The process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated and overwhelming for many claimants who are also struggling with a debilitating medical condition.

There are many benefits to working with a Social Security Disability lawyer who has important experience dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and who is familiar with the laws related to this process. A lawyer will help your claim in the following ways:

Conduct a Review of Your Case

No matter where you are in the application process, your attorney will review the details of your claim with you to determine the best option for moving forward. If your claim has been denied, he or she will determine the reason for the denial and will advise of the best way to appeal the decision. Your consultation with our lawyers is free, and because we work on a contingency fee basis, we do not charge any fees upfront and only get paid if you are awarded benefits.

Ensure that Your Application for Benefits Is Complete

Unlike claimants who are likely completing an application for benefits for the first time, Social Security Disability lawyers are experienced in submitting applications to the SSA. They know what information to include to ensure it is complete.

One common mistake claimants make is to submit an incomplete application, which can lead to delays or a denial of benefits. Most applicants are denied during the initial stages of the application process, so it is important to avoid common mistakes like this. Your lawyer can ensure your application is thorough and complete.

Your attorney can also help you avoid your claim being denied based on a technicality. A significant number of applications are denied before any medical facts are even considered by SSA representatives for reasons that are not related to the applicant’s disability. This can include errors in your information or medical records or missing details that are vital to the SSA’s disability requirements.

Collect Medical Evidence to Support Your Claim

A lawyer can help gather the necessary medical evidence you need to support your claim. This evidence is the most important component of your case. Medical evidence can establish that you meet the SSA’s disability requirements, which require that your medical condition:

  • Has lasted or will last one year or result in your death
  • Prevents you from being able to work in your current occupation
  • Prevents you from being able to do any other type of work

After you sign a medical records release, your lawyer can gather your medical records from all of your medical providers. He or she can help collect any missing information and may recommend that you see a specialist or another physician about one of your medical conditions to further bolster your claim. He or she can also sort through all of this information to find the most relevant information to submit to the SSA.

File Appeals

Many applications are initially denied, making it important to understand the appeals process. A Social Security Disability lawyer is familiar with the various steps of the appeals process and can help ensure that all appeals are completed in a timely manner.

For example, a claimant must request a hearing within 60 days if his or her claim is denied during reconsideration. The process of requesting an appeal requires several detailed forms and information with which your attorney will be familiar.

Additionally, if new evidence is available, your lawyer can submit this information in a timely manner to ensure the administrative law judge will consider it.

Represent You at Hearings

Many disability claims are won at the hearing level. If you were denied benefits and you appeal, you will likely have a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. While less formal than a typical court hearing, there are still procedures and important requirements that need to be handled correctly.

Your lawyer will be experienced in helping claimants through the hearing process. He or she will likely coach you on how to answer questions and what to say and not say during the hearing.

Contact a Lawyer for Help Today

For help with your claim, contact a Social Security Disability lawyer. The attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan have helped claimants at all stages of the application and appeals process secure benefits they need and deserve.

We provide a free consultation to inform you of the process and how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.