Making Changes To Your Life

3 Reasons You Need A Social Security Disability Lawyer

by Kristin Hawkins

If you are filing for Social Security disability due to an accident, injury, or disease making it impossible for you to work, then you have probably experienced a significant reduction in your income and need the benefits to pay your bills. While filing for your Social Security Disability on your own may save a few dollars, you are better off hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer. Here are a few reasons why you need one. 

1. A Social Security Disability Attorney Will Be Able To Steer You To The Right Benefit

Many people do not realize that there are two different Social Security Disability benefits. These are:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Both programs are for persons who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or over, but the programs are very different and have very different qualifying criteria. For example, to qualify for SSDI, you must have a sufficient recent work history. The exact amount required varies based on your age. SSI does not require a work history, but your monthly income and financial needs play a significant role. 

A Social Security Disability lawyer will be able to review your case and guide you to the right program. Their advice will keep you from applying to a program you may not qualify for.

2. A Social Security Disability Attorney Will Answer Your Questions

If you have ever tried to fill out your Social Security Disability application, you know some questions can be confusing. While you have the right to call Social Security and ask for additional information, getting them on the telephone can sometimes take hours, and often you can't reach them at all.

A Social Security Disability attorney can not only answer all of your questions, they will do the following for you.

  • Fill out the application on your behalf
  • Review and proofread your application for accuracy
  • Submit your application to the right agency

Hiring an attorney will ensure Social Security does not deny or return your application for being incomplete.

3. A Social Security Disability Will Gather Supporting Evidence

To get Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will require much more information beyond what you include in your application. They will need evidence to support your claim that you are disabled. Some of the supporting evidence includes:

  • Medical evidence
  • Doctor's reports
  • Appointment schedules
  • Employment information
  • Recent taxes

The agency may also ask you for your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decrees, and banking information for direct deposit. Your Social Security Disability attorney will help you gather and submit this information. For more information, contact a Social Security Disability attorney near you.

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