when should i hire an attorney for social security disability

How long does it take to appeal a disability claim?

Do not wait until your hearing has been scheduled to seek legal representation. Although it can take up to 24 months or more before your appeal will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge, retaining an attorney right away will ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to further document your medical condition and win your case.

Do I need an attorney for Social Security?

Not every individual needs to have an attorney represent them when making their initial application for Social Security benefits. However, in some cases, retaining counsel at the initial application level can improve an individual’s chances for being approved. Regardless of which category an individual falls into, speaking with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney prior to making the application will allow an applicant to obtain advice in avoiding common pit falls that can result in an initial application being denied. Such pit falls include applying for benefits too soon or too late, failing to allege an appropriate onset date for disability benefits, and applying for benefits before having sufficient medical documentation to support your allegations of disability.

What to Do If Your Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied?

If you have already filed a claim for Social Security Disability, and it was denied, hiring a Social Security Lawyer can be pivotal for your chances of succeeding with an appeal.

What Is the SSD Benefits Process?

If you have become disabled and expect your condition to last for at least a year, you should start the application process for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. It may take a year or more before you can receive any benefits.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Many individuals shy away from seeking legal help due to fears of the financial implications of hiring a lawyer. A sudden disability typically comes with financial worries for the individual concerned as well as their family.

Your Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Fight for Your Rights

Having an experienced attorney by your side can maximize your chances of success. Do not risk having your claim denied and consult with Schaffer & Associates, LPA today for help and assistance. We are committed to helping clients in their time of need and fight for the benefits that they deserve after suffering a devastating disability.

Benefits of Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Arkansas

Did you know that 60 percent of all first-time SSDI applicants are denied disability benefits? The process of obtaining SSDI benefits is incredibly difficult and complex. To ensure a greater chance of success, the majority of disabled applicants must hire an experienced SSDI lawyer.

When to Hire an SSDI Attorney

In the end, your ability to receive SSDI is highly dependent on the attorney you choose to help you through the process. Allowing a knowledgeable SSDI attorney help you right from the start—with your initial application—virtually guarantees you a higher rate of approval.

What is the Real Cost of Hiring a SSDI Attorney?

Many potential SSDI applicants are hesitant to hire an attorney because they worry about the costs. The good news is that you do not have to spend any upfront money when hiring an attorney. Social Security disability attorneys receive payment from the disability benefits they are able to obtain for you.

Questions to Ask When Hiring an SSDI Attorney

When looking for the right SSDI attorney to help you with your claim, it is important to meet with them. Many Social Security Disability attorneys offer free consultations and meetings to help you when making your choice.

The Waiting Game

Filing for Social Security disability benefits is a three-step process:

Why Wait?

Why will a hearing change anything when you’ve already been rejected twice? There are a few reasons to stay positive through the rejections and press on toward the hearing:

How long do you have to wait to get a disability hearing?

And if you don't want to wait upwards of two years for a hearing date, you might try to hire an attorney for help with the initial application.

What to do if denied Social Security disability?

If you're denied at the application level, it becomes more important to hire a lawyer. Disability lawyers know how to prepare a disability case for a hearing and they have the necessary expertise with Social Security rules and regulations to win at the hearing. Your lawyer may want to practice asking you questions that the judge might ask so that you aren't nervous at the hearing and so that you can testify (honestly) in a way that's helpful to your case.

Can a claimant file a lawsuit without an attorney?

Without an attorney, it's difficult for a claimant to do this successfully. In addition, your lawyer will likely be familiar with how the particular judge likes to run hearings, and will be able to present evidence according to what the judge likes—and does not like—to hear.

Does disability affect Social Security?

While the severity of your disability doesn't affect the amount of money you get, the date that Social Security thinks you became disabled does matter.