If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and earning a living, you could be eligible for benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI pays you a monthly disability check and makes you eligible for Medicare.
To receive SSDI, you must file an application with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and submit evidence showing that you are unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The SSDI application process can be lengthy, complex, and often frustrating. But you can simplify it and boost your chances of approval by hiring a lawyer.
A Lawyer Can Offer Advantages
A Social Security disability lawyer offers a host of advantages when you are applying for SSDI. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney from the Disability Advantage Group, call us today at 865-566-0800.
A Lawyer Can Evaluate the Strength of Your Claim
For your SSDI claim to be successful, you need compelling evidence. For one thing, SSDI is an all-or-nothing proposition, meaning it does not offer benefits for partial disability. If you do not make a convincing case that your condition keeps you from being gainfully employed, you will not likely get approved for benefits.
Before you submit your application and supporting evidence, your lawyer can evaluate it and give you an objective analysis of its strength. This can save you a lot of time and frustration if your claim is lacking in any area.
Rather than submitting it, waiting for months, then receiving a denial and having to start from square one with an appeal, with the help of your attorney you can address the parts of your application that need strengthening. That way you have the best chance of getting benefits on the first try.
A Lawyer Can Help You Prepare Your Initial Application
When is the best time to sit down with a lawyer about filing an SSDI application? Ideally, you should make an appointment with an attorney as soon as you decide to apply for SSDI.
If the prospect of paying attorney fees is holding you back, keep in mind that most reputable Social Security disability attorneys offer free consultations and case evaluations. You can receive free advice on your claim before you even decide if you want to hire a particular attorney.
Once you decide to work with an attorney, they can guide you through the application process from start to finish. This can take a tremendous burden off your shoulders. Most disability lawyers have filed hundreds of claims on behalf of clients. They know the ins and outs of the process, which eliminates guesswork and trial and error.
A Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the Appeals Process
If you already applied for SSDI and did not receive the response you wanted, a lawyer can help you make the most out of the appeals process. It happens in several stages, starting with a request for reconsideration. At this first stage, you can resubmit your claim with any additional evidence you can gather to strengthen it.
Your lawyer can lead the way, helping you make sense of why you got denied and determining what you need to show the SSA to make it change its mind.
Hearing in Front of a Judge
If your request for reconsideration is not successful, you can then request a face-to-face hearing in front of a judge. This stage offers the highest success rate—but it is important that you approach it properly if you want to emerge with benefits.
Your lawyer will help you prepare for your hearing, including anticipating the questions the judge may ask you. When your hearing date arrives, your lawyer will be there beside you guiding the proceedings.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?
Some applicants hesitate to call an attorney because of the cost. But this should not be an issue. First, most attorneys offer a free initial consultation. If you decide to move forward, there should not be any out-of-pocket fees, nor will the lawyer take any of your monthly benefit checks once you get approved.
Your Lawyer Receives Part of Your Back Pay
Instead, your lawyer takes their fee from your back pay—the check you get to cover the period between your application date and approval date. Typically, your attorney’s cut is 25 percent, so if your back pay is $8,000, your attorney’s fee would be $2,000.
This brings up another advantage of getting an attorney involved as soon as possible in the process. A lawyer can help you get approved for benefits quickly and on the first try. The faster this happens and you start receiving benefits, the less of your benefits get tied up in back pay, which means a smaller amount will go to attorney’s fees.
To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Social Security Disability Lawyer, Call 865-566-0800
If you are ready to start the SSDI application process, the Disability Advantage Group, wants to help. We want to offer you the advantages of getting a lawyer for SSDI.
To speak with us, call 865-566-0800.