Do you really need an attorney when applying for SSI or SSDI? The main reason to hire a disability attorney to help with Social Security Disability is that you are three times more likely to be approved for SSI or SSDI with representation. While it is perfectly acceptable to apply on your own and there is a chance that you will be approved, statistics show that individuals with representation have a much higher chance of being approved.
The first thing that an attorney can help with is the initial application. One of the most important parts of the application is detail. An attorney that has experience in disability law can build an application that has the best chance of being approved by the Social Security Administration. They will help you focus on the facts that are most important to arguing your case.
Attorneys experienced in disability law are very familiar with the blue book listings. This blue book contains the listing of impairments that can help qualify you for SSI but it can be very confusing to understand.
In addition, the attorney will help to guide you through the entire process of the application. Applying for Social Security Disability takes time and being uninformed or missing deadlines lowers your chances of winning your case.
While this stage is largely similar to the initial application, new evidence may be added that can help your case. Your attorney will be able to help you with this step. Often times this stage has the same outcome as the first but it is important to continue to meet your deadlines and continue seeing your health professionals.
As with all levels of applying for SSI and SSDI, it is not required that your have attorney representation. However, the Administrative Law Judge hearing is your best chance of being approved for Social Security benefits. During this stage your chances of being approved are highly improved by having an attorney that is skilled with disability law.
Before your hearing your attorney can prepare you for the questions you will be asked at the hearing. A vocational expert will be at the hearing, their job is to determine if there are any jobs in the economy that you may be able to perform. A disability expert is equipped to represent you and explain why you deserve benefits.
You should seek help from an attorney as early as possible. This will help ensure that you have a strong case through the entire process. Creating a strong case from the very beginning is very important to your overall success.
If you are considering applying for Social Security in Arkansas, be sure to give Wren Law Firm a call. We can help review your case and provide you with representation that comes with 20+ years of experience. For a full explanation of the process of applying for Social Security Disability, read our definitive guide.