Sure, you have a right to represent yourself when you are making plans to file a claim for social security disability benefits, but stop and carefully think over such a decision. Filing for social security disability is a complicated process. The claim you're about to file has a better chance of being approved when you have a social security attorney representing you from the beginning. That attorney has the experience to begin the process by efficiently assisting you with the initial application.
Complicated Application Process
Many claimants find the application process frustrating and become confused and indecisive about what their chances are of receiving benefits from this government program. By hiring an experienced attorney to handle your case, you can rest assured that every angle of your case will be examined to make sure that you do have the chance to claim disability benefits under the law.
What To Expect From Attorney Representation
Your qualified attorney will provide you with a free consultation. During that consultation, the attorney will determine whether you have a sound case to effectively move ahead with the application. You are more likely to be approved when you have an attorney who evaluates your case and assists you with your application. Your experienced disability attorney takes the information he gleans from you and then favorably uses the facts to strengthen your claim. He or she easily determines which of the pre-determined impairment categories your disability condition falls under.
Providing Evidence
Your attorney ensures that Social Security receives the necessary medical evidence needed to award you disability benefits. He or she will provide evidence of possible hospitalizations, which will result in appropriate medical records for the agency's examination. If your case requires it, the agency might ask for supporting documents from your workplace. All of the medical documents and other statements strengthen your case.
The Social Security Hearing
At some point in time, you will face a judge at your Social Security hearing. Your attorney will have prepared you for this process. Ask any questions you may have during this preparation period. This pre-hearing effectively prepares you for the type of questions and answers you'll be expected to face at the formal hearing. The pre-hearing process enables you to deliver a compelling testimony before a judge on the hearing date. Be aware that your attorney will be right there standing beside you on the hearing date.
What About Attorney Fees?
Disability attorneys work for you on a contingency fee agreement basis. This means that you will not face upfront charges from your attorney. Your attorney receives payment only when your disability claim is approved. Before approving your legal fees, SSA reviews the agreement to make sure that it abides by regulations as set forth in the contingency fee agreement that you signed previous to the approval.
To learn more, contact a law office like Gordon & Pont.