why do i need an attorney at my wavier hearing at social security

by Mr. Howell Thiel 5 min read

Most attorneys will not help with overpayments. The only time you’d really need an attorney is when Social Security says the person isn’t disabled. I never had official help for filling out the waiver.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer to request a social security waiver?

Sep 28, 2015 · Social Security does not require you to have an attorney, and you might feel comfortable requesting your own medical records and representing yourself at your hearing. However, considering that Social Security disability attorneys work on a contingency basis and do not get paid unless you win your claim, it may be in your best interest to at least consult with …

Do disability lawyers take Social Security overpayment cases?

Hiring the Lawyer for an Overpayment A Social Security lawyer is often the person to turn to in the overpayment situation. If the individual does not know what to do or how to proceed, he or she may need to hire a lawyer for understanding and pushing the process through further to get to the hearing and the judge. Provided by HG.org

Why do I need a Social Security number for a lawyer?

as an attorney or non-attorney, help you when you do business with Social Security. We will work with your representative, just as we have with you. For your protection, in most situations, your representative can’t charge or collect a fee from you without first getting written approval from us. However, your representative may

How do I request a hearing with social security?

Oct 31, 2013 · Getting Social Security to approve the fee is an additional step that some disability attorneys do not want to bother with, and so they just decide that they will not do overpayment cases. Retainer Fees for Overpayment Cases. When attorneys take Social Security overpayment cases, they will almost always ask you to pay a retainer fee upfront before they will start work.

How do you know if your SSDI hearing went well?

When you do finally receive your Notice of Decision from the ALJ, read it closely. It will say whether you have been approved for benefits or denied, along with the rationale for how that determination was made. If you are successful, you'll either receive a fully favorable or a partially favorable decision.Nov 26, 2019

What are the chances of winning Social Security appeal?

Learn More: Appealing After A DenialStateInitial Approval RateAlaska60.7%Arizona60.7%Arkansas72.2%California70.0%47 more rows

What is a Social Security reconsideration?

If we recently denied your disability claim for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online. A reconsideration is a complete review of your claim by someone who did not take part in the first determination. We will look at all the evidence submitted used in the original determination, plus any new evidence.

What can you not do at a Social Security hearing?

WHAT NOT TO DO AT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY HEARINGExaggerate. ... Do not bring props. ... Arguing your case. ... Do not draw conclusions for the judge. ... Resist comparing yourself to other people. ... Go Pro Bono- The average disability case is worth 250,000 dollars in lifetime benefits and the average attorney fee is about 3000 dollars.More items...

How long does it take to hear back from Social Security appeal?

A reconsideration appeal can usually be decided in as little as four weeks or as long as twelve weeks; whereas an application for disability can take as long as six months (usually, if it takes this long it is due to difficulties in procuring medical records from various doctors and other medical providers).

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 happens when you ask for a mandatory reconsideration?

What happens during Mandatory Reconsideration? Someone from the DWP will look at your claim again to see if the decision was right. This person is called the 'decision maker' they will not have seen your claim before, so they may phone you to ask why you disagree with the decision.Jun 30, 2020

What is the difference between a reconsideration and an appeal?

If you're asking for a reconsideration, you're not appealing. It's sort of a new claim, a reopened claim, whatever you want to call it. ... You file that appeal, but then you need to get evidence.Mar 2, 2017

How do I request a reconsideration from Social Security?

If you do not wish to appeal a medical decision online, you can use the Form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration. You will also need to submit: Form SSA-3441, Disability Report - Appeal, and. Form SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration.

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 should you not say when applying for Social Security disability?

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.

What questions does Social Security disability ask?

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 pass a Social Security hearing?

Tips for Winning Your Social Security Disability HearingHire a Qualified Disability Lawyer or Advocate. ... Do Whatever It Takes to Get There. ... Understand That Appearances Matter. ... Be Familiar with Your Case and Your Medical Records. ... Keep in Contact with Your Lawyer. ... Do Not Minimize the Effects of Your Disability.More items...•Aug 10, 2018

How do you answer an ALJ question?

When answering an ALJ's questions, we recommend to our clients that they:Stay on subject and don't ramble.Be honest.Be prepared to explain any discrepancies that may be in their record.Don't be embarrassed or offended by the judge's questions.Be specific about their symptoms, treatment and limitations.More items...•Jan 22, 2020

How long does it take for ALJ to make decision?

While it primarily depends on the amount of work and other hearings that the ALJ and their staff must manage, individuals generally receive a written decision in about 60 days. However, some decisions take anywhere from two months to six months to receive.Nov 5, 2020

What does it mean when the judge says unfavorable for Social Security?

