Social Security disability (SSD) benefits can help you pay for necessities. But you may have to fight for the benefits you need. By having a disability lawyer on your side, you increase your chances of success. Given the complexities involved in the SSD application process, it makes sense to get help from the get-go. Read to know why hiring a disability attorney can increase your chances of winning your case:
Approval Rates are Low for Applications Who Don’t Hire a Lawyer
Generally, the SSA denies the majority of disability claims. Those who are approved tend to have very serious medical or mental health issues that they can’t work. And a lot of those whose claims are initially denied also cannot work, but their claims lack documentation and clarity. These denied applicants could have increased their chances of being approved for benefits if they worked with an attorney.
Reconsideration
If your claim has been denied, you can request a reconsideration, so a new SSA employee will review your claim. At this stage, an attorney can help you collect documentation to increase your chances of success in your claim.
Disability Hearings
If your claim is still denied at the reconsideration level, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Your chances of success at this level will increase if you have a lawyer representing you. Lawyers know the ALJs in your area because they have probably appeared before them many times over. Also, an attorney knows the evidence to present. Aside from complete medical records, you also need to get supportive statements from your family members and friends as well as opinion letters from physicians to bring your medical records to life. Also, these pieces of evidence can describe how your disability prevents you from doing a full-time job. Your attorney can collect this documentation and presents this to the ALJ assigned to hear your case.
Moreover, your attorney can challenge the evidence presented by vocational experts against you. And given their extensive experience in disability hearings, they know exactly what to do when you request a hearing.
Appeals Council
If the ALJ still denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council of the SSA to review the decision of the judge for errors. Your lawyer knows exactly how to frame appeal problems to have the Council effectively review the decision of the ALJ.
Federal Court Appeal
Lastly, if the decision of the ALJ is overturned by the Council, your attorney can file a lawsuit in a federal court. If you have a lawyer representing you, there is a good chance that the judge sends your case to the ALJ to be heard again, with new evidence being considered.