how does an attorney decide to take your disability case

Generally speaking, ALJs look for:

1. Credible claimant testimony
2. Sufficient medical records
3. The claimant’s efforts throughout the process to get better and the medical treatment the claimant has undergone, and
4. Opinion evidence from a treating provider.

Full Answer

How can a disability lawyer Help you Win Your Case?

Your disability lawyer will determine the best way to win your case. First, your lawyer will review your denial letter from Social Security to get the agency's reasons it denied your claim so that these issues can be resolved in your favor. (For more information, see our article on denial notices .)

Do I need a lawyer for my SSDI claim?

Studies have shown that individuals who are represented by a lawyer when applying for SSDI benefits are three times more likely to have their disability claim approved. Whether you're filing a disability claim, appealing a denied claim, or filing for reconsideration, a qualified disability attorney can help your case in a number of ways.

When can I talk to my lawyer about my disability case?

It is not unusual for attorneys to wait until a month or two before a disability hearing to first speak to a client. Up to that point, your only contact with the law firm may be with paralegals or administrative assistants.

What kind of questions does a disability attorney ask?

The attorney will ask specific questions to help determine if your disability case has a high likelihood of success. If the case is complicated, the attorney may request more time to review the details before making a determination. What should I expect if my case is taken on by a Disability Attorney?

How long does disability have to make a decision?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision.

What are the odds of winning a disability case?

Learn More: Appealing After A DenialStateInitial Approval RateAlaska60.7%Arizona60.7%Arkansas72.2%California70.0%47 more rows

How does disability make a decision?

Usually, the DDS tries to obtain evidence from the claimant's own medical sources first. If that evidence is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination, the DDS will arrange for a consultative examination (CE) to obtain the additional information needed.

Do SSDI approvals take longer than denials?

To recap, there is no difference between the time frame for approvals and denials, and you have very little control over how long it takes, because it takes time for the Social Security analysts and representatives to collect evidence, obtain doctors' reports and evaluate the case.

How many times can disability deny you?

The answer to the question, “How many times can you get denied for disability?” is there is not a limit established by the SSA for the number of times an applicant can submit a disability claim. However, the answer to the question, “How many times should I apply for disability benefits” should be one.

How can I increase my chances of getting disability?

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Disability BenefitsFile Your Claim as Soon as Possible. ... Make an Appeal within 60 Days. ... Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment. ... Provide Proof of Recent Treatment. ... Report your Symptoms Accurately. ... Provide Medical Evidence. ... Provide Details of your Work History.More items...•

Who makes the final decision on Social Security disability?

While the DDS office reviews applications and makes recommendations to the SSA, it is the SSA which makes the final decision to accept or reject claims for disability benefits.

How do you know if your disability is going well?

Top Signs Your Disability Application Will Be ApprovedSubstantial Evidence of a Medical Condition. ... Proof of a Physical or Mental Impairment. ... Substantial Work History. ... Maintaining Employment Is Not Possible. ... You Hired a Lawyer. ... Contact Us.

What happens after you get a fully favorable disability decision?

If you receive a fully favorable decision, the SSA approved your application with the onset date of disability that you originally noted. You will then start receiving disability benefits as soon as your elimination period or waiting period has ended.

How long until I get my first SSDI check?

five monthsGenerally, if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefit payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began.

How long does final review take for SSDI?

Social security disability reviews can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months or more depending on whether you received the short or the long form. If you're subjected to a full medical review, it may take longer. As you know, the SSA routinely reviews the medical condition of people who are receiving disability benefits.

How long does it take to get disability back pay once approved?

within 60 daysIf you were approved for SSDI, you should receive the entire amount of back pay at once, hopefully within 60 days of approval. If you are receiving SSI and have substantial back pay, you may receive three different installments, six months apart.

What percentage of disability claims are denied?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average acceptance rate of initial applications is 22 percent, and approximately 63 percent of SSDI applications are denied. Understanding why these applications are not approved may help you be successful if you need to apply for benefits.

What are the most approved disabilities?

Disability and Disease Approval Rates According to one survey, multiple sclerosis and any type of cancer have the highest rate of approval at the initial stages of a disability application, hovering between 64-68%. Respiratory disorders and joint disease are second highest, at between 40-47%.

How do you know if your disability is going well?

Top Signs Your Disability Application Will Be ApprovedSubstantial Evidence of a Medical Condition. ... Proof of a Physical or Mental Impairment. ... Substantial Work History. ... Maintaining Employment Is Not Possible. ... You Hired a Lawyer. ... Contact Us.

What are the chances of winning an appeal with Social Security disability?

Unfortunately, your odds are even lower for getting your benefits approved on the first appeal—about 12%. If you move on to the next level of appeal, which involves a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), your chances for approval increase significantly—more than 55%.

What Happens When I First Call A Disability Attorney?

When you first contact an attorney for representation, either the attorney or a firm staff member will conduct an initial interview with you to gat...

