the time you became disabled until the time your claim was approved. The percentage can vary but is usually around 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $6,000. The Social Security Administration will deduct the lawyer’s fee from your back pay before sending you the rest of your benefits.
If your claim is denied, you do not owe the lawyer a fee, but you may still be responsible for other expenses, such as filing fees and medical records. It’s important to note that the Social Security Administration limits how much a lawyer can charge for their services. The cap is typically the lesser of 25 percent of your back pay or $6,000.
Seek the assistance of a lawyer today!
Sure, you could “wing it” and try to apply for Social Security or SSDI benefits by yourself. What happens if you miss a filing deadline? Or if your case is denied?
While hiring a lawyer to apply for Social Security or SSDI benefits is unnecessary, working with an experienced attorney can increase your chances of a successful outcome and make the process far less stressful.
