what are the steps an attorney takes foryou to get disability

by Jalen Morissette V 8 min read

The first thing a person needs to do is schedule an appointment with the Disability Attorney. The attorney will need to know information on the individual’s medical condition and have them sign a medical release so required medical records can be obtained and submitted with the application.

Full Answer

How do I pay for a disability attorney?

Oct 15, 2013 · Your Disability Attorney Can Speak For You Retaining an attorney to assist you with your claim also means that you do not have to speak with anyone at Social Security about your case. Your attorney will be able to help you fill out all the necessary forms, gather all the necessary evidence, and provide you with the status of your claim.

Do I need a lawyer for my SSDI claim?

Jun 20, 2018 · If you have an attorney, he or she can help you fill the paperwork out, go to court dates and will help you navigate everything that comes after you are successful with your claim. Having an attorney will not guarantee you get SSDI or SSI, but it can help you avoid making mistakes or taking too long to do it all.

What does a Social Security disability attorney do?

The right documentation is the key to a successful disability benefit’s claim so a disability attorney will be able to sieve through your documents to check to make sure they are acceptable. If any amendments are required or if any documents are missing your attorney will ensure all your documentation is in order before your initial claim for disability benefits is submitted to the SSA.

How do I apply for Social Security disability?

Aug 08, 2018 · If you have to attend a court hearing for your disability claim, you have the right to be represented by an attorney. A disability attorney can help you prepare for court and advocate for you during the hearing. Overall, they are there to ensure that you get the best results. Other duties of a disability attorney include: Requesting subpoenas; Preparing you to testify; …

What are the stages of disability determination?

4 Steps to the Social Security Disability Determination ProcessStep 1: Initial Application. To be awarded disability benefits, you first have to assert your right to them. ... Step 2: Reconsideration. ... Step #3: Hearing. ... Step #4: Appeals Council and Beyond.

What is Step 2 of disability process?

Step 2: A medical screen to deny applicants without a severe impairment. An applicant is denied at step 2 if his or her impairment(s) is considered not severe.

What are the 5 steps for SSDI?

During that time, the SSA looks at the following to determine if you are eligible to receive disability benefits:Do you make too much money? ... Is your impairment severe? ... Is your condition in the official impairment list? ... Does your condition interfere with the type of work you did previously? ... Can you do a different job?Apr 21, 2021

What is step 4 of the SSDI process?

Step 4: Past Work. The objective of Step 4 is to determine whether you have the ability to perform work you have performed previously. To determine this, the adjudicator determines your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Your RFC identifies what your body and mind can still do after considering your medical symptoms.

What should you not say when applying for Social Security disability?

Do not say things like, “I want to work” or “If I could work, I would.” By saying such statements, a judge may get the picture that you could possibly work. The point is that there are some people with extreme disabilities who do work but this is not the point that you should be making at your hearing.

How do I pass a continuing disability review?

If you want to keep yours, here are some tips on how to pass a continuing disability review:Follow Your Treatment Protocol. ... Learn More About Your Condition. ... Answer the Short Form Honestly. ... Keep Copies of Your Medical Records. ... Inform the SSA of Any Change in Address.Apr 22, 2020

How long does it take for SSDI to make a decision?

three to four monthsThe average response time for the SSA to reach a decision after you apply for SSDI benefits is three to four months, but this time period could be extended to up to eight months. Reconsideration. If the SSA denies your request for benefits, you will need to file a request for reconsideration of their decision.

What is the monthly amount for Social Security disability?

Social Security disability payments are modest At the beginning of 2019, Social Security paid an average monthly disability benefit of about $1,234 to all disabled workers.

What is the final review for Social Security disability?

WHAT IS A CONTINUING DISABILITY REVIEW? Social Security periodically reviews your medical impairment(s) to determine if you continue to have a disabling condition. If we determine that you are no longer disabled or blind, your benefits will stop. We call this review a continuing disability review (CDR).

What medical conditions qualify for long-term disability?

Some of the medical conditions that may qualify for long-term disability benefits include:Bipolar disorder.Cancer.Chronic fatigue syndrome.Crohn's disease.Degenerative disc disease.Fibromyalgia.HIV/AIDS.Lupus.More items...•Sep 20, 2021

What conditions qualify for disability?