What does Notice of Decision - Unfavorable mean? This decision finds that you are not disabled and never were disabled according to Social Security laws, regulations, and rules. ... You will not be receiving disability benefits. You may appeal an unfavorable decision to the Appeals Council.Apr 4, 2020

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 should you not say when applying for Social Security disability?

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.

What questions are asked at a SSI hearing?

Questions You Should Expect To Be Asked During A Social Security Disability HearingWhat is your formal education?Do you have any vocational training?Are you currently working?What was your last job and what were your job responsibilities?Have you tried working since you became disabled?More items...

What questions are asked at a SSDI hearing?

What Questions Are Asked at a SSDI Hearing?Personal Background Questions. ... Work Background Questions. ... Medical Issues Questions. ... Specific Activity Limitation Questions (If Applicable) ... Questions About Activity Limitations Arising From Non-Physical Problems (Mental Health or Pain)More items...

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).

How do you know if your SSDI hearing went well?

When you do finally receive your Notice of Decision from the ALJ, read it closely. It will say whether you have been approved for benefits or denied, along with the rationale for how that determination was made. If you are successful, you'll either receive a fully favorable or a partially favorable decision.Nov 26, 2019

How long after Social Security approval will I get my back pay?

within 60 daysSince 2011, the Social Security Administration required all recipients of SSDI benefits to receive their monthly disability payments via direct deposit into their bank accounts. Most applicants receive their back pay within 60 days of having their claim approved.May 5, 2020

What does a fully favorable decision from Social Security mean?

Fully favorable--means that SSA has found that you are disabled as of the date you allege your disability began. ... Unfavorable--means that SSA has found that you do not meet the requirements for disability benefits.Jan 22, 2008

How many times can Social Security deny you?

There is really no limit to the number of times you can apply for benefits or appeal your disability claim. However, there are a variety of other factors to consider when deciding whether to apply or appeal a denied claim. For many applicants who have received a claim denial, an appeal is the best course of action.Nov 26, 2019

Why do I keep getting denied for disability?

The most basic fact of the SSA disability process is simply that most cases will be denied, often because there wasn't enough medical evidence to prove the case, forcing claimants to go through the disability appeal process. Disability claimants should never resign themselves to giving up on an SSDI or SSI claim.

Can a decision by the ALJ be overturned?

Technically, yes, a favorable ALJ decision (one that grants benefits) after a disability hearing can be overturned by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can choose to review any ALJ decisions for review, and the Appeals Council can choose to grant benefits that an ALJ denied or deny benefits that an ALJ granted.

How Disability Attorneys Get Paid

There are two ways for Social Security attorneys to get paid: fee agreements and fee petitions. Fee petitions are used for overpayment cases.

Retainer Fees For Overpayment Cases

When attorneys take Social Security overpayment cases, they will almost always ask you to pay a retainer fee upfront before they will start work. A...

Should You Hire An Attorney For An Overpayment Case?

An attorney can help you by filing an overpayment waiver request, appealing the denial of a waiver request, or negotiating a repayment plan.But eve...

How to Find An Attorney Who Will Take An Overpayment Case

If an attorney represented you at an earlier stage in your disability case, you should consider contacting that person to see if he or she can help...

How to Appeal An Alleged Overpayment

Just as Social Security sometimes mistakenly pays more benefits than were due, the agency also sometimes issues overpayment notices erroneously. If...

What If I Can't Repay The overpayment?

If you can't afford to repay the amount you owe to Social Security, you should file form SSA-632, Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery or Cha...

How to Prevent Overpayments from Happening

Recipients of SSDI and SSI are required to inform Social Security of any changes in income, employment, living situation, or marital status. A grea...

How to Find An Attorney Who Will Take An Overpayment Case

Many disability attorneys do not take overpayment cases because they have to petition Social Security to be able to charge you a fee. You can try t...

Why is it important to act fast?

Acting fast is important for the person that wants to fight the collections. If the person does not seek the Reconsideration quickly, he or she will lose the right to do so with the Administration. Then, he or she may only have the Waiver option available.

What is a waiver of overpayment?

The Waiver of Overpayment. When the person files a Waiver, he or she may declare that he or she owes money but does not have any to provide the Administration. The documentation will require the person to fill out every single detail about the financial matters of the household to the finest point.

Can you fight overpayments on Social Security?

In overpayments with the Social Security Administration, there are often only two choices when the person needs to fight action against him or her. These exist in the Request for Reconsideration and the Waiver of Overpayment as necessary through the Administration to fight the action and avoid possible penalties and further complications.

Can you request a reconsideration?

Request for Reconsideration. While a waiver request is possible at any time, the Reconsideration is not. If this Request reaches a denial, the individual may then pursue the Waiver. However, the main distinction is that the Reconsideration is the person telling the Administration that he or she does not owe any money.

