Hiring A Services Of A Social Security Lawyer
Posted by admin on Sep 23, 2009
There are many ways by which hiring a social security lawyer can be beneficial to you. Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a quite a challenging experience, and doing so without a social security lawyer can make it considerably more difficult. A competent social security lawyer can make it easier for you to avail of such benefits, which are often granted depending on your qualifying points. With the many different kinds of Social Security disability benefits available, a social security lawyer can help you sort through them and help find the one that best fits your needs. A social security lawyer will even be able to guide you through the qualification process.
There are several benefits for disabled persons as provided by the Social Security System. The rules for each one can be quite complicated, which is why hiring a social security lawyer can be helpful. A social security lawyer can help you differentiate between the various kinds so you can choose the one that is right for you. This article will go into detail about two types of benefits in particular; Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income or SSI. SSDI considers factors such as work history and disability, and SSI considers factors such as income, old age and blindness.
A social security lawyer can help you in the SSDI application process if you are currently in a physical or mental state that keeps you from working. You are also eligible for the program if you have been disabled for 12 months, you expect to be disabled for the same period, or if death is a possible result of your condition. Keep in mind that you do not have to wait for 12 months before filing your claim, if you expect to be disabled for that long.
There are situations wherein the Social Security office will overpay you. When that happens, and the Social Security office made the mistake, yet they ask you to return the excess amount, a social security lawyer can help you in the process of filing for a waiver. The social security lawyer can also stand in for you if you have to face a court appeal that will decide on whether you have to pay back the excess amount or not.
Can a Social Security Lawyer Help My Claim Be Approved?
Posted by admin on Sep 22, 2009
Q: Will hiring a social security lawyer decrease the chances that my disability claim will be denied?
A: Having a social security lawyer on your side does not assure that you will be awarded social security disability benefits. A social security lawyer, however, can assure that your claim will be correctly filed. Only a small percentage of disability claims are awarded after that initial and reconsideration review processes. You should file an appeal, if your case is not approved. Hiring a social security lawyer to help your case through the appeal and hearing processes is advisable. An experienced lawyer knows the appeals process well and brings expertise that will be invaluable during an appeal. If you are awarded benefits after the hearing process, your social security lawyer will walk you through applying for retroactive benefit payments and assure the correct onset date is established. You can certainly choose to represent your claim yourself. Most people, however, seek an attorney to help them through the process to assure that everything is completed fairly and correctly.
Q: What happens if you miss the hearing date for your social security disability claim?
A: Being absent from a scheduled hearing is not recommended.If you were unable to attend the hearing for a good reason, it is likely that another hearing date can be scheduled. Legitimate reasons are those that were not expected and emergencies. Some common emergencies include illness, family circumstances, medical circumstances and transportation issues. If you did not know you had a hearing because you did not receive notification, contact your claim representative immediately. It is important that your claims representative at Social Security has all your current contact information, so that mailed notifications will be sent to your correct address. A social security lawyer would have assured that you knew about your scheduled hearing. A notice of hearing date is sent to your lawyer and you. If you knew about your scheduled hearing and missed it on purpose, your claim is in jeopardy of being dismissed. You will then have to reapply for disability, if that occurs. Consider seeking the counsel of a social security lawyer to assist you in securing a new date for your hearing and the process of the hearing itself.
Q: Are SSDI and SSI the same thing?
A: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are two different programs. Individuals who have contributed to Social Security via their paychecks and, consequently, earned enough work credits are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on financial need. SSI is not based on work history.
Three Important Facets of a Supporting Letter from Your Doctor Regarding Your Social Security Benefits Application
Posted by admin on Sep 9, 2009
Q: When filing for social security disability, what should you do to increase the likelihood that your application will be approved?
A: Although most disability applications for social security benefits are not approved after the initial review process, there are definitely some things you can do to make sure you give your case the best foundation. Having a doctor who supports your decision to file for disability is integral to helping your case. The statement from your physician regarding how your condition affects your ability to work is extremely important. Delayed receipt of medical records is one of the main reasons disability claims get hung up in the review process. Assure that you have submitted thorough and current copies of all your medical data. This also applies if you file for reconsideration or appeal for a hearing. Always be cordial and polite when dealing with Social Security. No one is trying to find a way to deny you social security benefits. By being as cooperative and available as you can, it makes it easier for them to fairly process your case. The fourth way to help your claim is to always meet required deadlines. Knowing where your file is in the cycle and what deadline dates are needed for forms will help you stay on top of your social security benefits case. Many people find the claims process for social security benefits confusing and daunting. If you fear you cannot properly apply or respond to requests, you would be wise to consider hiring a social security attorney.
Q: What should the statement from your doctor say when applying for social security disability?
A: The letter your physician provides for your social security benefits file will need several components to solidly support your claim. First, the letter should explain your condition or injury. Secondly, your physician should explain how your condition affects your activity and ability to work. Lastly, the statement should provide a prognosis for your specific situation.
Q: Are reconsideration and appeal the same thing in the social security benefits process?
A: Both are part of the appeals process. The first step if your claim was not approved after the initial review process is to file for reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of when you received notification that your application was denied. If your claim is not awarded benefits after reconsideration, your next step is to request a hearing. Some states may be skipping the reconsideration process right now, so check with your claims representative to see whether you should file for reconsideration or move on to the hearing process.