how to find a good social security attorney

by Jodie Ullrich 5 min read

Searching for Social Security Disability Attorneys.
  • Ask people who have been through a similar process. The best people to ask for recommendations are people who have been in a similar situation to the ...
  • Ask family members and friends.
  • Ask lawyers you have an existing relationship with.
  • Check with the local Bar Association.

Full Answer

When to talk to a Social Security disability lawyer?

Feb 26, 2021 · Ask around and find out about the reputation of local attorneys. A good, reputable attorney will have likely helped other people in your community. Check the lawyer’s social media profiles and reviews online. Word of mouth is a great way to find out about a lawyer in your area who has helped people you know. How Much Does an Attorney Cost? Costs and fees …

What does a Social Security Attorney do?

Mar 27, 2020 · Ask lawyers you have an existing relationship with. You may not have worked with a disability lawyer before, but you may have a previous relationship with a lawyer of another specialty, such as a real estate or divorce attorney. If you do, it would be a good idea to ask that lawyer for a reference.

How do lawyers help with Social Security disability?

A Social Security Disability attorney will ensure that you have a fair hearing and that you are asked all of the questions you should be asked during this process. It is important, however, that you choose a lawyer who is familiar with Social Security disability laws and what it takes to get a SSI or SSDI claim approved.

Is Social Security considered a disability?

SSDI attorneys help their clients increase their chances of success on appeal and increase the amount they win; Hiring an SSDI attorney does not require money up front; SSDI attorneys do not get paid unless they win; SSDI attorney fees are set by law at 25% of client’s backpay award, with a maximum fee of $6000.00;

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Who is the best person to ask for recommendations?

The best people to ask for recommendations are people who have been in a similar situation to the one you are in. These individuals understand what you are facing and will be able to help you find the right advocates and resources.

Do you have to work with a disability lawyer before?

You may not have worked with a disability lawyer before, but you may have a previous relationship with a lawyer of another specialty, such as a real estate or divorce attorney. If you do, it would be a good idea to ask that lawyer for a reference. Most attorneys will be more familiar with other lawyers’ work than the general population, even if they are in different specialties.

What to do if you are unable to work?

If you are unable to work and are seeking disability benefits, there are many ways that a lawyer can help your claim. First off, the key to a successful case is hard medical evidence and other supporting documentation that proves your condition is so limiting you are unable to work.

Do disability attorneys get paid?

Disability attorneys and advocates take cases on the contingency basis. This means that your advocate or lawyer isn ’t paid until your claim is approved and you get disability benefits.

What happens if you get denied Social Security?

When your initial claim for Social Security disability is denied you will have to go through an appeal process. People who have legal representation at this stage are often more successful in being approved for benefits than those who decide to go on and represent themselves.

How long does a disability last?

To receive disability, the condition must be expected to last a year or longer or it must be expected to culminate in your death. Disability claims can be complicated, and the odds of having a claim approved aren’t always in the favor of the disabled worker. Those who have a disability advocate or a Social Security Disability attorney representing ...

Can an attorney represent you at a hearing?

An attorney can represent you at this hearing and will be able to help you prepare for questioning at the hearing. An attorney will be able to determine what kinds of questions you will be asked and will be able to help you determine the best way to proceed with your claim.

What happens if a claim is denied?

After the claim is denied, you will file a request for reconsideration. Upon the reconsideration review, very few claims are approved. After the second denial, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

How long does it take to get backpay?

You cannot receive backpay for more than 12 months before your application date minus the five-month waiting period. However, it can often take several months to have a disability claim approved and those months are added into the count for backpay.

What does an SSDI attorney do for his clients?

Generally speaking, most people do not hire an attorney unless/until their initial SSDI application has been denied. That is because the initial application process itself is relatively simple, and can even be completed online.

How an SSDI attorney can benefit your case

If your initial SSDI application has been denied, you may be wondering what to do next. Give up? Appeal? Reapply and start over? An attorney can help you decide what your next steps should be in order to give your application the best chance of success.

How you can help your SSDI attorney increase your chances of success

The best attorney-client relationships are those in which the client and the lawyer are working hand-in-hand to accomplish the client’s goals. This relationship is a partnership in which both parties expect the other to do everything possible to help to obtain a successful outcome.

How much does an SSDI attorney cost?

While many SSDI applicants would like to hire an attorney, many of those who choose not to seek counsel do so because they are concerned that they do not “have the money” to hire a lawyer. But the truth is that those people were worried for no reason. You should never let a lack of funds keep you from hiring a SSDI attorney.

Hiring an SSDI attorney requires no upfront payment in most cases

While many attorney-client fee arrangements depend upon an amount established by the attorney, SSDI cases are different: the amount of legal fees charged by an SSDI attorney is the same for all lawyers, and it is set by law. Instead of an upfront fee, an SSDI attorney is paid directly by the SSA out of your backpay award.

How do you find the right SSDI attorney?

Making the decision to hire an attorney to assist with your SSDI appeal is simply the first step of the process. Next, you must choose which attorney you wish to have handle your case. Here are some suggestions to help you to make your decision.

Conclusion

Hiring the right SSDI attorney can make all the difference in your case. And with the guidance of a skilled SSDI attorney, you have the best chances of winning your case. Best of all, you will have someone at your side to help you through this process. You do not have to go through this alone.

Does Nolo have a disability license?

Nolo has confirmed that every listed attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with their bar association.

What does a good attorney do?

A good attorney will give you an honest assessment of your case only after reviewing the facts. A good attorney will also admit that he or she probably can't get you approved any faster than you could on your own. Here is a sample question you should ask and a sample answer a good attorney should give you:

Do disability firms keep in touch?

Even though disability firms are busy places, you should be provided with a contact person who you can rely on to answer your questions. The firm should also keep in touch with you on a regular basis. Here are some questions you should ask to get an idea of how your case will be handled:

Here are some easy ways to find a Social Security Disability attorney for help with your case

Having the right help on a Social Security disability case can easily make the difference between winning and losing a claim for benefits, so deciding the issue of legal representation, and which legal representative will handle your SSD or SSI disability case, is no small matter.

Where Can I Find a Good Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Social Security disability representatives can be found in a variety of different listing sources. The Yellow Pages, the Internet, legal aid clinics, and the referral service operated by each state's bar association are often used to locate qualified disability lawyers and attorneys.

How Should I Select the Best Disability Lawyer for Me?

How do you determine whether an attorney disability representative is especially suited to handle your Social Security disability or SSI disability case? Simple. Contact a representative's office and ask questions. First and foremost, ask if the lawyer has experience in winning disability claims for your medical condition.

Disability Lawyers vs. Nonlawyer Representatives

Good representation at the initial application stage and first two levels of appeal can usually be obtained from an attorney or a nonattorney representative (many of whom are former disability examiners and Social Security claims reps). But for an appeal to the Appeals Council, you'll definitely want to hire a lawyer.

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