Should You Hire a Social Security Attorney?
Posted by admin on Mar 11, 2009
Q: Will hiring a social security attorney help me get approval for social security disability benefits?
A: You do not necessarily need to hire a social security attorney. A fair number of applications submitted for social security disability benefits are not approved. Those wishing to appeal their case would be wise to seek counsel from a social security attorney. Keep in mind that just because you have a social security attorney, that alone does not guarantee that you will win your appeal. It simply helps to assure that your case is properly handled. The experience a social security attorney can bring to your case will be invaluable during a hearing.
Q: When should I apply for social security disability benefits?
A: You should apply for benefits as soon as you become unable to work due to your injury. Although the current estimated time of application processing is 90 to 120 days, it is not uncommon for the process to take over 6 months. For this reason, you will want to submit your application as early as you can. The process will take even longer, if your case is not initially approved and you wish to appeal. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, you may want to contact a social security attorney.
Q: What is the difference between SSDI and SSI? Q: Are disability benefits and SSI the same thing?
A: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both benefits through the Social Security Administration offered to individuals who can no longer work due to injury. Individuals are eligible for SSDI, if they have been in the workforce and accrued enough credit to receive benefits. SSI benefits are distributed to those with limited income and assets, regardless of work history.
In spite of that, it is important to understand that, while your claim is under review, how your limited work is perceived by the disability examiner for your case can affect the decision. Regardless of whether you pick up work while awaiting a decision about your social security benefits, it is wise to take action now in case your claim takes longer than originally expected. Get rid of discretionary budget items and, instead, set aside the money. Many claimants refinance their property, so they will have money to put toward living costs while they wait. If you currently rent, look into finding a less expensive property.
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Provide a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are married, bring your marriage certificate. If you have children, have supporting documents that confirm their status as your dependents. Provide a DD Form 214, if you were part of the armed services. Years of service can often positively affect your benefit payments.
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Contact family and friends who may be able to offer short term financial support. Submit applications for public assistance programs. Contact your utility companies to see if they offer aid programs. Many medical billing departments will work out payment plans, if they know your particular financial situation. There are many non profit organizations that also provide assistance.
Given the current backlog, however, reviews are not necessarily being conducted on that schedule. That means that your file could undergo a review when you do not expect it. The purpose of the reviews are to make sure that Social Security has the most current information about your medical and employment situation. The review will note changes in your condition that may or may not affect your eligibility for benefits. A social security lawyer can assist you with any issues that may arise as a result of a continuing disability review.
If you currently rent, look into finding a less expensive property. Some claimants are able to rely on loved ones for a loan or other resources during the interim period. Apply for any and all state and federal aid programs for which you qualify. Contact your utility companies to see if they offer aid programs. Many medical billing departments will work out payment plans, if they know your particular financial situation.
There are many factors that can influence the length of time it takes for your application to be reviewed. And there are things that you can do to increase the likelihood that your social security disability case does not hit snags that will slow down the process. A common cause for delay is medical documents that have yet to arrive. It is important, therefore, to assure that your complete medical records have been sent to the disability examiner handling your case. Participate in any exams your claims representative may request.
If an application is not approved, you can apply for reconsideration and, if you are denied again, appeal to have your case heard before an administrative judge. The additional steps add time to process, of course. By the time a claimant has his case heard before a judge, he has often been waiting 2 years. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to anticipate the length of time it will take for a decision to be rendered on a claim for disability benefits. Many claimants struggle to support themselves and their families, while they are in limbo waiting for an answer about their particular social security benefits case.
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A claimant whose physician no longer supports his claim anywhere during the claims process should get another physician. It may seem like a difficult task, but it will be time well spent. There is too much at stake to not have a doctor on your side. It is almost impossible to win a social security benefits claim with an unresponsive or unsupportive physician.
Q: Can forgetting to respond to a letter or notice affect your chances of being awarded social security benefits?
A: Not responding to letters or notifications can absolutely have a negative impact on your claim.