how to get disability without an attorney

If you don’t have a lawyer (or no lawyer will take your case), it is still possible to get approved for disability. Here’s a few tips and good ideas to get you started. 🌷You can apply for disability online, on paper or on the phone. Or you can make an appointment at your local Social…

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Should I hire a lawyer for my Social Security disability case?

Who can get disability benefits without a disability lawyer? 1. You have a condition which is listed on the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program list. If you are a SSI or SSDI applicant who has a condition ... 2. You have a condition which meets or exceeds a listing on the SSA Listing of ...

What happens if I do not have an attorney for disability?

Aug 01, 2019 · If you don’t have a lawyer (or no lawyer will take your case), it is still possible to get approved for disability. Here’s a few tips and good ideas to get you started: Starting a New Application Without a Lawyer. 🌸 Some people prefer to have a lawyer early in the process, and others choose to wait.

Can I get approved for disability without a supportive Doctor?

It is possible to get Social Security Disability without a lawyer. You have a right to legal representation to handle your case, whether you are initially applying for benefits or are appealing a denial you received. An attorney may help you through the …

What does a disability attorney do for You?

Aug 01, 2019 · If you don’t have a lawyer (or no lawyer will take your case), it is still possible to get approved for disability. Here’s a few tips and good ideas to get you started. 🌷You can apply for disability online, on paper or on the phone. Or you can make an appointment at your local Social…

What conditions qualify for disability?

What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., bone, joint injuries, skeletal spine injuries)Special senses and speech (e.g., visual disorders, blindness)Respiratory disorders (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma)More items...

How do you win a disability claim?

Top Ways to Increase Chances of Winning Disability ClaimEnsure That Your Application is Complete. ... Keep Accurate and Complete Medical Documentation. ... Maintain a Good Relationship With Your Physician(s) ... Keep Close Tabs on the Status of Your Claim. ... Follow up on all Treatment Recommendations.

How would you describe pain to a disability judge?

Pain is often hard to describe, but you should do your best to relate your pain as specifically as possible to the judge. This would include telling the judge what type of pain you experience (burning, stabbing, etc.), how often you experience it, and how you would quantify it (for example, on a scale of 1 to 10).

What should you not say when applying for disability?

Be Clear About the Requirements of Your Past Work For example, don't describe yourself as a manager or supervisor unless you had the ability to hire, fire, or discipline employees. This is the case regardless of your job title. Describe exactly what you did in your job—don't talk yourself up or down.

How likely is it to get disability?

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 should I say in a disability interview?

What Type of Questions Will Be Asked at Your Disability Interview?When did your condition become disabling?What is the contact information for your doctors?What are the dates of the visits to your doctors?What are the names of medications that you are currently taking?What medical tests have you undergone?Feb 26, 2021

How do you prove chronic pain?

Imaging and Nerve Tests If your healthcare provider suspects your chronic pain is caused by bone, muscle or nerve damage, he may have you undergo a scan or nerve testing. These include x-rays and MRIs, which can reveal underlying bone and tissue damage.Jun 7, 2020

Is chronic pain a disability?

The SSA does not consider chronic pain to be a disability, so there is no listing for it in the SSA's Blue Book. Chronic pain, even if it is severe and disabling, does not qualify unless you can prove it is caused by a verifiable condition that lasts for at least 12 months.Sep 11, 2018

Where can I apply for SSDI?

Applications for SSDI can be found on the SSA’s main website . FAQs and other important information can also be found here if you have any questions about the application or the process. Applications can also be filed in person at your local Social Security office.

What is the Blue Book for Social Security?

All Social Security applications are evaluated by first using the “Blue Book”. This book lists all disabilities approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the requirements one needs for qualification. The Blue Book is available online for anyone looking to see if their diagnosis will qualify.

Is Social Security a good resource?

From additional monthly income to health insurance benefits to potential benefits for family members, Social Security is an invaluable resource for those unable to work. Unfortunately, the disability application process can be tricky, time-consuming, and hard to complete without mistakes.

What happens if you don't have an attorney?

If you do not have an attorney representing your case, you may waste years of time, effort and money trying to represent yourself. In the end, you may have to turn to the services of a qualified attorney when you are forced to file a second (or even third or fourth) claim for Social Security Disability benefits.

What is the first step in the disability appeal process?

The first stage of the appeal process is called the Request for Reconsideration stage. When working with a disability lawyer, your attorney is likely to explain to you ...

Can you represent yourself in court?

There is an old adage that states that a man who represents himself in court has a fool for a client. In some Social Security Disability cases, this may prove true. If you decide to represent yourself during your disability appeal and you lose your case because of it, you will likely have to re-apply for benefits all over again.

What to do if your doctor won't help you?

If your doctor will not help you with your claim, you can consider finding a new doctor. Note, however, that this can be helpful or harmful to your case. You need to be aware of and carefully weigh the pros and cons of finding a new provider.

What happens if you don't have a supportive statement from your doctor?

If you get to the hearing level and still do not have a supportive statement from your doctor, the administrative law judge (ALJ) who hears your case will want to know why a doctor won't help you. Be ready to explain this honestly to the judge.

Why is it important to have your doctor's support?

By Melissa Linebaugh, Contributing Author. Having your doctor's support is critical to winning your disability claim. This is because the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes part of its decision based on what your doctor says about how your condition affects you. This means that if your doctor won't help you, ...

What is a consultative exam?

A consultative examination (CE) is an examination performed by a doctor who has been hired by the SSA. CEs are not always helpful to the claimant; however, if you don't have a doctor who will work with you, it may be helpful to request one.

Do doctors have a reputation?

Know the Doctor's Reputation. Some doctors have a reputation of helping everyone and anyone with their disability claim. The SSA pays attention to doctors who work with claimants, and are aware that some doctors will support almost any claim. In these cases, the SSA may not give weight to the doctor's opinion about your condition.

Can I win benefits just with a C.E. Examination?

First, it is important to understand that a consultative examination is not necessarily a good thing.

Hiring a Disability Lawyer

Will a disability lawyer take an SSDI or SSI case if the claimant is not under the care of a doctor? Maybe, but they will want the claimant to get medical care as soon as possible.