How Will My Attorney Develop My Medical Evidence?

Your attorney, or a staff member in the law firm, will request the medical records needed to win your claim and submit them to the Social Security...

How Will My Attorney Help Me Get Ready For My Hearing?

It is not unusual for attorneys to wait until a month or two before a disability hearing to first speak to a client. Up to that point, your only co...

Will My Attorney Arrange Witnesses For Me?

The SSA allows you to bring a witness to testify about your disability, but because witnesses can be harmful or helpful, your attorney will decide...

How Will My Attorney Argue My Case?

Your disability lawyer will determine the best way to win your case. First, your lawyer will review your denial letter from Social Security to get...

What expenses does a disability attorney have?

In some cases, a disability attorney will have out-of-pocket expenses related to requesting medical records, examinations, work records, etc. These charges are discussed in advance and in most cases are covered by the SSDI applicant.

How much is a contingency fee for disability?

This contingency fee is limited to 25% of the past-due benefits you are awarded (up to a maximum of $6,000.00).

What does an attorney do after accepting a case?

Once accepting your case, an attorney will help you to: Develop the medical evidence required to support your case (ie. retrieving medical records, doctor recommendations/statements, recommending additional testing).

Do I need a lawyer for SSDI?

Studies have shown that individuals who are represented by a lawyer when applying for SSDI benefits are three times more likely to have their disability claim approved. Whether you're filing a disability claim, appealing a denied claim, or filing for reconsideration, a qualified disability attorney can help your case in a number of ways.

How do most Disability Lawyers decide which cases to take?

The initial screening for whether or not a disability lawyer will take a disability claimant’s SSI or SSDI case varies by disability attorney. Some disability lawyers have an initial screening process which allows them to weed out cases from claimants who do not meet the basic criteria for SSI or SSDI: they do not have enough work credits for SSDI, their case is not expected to last for 12 continuous months, their disability or condition is not severe, or their income and resource level is too high for SSI.

What factors should a lawyer consider before taking a SSI case?

Another factor the SSI or SSDI lawyer will consider prior to taking a SSI or SSDI case is the claimant’s age. GRID rules were created in 1979. These rules identified how age would be considered in the disability process. Without going into the specifics of the GRID rules, suffice it to say that for the vast majority decisions made at the hearing level most of these are made based on the GRID tables. Given this fact, it is very difficult for a claimant under the age of 45 to win unless they can prove that they cannot perform sedentary work.

How to interview a disability client?

When a potential disability client contacts a Social Security disability law firm, a paralegal or assistant will usually do an "intake" interview with you, often by phone. The assistant will ask you questions about your age, your medical condition, how often you see your doctors, whether you've been hospitalized for your condition, and whether you are working. The law firm will then decide whether it's in their financial interest to take your case. Established law firms (as opposed to young solo lawyers just starting out) generally only take cases on which they have a solid chance of making an ample fee.

What factors do lawyers consider when they decide to take a case?

Here are some of the factors lawyers consider when they decide to take a case. Some of the factors, such as age or medical condition, you can't change, but with other factors, you might be able to take actions to make your case more attractive to a disability attorney.

Why do lawyers focus on other factors when taking a case?

Because medical records are complicated, and a lawyer isn't always in the best position to assess whether Social Security is likely to grant a medical allowance for a complex medical condition, lawyers often focus on other factors when deciding to take a case.

What to do if you don't have a good case?

You might ask the attorney or paralegal you spoke to for details on why they don't think you have a good case. If it has to do with your medical records, recent work, substance use, or receipt of unemployment benefits, you can address these issues before continuing with your claim.

What to do if you aren't seeing a doctor?

If you aren't currently seeing a doctor, and don't have a history over the past several years of seeing a doctor, you'll have a harder time finding a lawyer to take your case. Good medical records are probably the most important factor in getting an approval for benefits, and this is especially true for mental claims. If you aren't currently seeing a doctor or psychologist, start now, and try again to find a lawyer.

Can I file for disability if I haven't worked for years?

More disability claims are denied for financial or work credit eligibility reasons than for medical reasons. For SSDI, if you haven't worked for a numbers of years, meaning your " date last insured " is in the past, a lawyer won't likely take your case—unless you might be eligible for disability through SSI.

Can a disability lawyer take your case?

Some disability lawyers won't take your case until you've been denied benefits. They'd rather not help out at the application stage, but they'd be more than willing to represent you at the appeal hearing.

What Do I Do if I Can't Get a Disability Attorney?

This will allow you to address any issues so that you can strengthen your case, either to convince the attorney or firm to take your case or have a stronger case for the next legal representative you interview . To contact other disability attorneys and firms in your area, you can use our disability attorney locator tool.

What is the evidence of untreated alcohol or substance abuse?

evidence of untreated alcohol or substance abuse (unless claimant agrees to immediate treatment) claimant was "fired" by another disability attorney. claimant expresses unrealistic expectations, or. combative or disrespectful behavior of claimant towards the attorney or staff. Logistical or financial reasons.

