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The Right Time to Speak with a Social Security Disability Attorney

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

The Social Security application process can be slow and complicated. If your ability to work has been impacted by an injury or medical condition, you should file for benefits that can help you and your family. Workers who are wondering when to talk to a Social Security disability lawyer should contact one as soon as possible, even if you aren’t sure if you qualify for benefits. An experienced attorney can assist you with filing paperwork correctly, collecting medical evidence, and help you deal with any appeals.

Why Hire a Disability Attorney?

Disability attorneys can help you sort through the complex paperwork and Social Security Administration (SSA) hearings process, and can dramatically improve your chances of being approved. Since there are different criteria for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it is easy to get confused about how different rules apply to each program.

When Should I Call a Lawyer?

Ideally, you should call a Social Security attorney before filing an application. Since an attorney can provide valuable information about the application and approval process, you should call as soon as possible for a free consultation. An attorney can explain how the rules and criteria apply to your case.

Ways Your Attorney Can Improve Your Chances

Having legal representation throughout the process can help you get file everything correctly and on-time. There are special criteria and rules for different types of benefits and failing to include all the required information can cause your application to be rejected.

Hiring an Attorney-The Real Cost

The federal government has laws that govern how much Social Security lawyers can charge clients. Additionally, there is no attorney’s fee for applicants whose applications are denied.

If you currently are receiving no disability benefits and are unable to work, you need to apply and win benefits as soon as possible. Not contacting an attorney could cost you thousands of dollars in benefits if your application is denied.

What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Disability Lawyer or Advocate?

An attorney will know the best ways to make your disability clear to the Administrative Law Judge who hears your case. Experienced lawyers know how to collect and document medical evidence, including how to obtain expert opinions from your doctors. In some cases, a lawyer may ask you to undergo additional medical testing to help prove your disability.

I’ve Already Submitted an Application to the SSA. Is it too Late to Hire a Disability Lawyer?

A disability lawyer can help you with any stage of the approval or appeals process. Even if you have already submitted your application, you can schedule a free consultation with an attorney while you wait for results. An experienced attorney can help you know what to expect.

Reasons to Speak with a Disability Attorney

Having a disability attorney on hand can help speed up the process by avoiding denials and other problems. Over 65% of disability benefits applicants are initially rejected, largely due to applicants not knowing how to file correctly.

How do social security lawyers help people get approved?

Social security lawyers help people avoid the mistakes that often result in rejections. Common mistakes include filing forms incorrectly, applying for the wrong benefits, and presenting incomplete evidence. Since the SSA benefits approval process involves many laws and regulations, it sometimes takes an expert with legal training to sort through everything.

What are the requirements for social security disability?

SSDI is for individuals who have earned work credits by being employed earlier in life. There is a five-month waiting period before disabled individuals can receive benefits. If you are currently working, your income must be less than $1,220 per month, and your disability must be long-term and severe. Your disability must also be listed in the SSA’s “blue book” of recognized severe disabilities.

In order to qualify for disability benefits, your medical ability must have reduced the number of hours you can work

The SSA considers how many hours you are able to work as part of your SSDI application. You are not considered eligible for benefits if you can change to another line of work, even if your new job pays you less.

Should I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

If your ability to work full-time has been impacted by a disability, you should consider applying for SSDI and SSI. If you have not worked very often throughout your life because you were raising children or struggled to find work, you might only be eligible for SSI. It’s important to talk to an attorney to make sure you know what to expect and file for the correct benefits.

When should I file?

If your medical condition is affecting your ability to work, you should talk to an attorney and file your benefits application as soon as possible. The SSA takes months to sort through cases and approve your benefits. If you wait for your financial situation to get worse, you may jeopardize your ability to pay your bills.

Can I try to work while my social security disability case is pending?

Technically, you can try to work while your case is pending. However, working too many hours, making too much money, or doing work that is physically demanding may hurt your case. The SSA is very strict about its definitions of “disabled,” so you should consult with a lawyer regarding your work and your disability application.

How long does it take to process my social security disability claim?

SSDI claims typically take between 3-5 months to process, but can take much longer depending on several factors. If your application is rejected and you must file an appeal, then the appeals process may take several more months.

What a Lawyer Can and Can’t Do

A lawyer is limited in how much they can speed up the process, but they can help you avoid unfair denials and other delays. They can help you file forms correctly, collect medical records from your doctors, and manage disability hearings. If your claim is denied, they can figure out a strategy for winning the appeal.

How to Find the Right Lawyer

To maximize your chances of winning your case, you need to talk to a Social Security disability lawyer with experience and skills. A good attorney must know how to use medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to help you get the benefits you deserve.

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we have a team of attorneys with decades of experience in disability benefit cases. We have the expert knowledge of Eileen Kroll, a registered nurse and licensed attorney who can help assess your case. Don’t delay in reaching out – we can make sure your claim gets filed correctly the first time, preventing months of delays due to appeals.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.

Ms. Barry is studying Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. She has won multiple awards both for her persuasive and creative writing and has written extensively on the topics of medical malpractice law, personal and birth injury law, product liability law. When she's not researching and writing about these topics, she edits a literary magazine and tutors students at Penn's writing center.

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