13 Aug What is the Role of a Social Security Disability Attorney?
The Social Security disability application process can be overwhelming, especially during a time that your health is suffering. A Social Security Disability attorney has experience dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA). They’re very skilled with the various issues that may arise throughout the application process.
A Social Security disability attorney will function as the communicator between you and the SSA. The SSDI application process is complex. Much of the language used is often foreign to the average person. Your experienced disability attorney speaks the same language as the SSA, and thus can communicate on your behalf. In addition to serving as the middleman, your disability attorney will:
Complete an Initial Review of Your Case
No matter where you are in the application process, your attorney will carefully review your case from start to finish. After reviewing your information, your attorney will determine the best approach for moving forward. An experienced social security disability attorney will help to craft a compelling story around your case. Always developing a strategy on how your case will be won.
Ensure That Your Application is Complete
Perhaps one of the most significant mistakes Social Security disability benefits is filing an incomplete claim. A majority of applicants are denied during the initial stages of the process. That said, of the biggest factors is an incomplete application. A Social Security Disability attorney will ensure that you have completed everything during the application process.
Collect and Sort Medical Evidence on Your Behalf
Medical evidence wins and loses SSDI cases. First, you sign a medical records release. After, an experienced attorney will help gather the relevant medical evidence needed for your application. A social security disability attorney will review your medical records and will work with you to collect any missing medical tests. More importantly, he or she will sort through documents to determine which information is most important. Finally, most attorneys will work directly with your physician or other healthcare providers to gather supportive opinion statements or letters.
Stay in Communication with the Social Security Administration
The volume of claims that pass through the Social Security office is enormous. The application process is very complex and filled with deadlines A Social Security Disability attorney will communicate with the SSA on your behalf.
File Necessary Appeals
If your case is one that receives an initial denial, you may appeal the decision. There are several distinct steps in the appeals process, and all must be completed within a certain amount of time. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you navigate the appeals process.
Represent you at Disability Hearings
If you have been denied disability benefits and you appeal, you will be offered a hearing. It will then be in front of an administrative law judge. Disability hearings are stressful, and preparation is critical. A Social Security disability attorney will ensure that you are adequately prepared for your hearing. While you will still need to speak for yourself, he or she will represent you at the conference. Additionally, your lawyer will ask questions of your witnesses, as well as address any expert witnesses, such as vocational experts.
Required to Have a Social Security Disability Attorney?
No one is required to have an attorney when filing for Social Security disability. That said, your chances for approval dramatically increase when working with one. Some people are skeptical about hiring an attorney, as they may already be struggling financially due to their illness. A Social Security disability attorney does not get paid unless you win your case.