Do you need a lawyer for a Disability Claim in Illinois?   Disability lawyers and non-attorney disability representatives in Illinois are only paid if they win a claimant's case. This is because what they receive as their fee is a percentage of the back pay. If the case is not won, there is no back pay and, thus, there is no fee (How much does a Social Security Disability attorney get paid?). The fact that a representative can only be paid if they win the claim provides a strong and powerful incentive to properly prepare a case (such as obtaining the necessary evidence, which may include functional capacity statements from treating physicians) and properly present it. If the case advances to the hearing level (most do), then the representative's presentation will include a working case theory that is supported by Social Security administrative regulations. However, even considering the nature of how a disability attorney or representative is paid, most disability representatives have the goal of providing solid and helpful representation for their clients. Most will strive to win their client's cases for two other reasons: A) they wish to build upon their local reputation which advertises a high rate of success and B) they are empathetic to the plight of their clients, which is simply the fact that if the case is lost their client often faces financial ruin. Do you need a lawyer for a disability claim in Illinois? At the initial claim level (the disability application), some would find this debatable. Thirty percent of cases at this level are awarded. However, this also means that 70 percent of claims are lost at this level. A proactive representative can get a claimant' case won at even the initial claim level (disability application). And many would argue that if a representative is involved from the beginning of the case, the evidence will be properly developed so as to not disadvantage the case later. What about individuals who have been denied on a disability application? At that point, representation does make sense because these individuals will typically also be denied on their first appeal, which is the request for reconsideration, and will consequently have to ask for a second appeal which involves a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Going to a hearing without representation is an extreme gamble. About forty percent of claimants who do not have representation at this level win their claims. However, for represented claimants, over sixty percent win their claims. That represents a sizeable gap between winning or not winning, based on whether or not representation is involved. Keep in mind that it can take up to three years or longer, counting from the time that a case was first initiated, to get to the hearing level. To go to a hearing therefore, and not be sufficiently prepared, is really not wise. 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? Filing for disability in Illinois Applying for disability in Illinois How do you apply for Social Security Disability or SSI in Illinois Filing for disability in Illinois, when to file After you apply for Social Security Disability or SSI in Illinois Are you automatically denied for SSDI or SSI in Illinois when you first apply? Filing Illinois request for reconsideration after denied Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in Illinois? Options after Social Security Disability is Denied in Illinois Hiring a Qualified Disability Lawyer in Illinois Do you need a lawyer for a Disability Claim in Illinois? Disability attorneys, lawyers in Illinois Choosing a Disability Attorney in Illinois What will an Illinois disability attorney do? Will hiring a disability attorney in Illinois get me a disability award? Social Security Disability Representatives and help in Illinois Social Security Claims and Disability Lawyers in Illinois Illinois disability appeals Filing a disability appeal in Illinois Which disability appeal to file in Illinois How many disability appeals do you get in Illinois? Getting a Disability Appeal on time in Illinois Eligibility, approvals, and qualifications in Illinois How to Qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI in Illinois Can a Specific Medical Problem get you Approved for Disability in Illinois? Eligibility and Qualifications for Disability in Illinois Can you get disability approved in Illinois at the reconsideration level? Miscellaneous questions about SSD SSI in Illinois Can you get disability in Illinois on your first try? How many Social Security Disability and SSI cases get denied in Illinois? Disability denial in Illinois, when to get a lawyer Social Security Disability Waiting period in Illinois Will I lose my SSDI SSI disability benefits in Illinois when my case is reviewed? Illinois disability hearings How to Prepare for a Disability Hearing in Illinois Odds of disability approval in Illinois better at a hearing vs reconsideration Illinois disability attorney representation after being denied Illinois mental disability Approved for disability in Illinois with a mental condition Mental testing for an SSDI or SSI disability claim in Illinois Filing for Disability with depression in Illinois Illinois disability decisions Who makes the SSD or SSI decision in Illinois How long does it take to get a disability decision in Illinois? What is the Social Security Disability decision making process in Illinois? Illinois disability, working and work credits Work credits in Illinois to be covered for Social Security Disability How to get your disability status in Illinois If you get and receive disability benefits in Illinois, can you work? Can you apply for Social Security Disability or SSI in Illinois if you are working? Illinois disability denials Why is Social Security Disability and SSI Denied in Illinois? Denied on a Disability Reconsideration in Illinois Illinois Disability Claim was Denied, Should I Reapply? Denied the second time for Social Security Disability in Illinois