Are you struggling with a disability and unable to work? You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, navigating the application process and proving your disability can be challenging. That’s where a SSDI lawyer comes in. In this post, we’ll explore why it’s important to hire a SSDI lawyer and what they can do for you.
Expertise in SSDI Law
A SSDI lawyer is an expert in the laws and regulations surrounding SSDI. Applying for SSDI benefits involves a lot of paperwork and complicated legal jargon. A SSDI lawyer can help you understand the process, paperwork, and deadlines involved. They’ll also guide you through what to expect at every step, from the initial application to a hearing before a judge.
Furthermore, a SSDI lawyer can help you gather and compile the necessary medical and employment records to prove your disability. They know what the Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking for in terms of medical evidence and can help ensure that you’re submitting the right information.
Perhaps most importantly, a SSDI lawyer knows how to present your case in a way that maximizes your chances of approval. They’ll know how to frame your medical evidence and work history in a way that demonstrates the extent of your disability and inability to work. This is especially important if your initial application is denied and you need to appeal.
Less Stress and Time-Consuming
Applying for SSDI benefits can be incredibly stressful, especially if you’re struggling with a disability. You may be dealing with medical appointments, treatments, and financial worries on top of the SSDI application. A SSDI lawyer can help alleviate some of that stress by taking on the paperwork and legal requirements. They’ll also deal with the SSA on your behalf, so you don’t have to spend hours on hold or trying to explain your case to different representatives.
Hiring a SSDI lawyer can save you time as well. Without a lawyer, you could spend weeks or months gathering and organizing the necessary paperwork, making phone calls, and going back and forth with the SSA. With a SSDI lawyer, you’ll have someone handling all of that for you, freeing up your time and energy to focus on your health and well-being.
Increased Likelihood of Approval
SSDI benefits are notoriously difficult to obtain. In fact, the majority of initial applications are denied. However, the approval rate for those who hire a SSDI lawyer is significantly higher than those who don’t. Lawyers who specialize in SSDI know how to navigate the system and what the SSA is looking for in a successful claim.
For example, a SSDI lawyer can help you argue that you meet one of the SSA’s listed impairments or that your medical conditions prevent you from performing your past work or any other type of work. They’ll also help you prepare for the hearing, including outlining potential questions from the judge and preparing you for how to answer them.
No Upfront Costs and Better Chance of Maximum Benefits
Many SSDI lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This means that you don’t have to worry about upfront legal costs or hourly fees. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of your backpay, which is the retroactive benefits you’re owed from the time of your initial application until your approval. If you don’t win your case, you won’t owe any legal fees.
A SSDI lawyer can also help ensure that you receive the maximum amount of benefits you’re entitled to. There are several factors that can affect the amount of your monthly benefit, such as your work history, age, and disability onset date. A SSDI lawyer can help identify and factor in these variables to maximize your benefits.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if I’m eligible for SSDI benefits?
A: To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must be unable to work for at least one year due to a disability. You must also have earned enough work credits to qualify for benefits. The SSA has a very specific definition of disability, which means that your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing any kind of work, regardless of whether or not it’s your past work.
Q: How do I apply for SSDI benefits?
A: You can apply for SSDI benefits online at the SSA’s website, in person at a local SSA office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. To complete the application, you’ll need to provide personal information, medical records, and employment history. A SSDI lawyer can help you through this process.
Q: Can I receive SSDI benefits if I’m still working?
A: Generally, no. SSDI benefits are only available to those who are unable to work due to a disability. However, there are certain exceptions and special rules for individuals who are working while applying for benefits. A SSDI lawyer can help determine if you may be eligible for benefits even if you’re still working.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with a disability and unable to work, a SSDI lawyer can be an invaluable resource. They can help guide you through the complicated SSDI application process, alleviate stress, save you time, and increase your chances of approval for benefits. With a SSDI lawyer on your side, you can focus on your health and well-being while they handle the legal and paperwork requirements.
