Let’s find you a Local Disability Lawyer.
Answer a few questions so we can find you the most qualified attorneys.
If you are a citizen of the United States who is disabled and unable to work long term, you may qualify for social security disability insurance. While the benefits of receiving disability insurance may be huge, the process of getting approved is not always that easy. In fact, the vast majority of claims are initially denied. You have the right to appeal, but if you choose to represent yourself in court and lose your case, you’ll probably have to re-apply all over again. Even worse, it can take over a year to be schedule another hearing. In order to avoid such issues and ensure the best possible outcome, you may want to hire an attorney who specializes in this type of law. Not only will it increase the chances of getting approved, it will allow the complexities of your case to be heard by a professional who can guide you through a difficult process.
What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
There are two main types of federal disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both of these programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are only available to people with disabilities who meet the medical criteria set forth by the administration.
SSDI is a program that pays benefits to you and your family if you have worked for a long enough period of time, whereas SSI is a program that pays benefits to disabled children and adults with limited financial resources. SSI reaches only the lowest-income adults and most severely impaired children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome and blindness. Their families are often met with higher costs and are in need of financial assistance as a result.
Disabled veterans may be eligible for other additional benefits if they’ve been diagnosed with service-related disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome or toxic chemical exposure.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Expert Disability Lawyer?
If you have applied for disability insurance and were initially denied, don’t panic. Two thirds of appeals on disability matters are won at the hearing stage. While you can represent yourself at the hearing, an experienced lawyer representing you in court can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Many people who appear before an administrative judge have no idea how to properly represent themselves during the hearing, and lack any real strategy to ensure that they’re awarded benefits. A knowledgeable and experienced lawyer will know what details and specific evidence the judge is looking for in order to demonstrate that a claimant is disabled. An attorney who has experience with SSDI and SSI claims also knows what questions to ask and how to best proceed after the initial denial.
Statistics show that applicants are twice as likely to be approved at a hearing if they have adequate legal representation. A good lawyer can benefit you in a number of ways. They can:
- Help you acquire the right medical records
- Obtain physicians’ opinions of your medical condition
- Prepare you for questions asked by the Administrative Judge during the hearing
- Ask the vocational expert (hired by the SSA for the hearing) critical questions during cross-examination
Also, an experienced attorney might be familiar with many of the judges you are likely to face at your hearing. As such, they can adjust their strategy accordingly.
How Much Does a SSDI/SSI Lawyer Cost?
While the vast majority of people would benefit from expert legal assistance, many forego this important step because they’re worried about how much it costs. The good news is that most disability lawyers work on a contingency basis. That is, they only accept payment upon acceptance of your claim with a rate cap of 25% or $6,000 of the back pay owed to the claimant (whichever is lower). This means that if your claim is denied, the attorney’s fees will be waived.
Working with Us
If you are unable to work and would like to apply for disability benefits, a top rated specialist in disability law can help with your initial application and appeal. Although it’s possible for you to successfully file a claim without a lawyer, an experienced professional can guide you through the process and increase your chances of getting approved.
At Legal Jack, you’ll find top disability lawyers near you with the resources to help you every step of the way. From help with physician visits to obtaining medical records, gathering additional information and crafting a powerful legal argument, we can help. Our team understands the challenges involved with searching online for the right lawyer. It can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process that entails reading reviews on local attorney websites, comparing ratings, evaluating costs and scheduling consultations.
Legal Jack helps people across the United States find a better lawyer more quickly, and with less stress. We’ll match you with some of the best, most affordable disability lawyers in your area to provide the legal assistance you need – at no cost to you. For a free consultation, give us a call us today.
