Should you talk to an Attorney before you file a Disability Claim with Social Security?This is a common question that gets a fairly common response; however, I was asked this question by someone whose situation is a classic example of when it may make perfect sense to talk to an attorney who handles disability cases, or a non-attorney disability representative. Before addressing the individual's specific situation, what is the standard answer to the question, "Should you think of getting a lawyer before you have been denied for disability, or before you have even filed a disability claim?". The answer for many people will be: "No, wait until your claim has been denied at least once before getting a lawyer". The rationale behind this answer is that when a person gets a lawyer and files the paperwork for representation--which includes a fee agreement and signing an SSA-1696 appointment of representative form--if the disability case is won the lawyer will be fully entitled to receiving a fee even if they did very little on the case. (Note: The fee is equal to one-fourth of the claimant's back pay up to a certain maximum -- to see the current maximum, visit this page: How much does a Social Security Disability attorney or lawyer get paid?). Why should a person pay a disability lawyer for providing services if no services, or very little in the way of services, was actually provided? Most would conclude that there is no reason for doing this. In other words, if the bulk of the lawyer's work only occurs after the claim has been denied at the disability application level, getting a lawyer can easily wait until the claim has been initially denied. My own opinion in this area is that a person would be ill-advised to go to a disability hearing where the decision is made by a federal judge (and where expert vocational and medical witnesses may be called by the judge--solely at their discretion--to provide pivotal testimony) without representation. Furthermore, if a person receives a denial on a disability application, the argument can be made that they might as well get disability representation before their case is decided at the next level (the reconsideration appeal level). This is simply because most reconsideration appeals are likewise denied, making the need for requesting a hearing nearly a foregone conclusion. In other words, if you get denied once, you are, statistically speaking, highly likely to get denied again, and you will probably have to go to a hearing in order to win disability benefits...so you might as well get a disability attorney. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How far back do you get disability benefits in North Carolina? What does a Social Security Disability Attorney or Representative do for your claim? Getting a Social Security Disability Attorney or Representative for your case How will an attorney help me win disability benefits? Disability Lawyers, Medical Records, and Social Security Hearings What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee? Can a disability attorney speed up my disability hearing case? Should you get a Disability Lawyer before you File for Disability, or get an answer on your claim? Using a lawyer for a Social Security Disability, SSDI, case If you apply for disability in Ohio Will I qualify for disability Benefits in Ohio? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Ohio How do you appeal your disability denial in Ohio? |