How long does it take to get a forbearance?

For the full process to complete, the applicant may wait up to 30 months in total. Some take one to two years for a decision. During this procedure, the Administration may stop attempting to collect the amount when the person requests a forbearance.

Who to turn to for Social Security overpayment?

A Social Security lawyer is often the person to turn to in the overpayment situation. If the individual does not know what to do or how to proceed, he or she may need to hire a lawyer for understanding and pushing the process through further to get to the hearing and the judge. Provided by HG.org.

What is retainer fee?

A retainer represents an estimate of the number of hours it might take the attorney to work on your case. For example, if an attorney thought it would take him 15 hours to handle your overpayment case, and his usual rate is $200 per hour, then he might decide to charge you a $3,000 retainer fee before beginning work on your case (15 hours x $200).

How much do disability attorneys charge?

Usually, a disability attorney will enter into a fee agreement with you to take 25% of your disability backpay or $6,000 , whichever is less. Then, when the case is over, if you have won, Social Security forwards the attorney's fee to your attorney.

Can a disability attorney take overpayment cases?

If you are looking for an attorney to represent you in your Social Security overpayment case, you will find that many disability attorneys do not take overpayment cases. The reason has to do with Social Security's rules about how attorneys get paid.

What happens if you lose your Social Security case?

That is, if you lose your case, you will owe your attorney $3,000 in fees (if Social Security approves the request), and you will still owe the overpayment. On the other hand, if Social Security says you owe a $160,000 overpayment, and your attorney will charge you a $3,000 retainer to begin working on it, then you might decide ...

What is legal aid?

Legal Aid attorneys work for non-profit law firms whose goal is to provide free legal advice and representation to low-income individuals in civil cases. (A civil case is any kind of case that does not involve a crime. Disability cases are civil cases.) Legal Aid attorneys may be more likely to take overpayment cases than some disability lawyers, ...

What happens when Social Security overpays?

Overpayments occur when Social Security pays an individual more disability, retirement, or dependents benefits than he or she was due, often because a one's income, resources, marital status, or living situation has changed. When Social Security discovers that it has made an overpayment, it sends the beneficiary a Notice ...

Can a disability attorney take overpayment cases?

Many disability attorneys do not take overpayment cases because they have to petition Social Security to be able to charge you a fee. You can try to find an attorney by calling disability lawyers in your community and asking if they take overpayment cases, or you may be able to find a legal aid lawyer to help you with your overpayment case.

What to do if you owe Social Security money?

If Social Security says you owe a significant amount of money, it's a good idea to contact an experienced disability attorney as soon as you receive your overpayment notice to handle your appeal.

How long does it take to get a notice of overpayment from Social Security?

When Social Security discovers that it has made an overpayment, it sends the beneficiary a Notice of Overpayment stating the amount of improperly paid benefits and instructing the individual to return the excess benefits within 30 days. If you've received a Notice of Overpayment from Social Security, you do have options.

How long does it take for a hearing to be rescheduled?

More likely than not, however, it will usually take between 1-2 months for the rescheduled hearing to take place.

Can Social Security deny disability?

If you do not have a good reason for doing so, Social Security could decide to deny you benefits, regardless of whether you meet the federal definition of disability. If you provide a good reason, Social Security will usually grant your request. Social Security considers the following to be acceptable reasons to postpone a hearing: hospitalization;

James Zhidun Zhou

I typically ask for social security numbers as well in my consultations regarding bankruptcies but not for criminal defense or civil litigation work. So it depends on what your consultation is for. Social security numbers are necessary when filing for bankruptcy or in other types of legal representation.

Matthew Scott Berkus

Maybe it is a way for the attorney to determine who is serious about the services he or she offers.#N#As has been pointed out, depending on the nature of issue at hand, the SSN may be necessary for the attorney to gather the necessary background to actually help you.

Paula Brown Sinclair

Without knowing the general nature of your legal concern and reason for the consultation, it is not possible to be definite. For some areas of law, the number can be essential. For instance, the number is needed up front for the disability case reviews I do because I obtain claim files from Social Security.

What is a waiver of citation?

Typically, the person who is petitioning the court to either probate the will or be appointed as Administrator sends each distributee a waiver of citation and either a consent to probate (if there is a Will) or a consent to administration (if there is no Will). By executing a waiver and consent document, the distributee waives his ...

Can you disinherit your children?

You have the right to disinherit your children. Any of John’s children—regardless of whether they are named as beneficiaries under the will or nominated as Executor—may object to the probate of the Will, or may seek discovery prior to objecting to the Will in order to learn more about the circumstances of his estate plan and the validity ...