Physical Disability. Locomotor Disability. Leprosy Cured Person. Cerebral Palsy. ... Intellectual Disability. Specific Learning Disabilities. Autism Spectrum Disorder.Mental Behaviour (Mental Illness)Disability caused due to- Chronic Neurological Conditions such as- Multiple Sclerosis. Parkinson's Disease. ... Multiple Disabilities.Feb 23, 2022

Who makes the final decision on Social Security disability?

An applicant can receive payments for up to 6 months while the Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews the claim and makes the final decision.

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.

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).

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).

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.

Can I fill out paperwork for disability?

Even just filling out the paperwork for a social security disability filing can be difficult. An attorney can help you figure out the right way to do the paperwork and what you need to further support the information you’re using to file the claim. If you have an attorney, he or she can help you fill the paperwork out, go to court dates and will help you navigate everything that comes after you are successful with your claim.

Can I hire a disability lawyer after I file a claim?

You will need to retain the help of a disability lawyer before you file your claim. As Nicole found out the hard way, you cannot hire a lawyer after the claim has been filed. Although you can always use a Veteran’s Service Organization (VSO) like the DAV or VFW, it can work in your favor to have an attorney represent you in your claim.

How long does it take for the SSA to approve a disability?

The SSA can take three to six months to determine if you meet their disability qualifications. At that time, they will notify you on whether you’ve been approved or if your application has been rejected. If your application is rejected, don’t lose hope.

What is the first step in disability?

Ideally, your first step should involve a conversation with your physician about applying for disability. If you can get any medical documentation concerning your disability beforehand, this can get you the medical evidence you’ll need.

Why is my disability denied?

Even if you have a strong case, the SSA may deny your claim. Many disability benefits claims are denied due to failure to provide the right medical evidence. If you wish to qualify for disability benefits you must prove that you cannot work due to your disability.

How long does it take to appeal a disability claim?

Fortunately, you can appeal a Social Security disability denial. The SSA allows you 60 days to appeal the decision. If you decide to appeal, your claim goes through the Reconsideration stage.

Why is disability listed in the blue book?

However, first of all your disability has to be listed in the blue book because the information provided about the disability meets the requirements for disability benefits. If you have been diagnosed with a disease like cancer, but it is not that aggressive, it may not meet the requirements set down in the blue book.

How to avoid having to prove you are disabled?

To avoid having to prove you are sufficiently disabled and to ensure you are one of the 30% who gets your disability benefits application approved, you need to provide all the evidence necessary to support your initial application. It’s important to pay close attention to the details as well.

Can you appeal if you don't get approved for Social Security?

facts about how the symptoms affect the ability to take part in everyday activities. Even if you don’t get approved the first time you can appeal. The vast majority of applications for Social Security disability will be denied. Even if you have a strong case, the SSA may deny your claim.

What happens if you hire a disability lawyer?

If you hire a disability lawyer, the burden of compiling the necessary evidence to support your claim will fall largely on them. You won’t have to stress yourself talking to your doctors or thinking about what type of medical evidence you need to get.

What to do if your disability is denied?

If your claim gets denied at the initial application stage, you have the right to appeal the SSA’s decision. This is where an experienced disability lawyer can help you too. They can help you navigate the appeals process and file a request for reconsideration.

What is the SSA disability determination process?

The SSA’s disability determinations process uses an evidence-based approach in granting disability benefits. They will want you to prove that your disability really prevents you from going back to work or doing any type of income-generating activity.

How to get disability if you have never applied?

1. Conduct an Initial Review of Your Case. When you first get in touch with a disability lawyer, they will conduct an initial review of your case. If you’ve never applied for disability benefits, they will assess your eligibility for disability. But if you’ve already been denied, they will look at what went wrong with your application.

Does an advocate get paid if you win a disability case?

7. Doesn’t Get Paid Unless You Win. If you’ve been on the fence about hiring a disability lawyer because of monetary concerns, worry not. In most states, an attorney or advocate cannot collect fees unless you win the case. The attorney’s fee will be deducted from your total benefits once it’s released.

