When will a disability lawyer decide to take your case?On this site, we've discussed a number of aspects of disability claim representation, such as what a disability lawyer typically does on a case, what the fee for representation is, and to what extent having a representative can increase the odds of winning disability benefits. These are typically the questions that claimants who are considering looking for representation will think to ask. However, most claimants never consider the possibility that they might have difficulty finding representation. There are disability lawyers and non-attorney representatives who will decline taking a person's case because of one of the following: 1. The claimant has not filed a claim yet. 2. The claimant has not been denied yet. 3. The claimant has been denied by a judge (in these cases, the lawyer may ask to see a copy of the judge's decision letter before deciding whether or not to assist the claimant). However, disability lawyers who decline to assist someone based on one of these reasons are becoming more of a minority. In recent years, those who represent individuals filing for disability have begun to realize that it can be unwise to arbitrarily avoid someone's case simply because they have not received a notice of denial yet. The fact of the matter is that most applicants do get denied; therefore, lawyers who assist claimants before the denial has occurred are providing a higher level of service. One clear way of doing this is by lessening the chance that the individual will fail to file their needed appeal paperwork in a timely manner (missed appeal deadlines are fairly common). Furthermore, lawyers who take on claimants prior to the actual filing of a disability application can help their clients submit paperwork that is better prepared and, in some cases, more likely to be approved at an earlier level, versus the need for a hearing at some point (claimants who do not win their cases early on and are put in the position of having to request a hearing will often find that their case gets stuck in the system for 2-3 years or longer). 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: Will I Qualify For 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 Why is Charcot-marie-tooth not on the Social Security Disability list of impairments? Do you get SSI back benefits from the time you were disabled? Why do I keep getting denied for disability? Will I qualify for Social Security Disability SSI in California Getting a Social Security Disability SSI Attorney in California How long do disability claims take in California and why |
