The process of applying for Social Security Disability can be confusing and overwhelming. Many applicants are turning to disability lawyers to handle their claims. There are several reasons for this. First, these attorneys are experts in the Social Security field and know exactly how to present your case. They know what Social Security looks for and the documents that will be needed. Second, disability lawyers handle the mountains of paperwork required to process a claim, as well as the phone calls and letters to and from Social Security. And finally, those who hire disability attorneys have their chances of being approved jump dramatically. Some disability firms have success rates as high as 90%.
So if you have decided to hire a disability lawyer but don’t know what to look for, here are five tips.
Tip #1: Immediate, professional assistance.
If you call a disability center and the person answering the call puts you off or takes a message, that may mean that the firm is short on employees, or there is a computer or electronics issue. Or it may mean that your business is not a priority. In either case, look for a disability firm that is friendly and helpful, answering any questions you may have in a professional manner.
Tip #2: Acceptance of your case no matter where you are in the process.
Many disability lawyers turn down your claim until you have been denied once or twice. This may be because the hearing level has the highest chance of success, and they don’t want to waste time waiting with you. Choose a disability firm that will accept your case from the very beginning, or even have them do your application for you if it is offered. This may result in your claim being approved sooner, as those who go unrepresented sometimes make mistakes that cost them valuable time.
Tip #3: Get on a first name basis.
Some clients believe that they should deal directly with the attorney about certain matters, and worry when other employees offer to help. In reality, it is the employees that do much of the preparation necessary to prepare a disability claim. The best disability firms will assign you to a worker who handles much of this preparation. If you have a question, he or she will usually take your calls and answer your questions, and will be familiar with your situation. If you speak with a different receptionist every time you call and no one seems to communicate about your case with each other, find another disability lawyer.
Tip #4: Status information.
The best disability lawyers make it easy for you to find out the status of your claim. Some send letters or emails to let you know what is happening with your claim, and others may give you a phone call. However, do not be alarmed if you do not hear from your disability lawyer for months at a time. Some points in the Social Security process, such as waiting for a hearing, are times when even lawyers may be finished with preparations and have nothing to do but wait. This is the way the system is set up, and not the attorney’s doing. But find a disability attorney who adequately informs you on the status of your claim.
Tip #5: Size.
Many applicants disagree here. Some say it is better to hire a disability attorney who has a small practice, because you will get more individualized attention and the lawyer will work harder on your claim. If this is your opinion, be careful not to hire a disability attorney who has little experience or who specializes in other types of law. In my opinion, it is best to find a disability lawyer who has plenty of Social Security disability experience. These lawyers often have many, many clients, because of referrals and word of mouth. Just make sure they follow the four tips above.
Wherever you are in the process of Social Security disability, and finding an attorney, best of luck.
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