when to hire an attorney for ssdi application proess

by Kaya Larkin 9 min read

Claimants who hire disability lawyers generally do so right after they have been denied SSDI benefits the first time. If your SSDI application is denied and you have the right to appeal the denial, you have 60 days to file your SSDI appeal. It is at this step that the lawyer can do the most good for you.

You can hire an attorney at any point in the process.
  • Most people choose to fill out their initial application themselves, but having an attorney help may get you approved right away in order to avoid the appeal altogether. ...
  • This is generally not recommended. ...
  • This is where an attorney will be the most helpful.

Full Answer

Should I hire a Social Security disability attorney?

Jun 23, 2020 · An attorney may claim they can expedite your claim, but the Social Security Administration will not process your claim any faster just because you have hired a lawyer. It does not make sense to spend the money on an attorney until you have reached a stage in the process where they can actually provide useful service.

When should I call a disability attorney?

Why Hire a Disability Attorney? The most important reason to hire an attorney to help with your disability case is that your chances of being approved are significantly increased. While it's certainly true that some people who apply on their own are approved for benefits, statistics show that, everything else being equal, Social Security is more likely to approve an applicant who's …

How can an attorney help my disability claim?

Nov 12, 2021 · Because of this, it can be helpful to work with a Social Security disability lawyer. When Should I Hire a Disability Attorney? The earlier you hire a disability attorney, the better. If you have not filed for disability benefits yet, then you may want to consult with an attorney before beginning the filing process. A disability lawyer can help you evaluate if you have a strong …

Do I need a lawyer to appeal a social security denial?

Apr 18, 2017 · Your doctor can play an important role in the SSDI claim process, so you should look for an attorney who can work side-by-side with you and your medical providers to obtain the right information. Obtaining the right evidence into your medical conditions and how they impact your ability to function at home and at the workplace should begin at the outset of your SSDI …

How long does it take to hear from SSDI after initial application?

Initial application. The 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.

What are the chances of getting approved for 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.

How long does it take for initial SSDI decision?

about 3 to 5 monthsGenerally, 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. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.

What is the most approved disability?

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.Dec 16, 2021

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...•Oct 20, 2019

What should you not say in a disability interview?

The following five statements should never be announced at your disability hearing.“I can't work because no one will hire me.” ... “I don't know why I'm here. ... “I don't do chores because my significant other, friend or family member does them.” ... “I have never used drugs or alcohol in my life.”More items...•Oct 17, 2014

What conditions automatically qualify you 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...

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.Dec 17, 2020

What is the benefit of hiring a disability lawyer?

First and foremost, an attorney will serve as your advocate. Bound by professional rules and ethical obligations, your lawyer will handle your case carefully. Further, working with the SSA can be like speaking another language.

Do disability lawyers get paid?

Instead, the Social Security Administration has regulations that establish how a disability lawyer is paid. Disability lawyers take claims on a contingency basis, which means that your lawyer doesn't require a payment for his or her services until you are awarded disability benefits.

What to do if you have been denied SSDI?

If you have already been denied, however, it is still a good idea to consider legal representation . From your first appeal to a disability hearing, a Disability lawyer or advocate is likely to be a valuable asset at any point in the SSDI application process.

Why are disability claims denied?

For example, the majority of disability claims are initially denied, often due to the applicant’s inability to provide sufficient medical evidence. Additionally, there are specific deadlines that must be met throughout the application process.

When Should I Hire an SSDI Lawyer

Whether you are beginning to consider filing a claim, or you have already filed one and are unsure of the next steps, it is never too early to consult a qualified SSDI Lawyer. Professional representation can make every step of the process easier.

What Information Will My SSDI Lawyer Need?

To get started, your lawyer will need to show that you have an injury or condition that will last for a minimum of one year. Meeting the criteria for one or more of the conditions on The SSA Listing of Impairments is one way to ensure automatic eligibility, but its best to go over your medical history with your attorney.

Should My SSDI Lawyer Work With My Doctors?

Your doctor can play an important role in the SSDI claim process, so you should look for an attorney who can work side-by-side with you and your medical providers to obtain the right information.

Will an SSDI Lawyer Work With Me if My SSDI Claim Was Denied?

The SSDI claim process typically involves at least two stages. Since the SSA denies as much as 70 percent of all initial SSDI claims, a considerable number of claims move on to the appeal stage.

Can I file for disability on my own?

Many people file an application for Social Security Disability benefits on their own, and only contact an attorney after being denied. As an attorney that handles Social Security Disability claims, I encourage people to hire a lawyer at the beginning of the process, rather than after being denied once or twice.

Can I file a Social Security claim on my own?

The first is that you will not be on your own when it comes to dealing with the Social Security Administration, which can be a difficult organization to deal with. Your attorney will file the claim for you, and make sure you apply to all the programs you may be entitled to. An example of this is when I take a case where ...