Should you get a Social Security Disability Lawyer? How much does a lawyer charge for a Social Security disability claim? When should you hire a disability attorney? These are all important questions to ask when considering disability benefits. If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits or are getting ready to apply for SSI or SSDI and need the help of a Social Security Disability Attorney, you’ve come to the right place.
If you or someone you know is unable to work because of a long-term disability, you may be eligible to receive social security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) from the government.
However, before you choose a social security disability lawyer to help you, here are the factors to consider.
The Social Security Disability Process is Long
First, applying for Social Security disability is a long process. The average claim can take between 2-3 years.
About 2.5 million Social Security Disability benefit applications are made every year and 70% of these initial applications for Social Security disability benefits are rejected.
If your disability claim has been rejected, you can enlist an attorney for help.
What a Social Security Disability Lawyer can do for you
The Social Security disability process can be long and complicated. Here’s the list of things an attorney can help you with regarding your claim. They can:
- Determine if you qualify for benefits
- Secure the detailed documentation necessary to support your application
- File the necessary paperwork
- Meet all important deadlines
- Help you obtain medical benefits
- Appeal a claim that has been denied
- Represent you at your Administrative Law Judge hearing
5 Things to Consider before hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer
Here are 5 things to look for in a Social Security Disability Attorney:
Credentials & Reputation
First, be sure to identify a lawyer with special knowledge and expertise in Social Security disability claims who knows their way around the system.
How long has the lawyer been in practice? Has the lawyer worked on other cases similar to your situation?
What is their success rate with cases similar to yours?
Make sure the lawyer you choose has a solid reputation, track record, and ethical grounding.
How much does a lawyer Charge for Social Security Disability?
Most Social Security Disability Lawyers charge you little or nothing upfront.
That is because most Social Security Disability lawyers will only get paid if they win your claim for you. If you get nothing, you owe the lawyer nothing.
Once you win your case, the lawyer will take their fees from your backpay.
Social Security disability lawyers typically take up to 25% of your past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $6,000.
However, once they take your case, there may be some administrative cost that you will have to pay out of pocket.
This includes requests for medical records, psychological records, etc.
Therefore, before hiring a Disability lawyer, ask about their fee structure – including what is paid by the Social Security Administration and what you have to pay out of pocket.
How They Manage Cases
Another important factor to consider before hiring a disability lawyer is how they handle their caseload.
Here, you want to understand how involved the attorney is going to be – including if and how they are going to help you get all the documents, information, tests, and evidence you need for your case.
Furthermore, if you are to appear before a judge, will they be there with you in person?
Location
How close is the lawyer’s office to where you live? If you have to meet in person, where are you going to meet, and is that convenient for you?
Comfort Level
As mentioned above, Social Security disability cases can take up to three years to get through the appeals process.
Since 70% of the initial applications are rejected, it is more than likely that your case will have to go through the appeals process.
It is important to make sure you are comfortable with the attorney, including what they are telling you about the process.
Is the attorney someone you think will be invested and interested in your case to put in the best effort to help you through the process?
How to Find the Best Social Security Disability Lawyer Summary
We hope this post on How to Find the Best Social Security Disability Lawyer helpful.
If you have further questions about Social Security or Disability benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.
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