The Pros And Cons Of Hiring A Social Security Disability Attorney For The Initial Application
by Joan Bradley
If you are unable to work due to a disability, you may be preparing to file for social security income, or SSI. In order to do this, an initial application will need to be filed and submitted. Based on this initial application, your case will either be accepted or denied. If it is denied, you have the option of appealing the decision. Because you have the option of appealing a denial, many people wait until their claim is denied before hiring an attorney to help them. However, there are some benefits to hiring a social security disability attorney from the onset of the case. Learning the pros and cons of hiring a social security disability attorney for the initial application will help you decide if it is right for you and your situation.
Cons of Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney for the Initial Application
- An Attorney Is Not Any More Likely to Get Your Claim Approved During the Initial Application
According to studies, most claims get denied during the initial application stage. And this happens regardless of whether you have hired an attorney or not. As such, you may want to run the risk of submitting the claim yourself as hiring an attorney may not improve your chances of getting the claim approved at this stage.
- You Have to Pay an Attorney For Their Services
A social security disability attorney can receive up to 25 percent of the amount of your back pay capped at $6,000 if your claim is approved. This can be a chunk of money that can significantly help you to live. If money is tight in your household, you may want to hold off on hiring a disability lawyer unless you have to to appeal a decision.
Pros of Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney for the Initial Application
- An Attorney Can Help You If You Don't Understand the Application
One of the benefits of hiring a social security disability lawyer is that they can help you fill out that initial application. The form is not straight forward and clear cut. You have to fill out your personal information but also include medical documentation and information. If you do not understand what is being asked of you or what to submit, you may be better off hiring an attorney from the get go to ensure it is done correctly.
- Having an Attorney Ready to Go Can Speed Up the Appeals Process
If your claim is denied during the initial application phase, and you have already hired an attorney, the attorney is already up to speed on your case and can quickly file an appeal or ask for a hearing, which can lead to you getting your benefits faster. If you don't have an attorney on board and your initial application is denied, you have to take the time to find an attorney and get them up to speed on the specifics of your case, which can slow the appeals process down.
Deciding whether or not to hire a social security disability lawyer during the initial application phase is a big decision. Learning the pros and cons of doing so can help you make the right decision for you. Visit a site like http://www.johnehornattorney.com for more information.
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About Me
You walk into your favorite grocery store and right away, you slip and fall only to sprain your ankle. You can't perform your job because it requires standing on your feet all day, which means that you can't make any money to support your family while your ankle heals. There was no warning that the floors were wet after being cleaned in the store – so what do you do? It's probably a good idea to think about filing a personal injury lawsuit. Of course, anyone with experience with a personal injury case will tell you just how important it is to work with an attorney throughout the process. I'd like to share insight I've learned through three personal injury cases that I myself have had to go through in the past. I think the information on this website can help people like you, who need some personal injury guidance.