Do you need a lawyer for your Social Security disability appeal? You have worked hard and paid into the system. Now it is time to collect on that because you have been injured and cannot work anymore.
You play by the book, go to your doctor appointments, get all the paperwork and send in your application for Social Security disability.
No money is coming in. You are getting desperate, waiting on a reply from the Social Security Office. Finally, it arrives in the mail.
You rip open the envelope. Denied! Now what?
If this sounds like you, you are not alone. At least 70% of people get denied the first time they apply for Social Security disability.
Many people give up when they receive the first denial letter and do not bother filing a social security disability appeal. That is a mistake.
Here are five ways a lawyer for social security disability appeal can help.
Experience Requires Time & Education
It is hard to understand all the jargon and terminology involved in disability claims and appeals. The Social Security Administration has a list of rules and regulations that can be confusing to the average person.
A lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability benefits has the experience to cut through all the red tape. It is hard enough for someone who is already dealing with an injury and all the doctor’s appointments to have to try to figure out the paperwork involved.
According to the SSA, 31% of applicants get denied for reasons not related to their medical condition. Frankly, a big portion of this 31% is because of not filing the correct paperwork or missed deadlines.
Your Attorney Knows How to Provide the Right Evidence
Your attorney will communicate with your physician and any other medical facility to get required medical records. If witnesses are needed to strengthen your case, your lawyer will present them at your hearing.
An experienced SSD lawyer knows the evidence that will strengthen your case, so you have the best chance of winning.
Your Lawyer Will Be at Your Side
When you do have to go in front of the judge, you will have your lawyer by your side. He or she will help prepare you for the questions you will face.
There will be medical experts at the hearing, and your attorney will ask the right questions during cross-examination to help your case.
Reduces Stress for Your Social Security Disability Appeal
It can take up to two years or longer to get your case resolved. Much of this depends on the complexity of the case, and where you live.
After your initial application, it takes on average, six months to receive a decision. After your first appeal, it takes anywhere from two to seven months.
These lingering timelines can be highly frustrating, exhausting and stressful.
Because of all the paperwork and phone calls, it is easy to become overwhelmed and you may feel like giving up. Having an attorney can help you see the end goal more clearly to keep you going in the right direction.
SSD Attorneys Work on a Contingency Basis
It can be difficult for a person who is struggling to pay the bills because of the lack of income. How are you supposed to have money to pay for a lawyer?!?!
Good news! An SSD lawyer receives payment only after winning your case.
The Social Security Administration regulates legal representative’s fees, and the lawyers must file a fee petition or fee agreement with the SSA.
The average payment to a lawyer for SSD representation is 25% of the past-due benefits with a maximum of $6,000. Some disability lawyers will charge for any out-of-pocket costs as well.
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