why would i need an attorney for disability

A lawyer provides a realistic description of your case. Working with a lawyer gives you confidence as you apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Whether you have physical or mental health problems that prevent you from working, get the confidence and peace that comes from having a knowledgeable, experienced lawyer working for you.

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Should you hire a disability lawyer?

An experienced disability attorney knows what evidence is needed to win your claim. If you have a lumbar spine impairment, a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, or suffer from clinical depression, an experienced Social Security attorney can make requests to your doctors to get the evidence necessary to prove your claim. 3.

How does a disability lawyer get paid?

Why Do I Need a Lawyer? There are many reasons to work with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney as you pursue benefits. Some of the main reasons include: Understanding what to expect — Many people file their own initial applications forSocial Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits only to be rejected. A very high percentage of …

How much does a Social Security disability lawyer cost?

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a difficult process. The paperwork can seem overwhelming, and making even a small mistake can lead to delay or denial of your claim. By having an experienced attorney assisting you in the process as early as possible — at either the initial or reconsideration level — you gain the …

How can I get a disability lawyer for free?

Having an SSI attorney gives you these advantages: Your SSI attorney will communicate with the SSA on your behalf. Your SSI attorney will help build your file with the right information. Your SSI attorney will connect the symptoms of your disability …

What are the chances of getting approved for disability?

On average, 35% of claimants get approved on the first application, 10% get approved if they appeal a denial of their application which is called a reconsideration, and approximately 50% get approved during an Administrative Law Judge hearing.

What determines legal disability?

An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.Feb 24, 2020

What are examples of legal disabilities?

These medical conditions are:Deafness.Blindness.Diabetes.Cancer.Epilepsy.Intellectual disabilities.Partial or completely missing limbs.Mobility impairments requiring the use of a wheel chair.More items...

What is considered severe disability?

According to HUD's definition, persons are considered to have a severe disability if they meet criteria 1, 6 or 9, or have Alzheimer's disease, or another mental/developmental disability; or are unable to perform or need help to perform one or more of the activities in criteria 2, 3, 4, 7 or 8.

What do vocational experts testify about?

It is common for a vocational expert and a medical expert to testify at your hearing. These are people you have never met. The vocational expert will summarize your work history for the last 15 years. The medical expert will summarize the medical records and give his/her opinion as to your limitations. The experienced disability attorneys at West Coast Disability Legal Center not only know the law but understand vocational factors and medical terminology to make sure you are treated fairly at the Administrative Law Judge hearing.

Can a disability attorney miss a deadline?

An experienced disability attorney will not miss a deadline. Social Security claims have very specific time frames that cannot be missed. Our experienced attorneys are aware of what the regulations require and meet every deadline.

Can a non-attorney handle SSDI?

The Social Security Administration allows non-attorney representatives to handle cases if they meet certain criteria, but they are not licensed lawyers. Non-attorney representatives can charge the same fee as an attorney, so why not hire an experienced attorney at West Coast Disability Law Group since we have represented thousands of people just like you. Additionally, non-attorney representatives cannot handle Social Security Disability claims at the Federal court level while an attorney can.

An Experienced Lawyer Can Prevent You From Doing Things That Will Hurt Your Case

Many people believe that the information they are providing to the Social Security Administration (SSA) is helpful when, in fact, they are hurting their cases.

Contact My Firm To Learn How An Experienced Lawyer Can Help

You need someone on your side — someone who can help you avoid mistakes, protect your interests throughout the process and possibly even make suggestions regarding your medical care.

What does a SSI attorney do?

Your SSI attorney will help build your file with the right information. Your SSI attorney will connect the symptoms of your disability to the letter of the law, to best help you win benefits. If you are denied and need to appeal, your SSI attorney knows exactly how to strengthen your claim.

How to find a good SSDI attorney?

Quick Tips on Choosing an SSI Attorney: 1 Choose a law firm that specializes in disability. 2 Choose a law firm that is local and knows the judges and administrators in your county. 3 Choose a law firm with the most experience in SSDI and SSI. 4 Choose a law firm that treats you like an individual, not a number. 5 An SSI attorney isn’t paid unless they win your case.

What is the difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income?

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need. If you are applying for SSI, you have limited income and resources and have not paid enough ...

Can I apply for disability without an attorney?

Let’s start with what it would be like to apply for SSI disability without an attorney. First, you would be responsible for all documentation and research regarding your own case. You would need to file all your initial documents and attach the most important medical records to your file. This would include knowing the right documents to fill out, ...

Can I get SSI if I have limited income?

If you are applying for SSI, you have limited income and resources and have not paid enough into Social Security to be eligible to receive benefits directly from Social Security. SSI is instead funded by taxpayer dollars.

How We Can Help You With Your Case

At the Law Offices of Sharon J. Meyers, in Kansas City, Missouri, we gather all the medical records that exist and request additional reports from your doctors if your records are incomplete.

Pursue The Full Benefits You Deserve Today

Once we help you win your case, we ensure that Social Security officials calculate your benefits correctly. This includes ensuring that the SSA accurately determines your “disability onset” date, which has an important impact on the amount of back pay you receive.

How much can a disability lawyer charge?

The maximum amount a disability lawyer can charge is 25 percent of your backpay. The maximum an attorney can receive from your backpay is $6,000. As an example, if your backpay is $12,000, your attorney will receive $3,000 and you will receive the remaining $9,000. Your attorney can advance you the expenses associated with your case.

What happens if you are denied a disability?

When your claim is denied, you will be sent a notice of denial. That notice will explain why your claim was denied and/or what evidence was lacking. Your disability lawyer will be able to review that denial notice and determine what needs to be provided to get your claim approved.

What happens if your claim is denied?

If your original claim is denied, your attorney will represent you at any necessary appeals, such as reconsideration and hearing proceedings. He or she can collect and submit key medical evidence, communicate with your doctor and any other medical professionals who have treated you, and prepare you for any questions that the administrative law judge may ask. They may also be able to move your case forward more quickly, especially if you are in dire financial need or your condition is terminal.

How long does it take to get a disability claim?

For a new disability claim, the average processing time can vary from 3 months to 9 months. For claims that are appealed following the initial denial, the processing varies from 8 to 16 months in most cases.

Can a lawyer help with Social Security disability?

Social Security Disability attorneys understand the application process. They know how to present your case in a way that makes your disability obvious and not a matter of conjecture, and can assist you in obtaining the necessary medical documentation from your doctor and the hospitals where you received treatment. A lawyer can help you understand the Blue Book listing and make sure you meet the criteria. The risk of your claim being rejected due to insufficient medical proof of disability is greatly reduced.

What is administrative law hearing?

An administrative law judge hearing is just like any case in court. You will testify before a judge, and medical and vocational experts may be called to testify. You should be prepared to respond to the questions, and your attorney will be able to help you get ready for this.

Do I need an attorney to file for disability?

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complicated and confusing process. Most applicants don’t know how to fill out the necessary paperwork and submit the correct medical documentation. This is a primary reason why over 65% of disability claims are originally denied. While you don’t technical ly need an attorney to represent you ...

What is the Social Security disability process?

First applicants gather medical records and submit an initial application. SSA reviews the records and application to determine if the applicant is indeed disabled and meets the requirements for Social Security disability benefits.

How can an attorney help prepare for the ALJ hearing?

Hiring an attorney can make sure your initial application is handled appropriately with proper documentation and all required records are included. Your attorney can then submit your request for reconsideration and then request a hearing with the ALJ.