Should I get a representative for my disability claim?Some disabled individuals do not actually need to consider attorney representation for a disability claim until the hearings level of appeal (i.e. the Social Security Disability hearing). That being said, however, some disability applicants are not able to handle their paperwork or file the appeal in a timely manner. In fact, a significant percentage of claimants fail to file their paperwork in a way that gives them the most advantage and many fail to submit all their required forms by the deadline. The effect of missing a deadline, of course, is that a claimant may have to start over with a new claim which amounts to wasting months of valuable time. Consequently some disability applicants will need to have a representative at the initial claim or reconsideration appeal level. Should you get a representative? When considering this question, you should do whatever works for you. You do not have to have a representative at any step in the process. You do not even have to have a representative at the hearing level. However, with regard to hearings, you should consider the fact that an average individual knows nothing about Social Security law. If you will be attending a disability hearing, you should certainly be prepared and attempt to maximize your chance of winning (especially since it can take 1-2 years to get a hearing scheduled). Like all hearings, of course, (not just disability hearings) it is usually wise to have a representative who is familiar with the law, in this case social security law. In fact, statistics seem to indicate that 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: Disability Knee pain North Carolina Should I be Represented by a Lawyer or a Non-Attorney Disability Representative? What is the Role of a Social Security Disability Representative? Getting a Social Security Disability Representative for your case Will an attorney or representative help me win North Carolina disability benefits? Should I get a disability representative or lawyer in North Carolina? Claim for SS Disability - What does an attorney or Representative charge? Responsibilities of the Disability Representative Before and After the Social Security Hearing Should I Pay a Disability Attorney a 21% Fee? Filing a second application for disability Apply for SSI Disability Benefits in South Carolina How long does it take to get a disability decision in South Carolina? How do you qualify for disability in South Carolina? |