If you develop a severe disability that prevents you from working, you might apply for Social Security disability benefits to obtain financial assistance. However, the SSD application process can seem daunting and confusing for many people. The good news is that hiring a Social Security disability attorney can help make the process less stressful. How does an attorney speed up the application process for SSD benefits? Let’s answer this question at length.
The Social Security Disability Benefits Application Process
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits begins with filing an initial application. The Social Security Administration will review an individual’s application to determine their eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income before passing the application to a state Disability Determination Services office to determine whether the applicant has a qualifying disability.
The SSA denies the majority of disability benefits applications it receives. However, the agency provides applicants with an administrative appeals process, which involves three stages. First, an applicant can request reconsideration of their application. If the SSA upholds its denial decision, the applicant can request a hearing before an administrative law judge to present evidence and arguments. Finally, if the administrative law judge also rules against the applicant, they can file an appeal with the SSA’s Appeals Council.
How a Disability Benefits Attorney Can Speed Up the Process
Hiring an attorney to represent you during your application for SSD benefits can also make the application process more efficient. Some of the ways that an SSD lawyer can help speed up the application process include:
- Ensuring that you file a complete and accurate application, including correctly filling out forms and submitting all necessary supporting documentation, to reduce the risks of delays or rejection due to technical errors
- Communicating with the Social Security Administration on your behalf, including handling requests for additional documents and checking on the progress of the review of your application
- Working with your medical providers to ensure you have complete and updated records and to obtain written statements regarding your condition and functional capacity
- Handling preparation for administrative hearings or appeals to ensure you have a compelling case ready and do not have to scramble for evidence, written statements, or witnesses
Additional Advantages of Hiring a Missouri Disability Lawyer
Some of the other advantages of hiring a Missouri SSD attorney to help you apply for disability benefits include:
- Familiarity with local Social Security Administration and Disability Determination Services offices, including office personnel, claims examiners, and administrative law judges
- Experience with identifying unique circumstances that may qualify an applicant for expedited review of their application
- Guidance that can help applicants avoid mistakes that may delay their application processing or result in the denial of their application, which would require them to file an administrative appeal or a new application
- Legal knowledge that can help develop compelling arguments for an application when pursuing an administrative hearing or an appeal before the Appeals Council
Social Security disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that applicants do not have to pay money up front to obtain legal counsel. Instead, lawyers get paid a percentage of an applicant’s back pay award if they help the applicant qualify for benefits.
Contact Our Firm Today for Advocacy and Support
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can seem stressful, but you don’t have to go through the application process alone. Contact Crowe & Shanahan today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an SSD attorney to learn how our legal representation can help you pursue the disability benefits you need as efficiently as possible.