What happens if a claimant has not had access to health insurance?

This usually happens when a claimant has not had access to health insurance or is ineligible for medical assistance. If the claimant has older supportive medical records that indicate a disability, an attorney or firm may decide to take the case and help the claimant get further testing either by requesting a consultative examination by the SSA or by helping the claimant find affordable community healthcare.

What is disrespectful behavior in disability?

Disrespectful Behavior. The disability process is stressful and attorneys and their staff members well understand this. However, attorneys will not tolerate abusive or disrespectful language directed at themselves or their staff no matter how good the case.

Why do disability attorneys decline to take cases?

Concerns about disability applicant. An attorney or law firm may decline to take a case if they feel the client may be troublesome or is not trustworthy, which may be evident if any of the following factors are present: inconsistent statements from the claimant, or dishonesty.

What is a malingerer?

inconsistent statements from the claimant, or dishonesty. evidence that claimant is a malingerer (faking an illness or pretending the impairment is worse than it is) claimant has done "doctor shopping" (usually done to obtain pain medication)

Why do people who have been represented in the past have difficulty finding a new attorney?

It is also because clients who have had issues with a previous firm or advocate are more likely to have the same issues even with a new attorney.

What is a contingency fee for disability?

Disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means if they take cases that they do not win they will not be paid for their work. Take too many of these cases and they are likely to be out of business.

Can a disability attorney take my case?

Finally, a disability attorney will not take your disability case if they think you do not qualify for disability benefits. You may not qualify for SSDI or SSI for a variety of reasons: you are working too much, you lack sufficient credits to be considered insured for SSDI benefits, you make too much money to receive SSI benefits, you have a condition which will not last for 12 continuous months, or your condition is not severe enough.

Is the judge on the side of the SSA?

A hearing will be conducted by an administrative law judge who had no part in the original determination or the reconsideration of your case. In general, these hearings will be held within 75 miles from your home, though you can also have the hearing by video. A video hearing will have the same look and feel like a traditional in-person hearing.

What does an ALJ look for in a disability hearing?

Generally speaking, ALJs look for: Credible claimant testimony. Sufficient medical records.

What do judges expect from a claimant?

Judges expect effort from the claimant. They expect a claimant to cooperate with the system. Seeking disability is a long and difficult process, but a claimant’s failure to cooperate (e.g., does not fill out necessary paperwork or does not go to a consultative examination), can cause problems for the claimant.

What is the primary source of evidence in a disability claim?

The primary source of evidence in a disability claim is the claimant’s medical records. The Social Security Administration (SSA) orders a claimant’s medical records at the Application and Reconsideration levels. The claimant and her social security disability attorney develop the medical record at the Hearing level.

Why is it important for a judge to see opinions from medical providers?

It is important for a claimant to build a good relationship with her medical provider (s) so hopefully, the provider will support the claimant in her disability claim.

How to get disability benefits after being denied?

The first step to obtaining benefits after a denial is to appeal the decision and ask for a reconsideration. However, reconsideration efforts are not always successful.

How long do you have to appeal a disability denial?

According to information from the Social Security Administration, you are entitled to an appeal. However, the SSA says that you have 60 days after receiving a notice of a denial decision to ask for any type of appeal.

How much can you earn on disability in 2020?

For 2020, that means being able to earn more than $1,260 per month, or $2,110 if you are blind ...

How much is a Social Security disability in 2020?

Individuals pay into Social Security by working certain covered jobs, and their earnings are converted into work credits. In 2020, $1,410 in earnings is equivalent to one credit (like SGA, the amount changes annually).

How long does a disability last?

Eligibility for social security disability benefits requires either that the disability lasts, or is expected to last, 12 months or longer, or will result in your death. This means that disability benefits are paid only for long-term disability; short-term disability does not qualify.

How many work credits do you need to be disabled?

For example, if you were disabled at age 29, you need four years of work history and 16 credits. 31 to 42 years old: You need a minimum of 20 work credits,

What is the first question people ask when they apply for disability?

The first question people ask when they apply for disability is whether they will be approved for benefits. Unfortunately, the odds that your disability application will be approved at the initial stage of the process are not good.

Does SGA guarantee disability?

Just like having a disability that is included in the SSA Blue Book isn’t an automatic guarantee of eligibility for disability benefits, having monthly earnings that fall below the SGA threshold doesn’t guarantee that your application will be approved. Neither does having earnings that exceed that threshold serve as an automatic disqualification.

Can you get disability if you work irregular hours?

If your monthly earnings exceed SGA, but you were provided special accommodations, worked irregular hours, or required frequent breaks to work, the SSA may still rule that you are eligible for disability benefits. Certain payments considered income for income tax purposes, such as alimony payments, are not counted as income for purposes ...