Is a disability lawyer required for Social Security in 2021?

June 17, 2021. When you’re applying for social security disability benefits, hiring a disability lawyer is not required by law. But doing so can be very beneficial for your case. According to the SSA, denied social security disability claims average at 53%. Most of them got denied during the initial application stage.

How Much Does an Attorney Cost?

Many people think they are unable to afford to have an attorney represent them in their disability claim. However, there is no upfront cost or fee for an attorney to represent you. The attorney only gets paid if they win your case. So don’t let cost keep you from obtaining an attorney because they only get paid if you get paid.

Can They Help With My Application?

For many people, getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a long journey. The application alone can be confusing, and it often involves a lot of paperwork, medical documents, and reports.

Will They Be in Court With Me?

If you have to attend a court hearing for your disability claim, you have the right to be represented by an attorney. A disability attorney can help you prepare for court and advocate for you during the hearing. Overall, they are there to ensure that you get the best results. Other duties of a disability attorney include:

What can a disability lawyer do for you?

Having a disability lawyer or disability representative will do the following for you: 1. You probably won't miss deadlines, such as for filing an appeal or going to a consultative medical exam. This is because your representative will know about your appointments and remind you. 2.

How long does it take to get a disability?

1. Apply for disability - On average, a disability application filed with the social security administration will take 3-4 months for a decision. 2. File a reconsideration appeal - This is the first appeal in the social security system.

How long does it take to file a disability claim?

It can be filed within 60 days of the denial on the disability application, though, for the sake of common sense, it should be filed immediately after the first denial is received so that time can be saved. Reconsiderations are nearly always denied.

What happens if a disability case goes to a hearing?

If your case goes to a hearing, it will be prepared properly and argued before the administrative law judge with appropriate knowledge of disability rules and regulations. An example of procrastination and how getting a lawyer would have saved time.

Do people benefit from filing a claim?

Answer: some individuals will clearly benefit from doing so, especially if the thought of filing a claim makes them anxious to the point that they would not get the process started. There are other examples of this type of anxiety at work.

How long do you have to wait to receive your first SSDI payment?

Generally, 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.

When will I get my first SSDI?

Your first benefit would be paid for the month of December 2020, the sixth full month of disability. However, there is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020.

When will SSDI pay in 2020?

We would pay your first benefit for the month of December 2020, the first full month of disability. We pay SSDI benefits in the month following the month for which they are due. This means that the benefit due for December 2020 would be paid to you in January 2021, and so on.

How to contact Medicare for a TTY?

If you have questions about this coverage, you can contact Medicare toll-free at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak to a Medicare Customer Service Representative. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

How to file for Social Security?

Step 1: Start the SSI Application Process By Filling Out & Submitting Your Claim Paperwork to the SSA. When you start the SSI application process, there are three ways to file your claim with the Social Security Administration. Your first option is simply picking up the phone and calling the SSA office. The best time to do this is first thing in ...

Can I file for SSDI if I don't have enough work credits?

If you don’t have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you must file a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. While it’s tempting to send your application to the Social Security Administration immediately, you shouldn’t rush the SSI application process. Wiser applicants take time to ensure all required paperwork is accurate ...

Can you request a status update on SSI?

But as long as you’re contacting the DDS instead of the SSA, it’s usually fine to request a status update. Your disability examiner usually knows what’s happening and can share information — even just to say they need more time. Plus, examiners annoyed by applicants asking for updates typically work on their claims faster to avoid additional future phone calls.

What does a disability attorney do?

During the course of representation, a disability attorney or nonlawyer advocate usually has to request a claimant's medical, school, work records, and occasionally medical or psychological examinations; these can be expensive. The client must pay these costs separately from the attorney's fee (of 25% of their backpay).

Do disability attorneys get paid?

Social Security Disability attorneys and advocates work "on contingency," meaning they get paid only if you win your case. Unlike many attorneys, disability lawyers do not charge up-front fees or require a retainer to work on a Social Security disability case. Most disability attorneys and nonlawyer representatives will be paid a fee only ...