An attorney can help you be approved for benefits.
The process of obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be a long one, and incredibly confusing for most people. There are multiple steps involved in the process, beginning with filing the initial claim for benefits. Only a third of all claims are approved at this level; most people must file a request for reconsideration, which is the first level of appeal. If that claim is denied, then the next step of appeal is a hearing.
One question that many people have with regards to the SSDI process is whether they need an attorney — and if there is any benefit to having one at a hearing. If the hearing officer (the Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ) is just going to decide the case based on the facts of whether or not you are disabled enough, is there really a benefit to hiring an attorney?
The answer to this question is absolutely — having a Social Security Disability attorney by your side through the hearing can give you a huge advantage and may make the difference in helping you be approved for benefits. Here is why.
First, at the hearing, the ALJ will ask you questions about your disability and your ability to do gainful work. Without a lawyer, you may not be able to fully explain yourself. But if you have a Social Security Disability attorney, he or she can ask you additional questions so that you can testify about your condition and explain things that the ALJ may have missed initially. This gives you a much better chance of prevailing at the hearing.
Second, when you go to the hearing, your Social Security Disability attorney will request and submit your medical records for the ALJ to review. Without a lawyer, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be doing this on your behalf. While the SSA will make the request, it is not the same as having an advocate such as your own attorney make the request and follow up with the ALJ to confirm that the records are there and complete in advance of the hearing.
Third, your Social Security Disability attorney can prepare you for the hearing. He or she understands the law, and the standard by which the ALJ will make the decision on your case. Your lawyer will go over your testimony with you, and help you to testify in a way that helps you put your best foot forward, so that your chances of being approved for benefits are increased.
Fourth, your Social Security Disability attorney can make legal arguments as to how your medical condition qualifies as a disabling condition, or why it is that you are unable to perform gainful employment. Without a skilled lawyer on your side, these arguments may not be made, and you could be denied SSDI benefits.
The attorneys of PLBH are highly skilled at representing clients seeking SSDI benefits. We represent Social Security benefits clients on a contingency fee basis, which means that we will not charge you a fee if we do not obtain benefits for you. Contact our office today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com to learn more about how we can help you if you are considering apply for SSDI benefits and would like assistance with the process. Initial consultations are always free!