Your Lawyer’s Role in Your SSD Benefits Case
Many people are hesitant to hire an Orlando Social Security Lawyer for help with their SSD benefits case. They may believe that they can handle the application and appeal process on their own, or they may think they can’t afford a lawyer.
If you are wondering if you should hire a lawyer to assist with your disability benefits case, please consider the following:
A lawyer can help you to file your application.
Preparing and submitting an application for SSD benefits is not as easy and straightforward as it may seem. There is more to it than simply putting down your personal information and checking off a few boxes.
You have to make sure that you understand what information the Social Security Administration (SSA) is seeking, including information about your medical condition. For example, it will significantly help your application if you have your doctor submit a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form, which assesses your ability to work given your mental or physical condition.
An Orlando Social Security lawyer can make sure your application is accurate and provides all of the information that the SSA (actually, a Disability Determination Services team) to make a decision about your application. Your Social Security attorney can also make sure that your application is filed in as timely of a manner as possible.
A lawyer can help you appeal a denied claim.
Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of SSD benefits applications are denied. In some cases, the application is denied for technical reasons. However, in most cases, the application is denied for medical reasons. In short, the SSA does not believe that your medical condition qualifies as a disability. An attorney can help you to overcome this obstacle.
First, an attorney can make sure that you file the proper paperwork for an appeal in a timely manner. Your first option is to file a request for reconsideration. You must file this request within 60 days after your appeal is denied. If your claim is denied again, you must file a request for a hearing – again, within 60 days after you receive your denial notice. You can request an Appeals Council review or file a lawsuit in the nearest U.S. District Court if your claim continues to be denied.
Second, your attorney can help present the most up-to-date and complete medical evidence in your appeal, improving your chance of success so that you do not have to continue appealing your case and can receive the benefits you need.
An attorney can track your case and help to speed up the process.
Seeking disability benefits can be a long and frustrating process. An attorney can closely track your claim and, if possible, take steps to speed up a decision.
For instance, a social security lawyer can:
- Help you to file your application through the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program. This program expedites claims for those who suffer from conditions that are so severe that they will clearly amount to a disability.
- Pursue an on-the-record review of your case. This is a way of preparing a written argument on your behalf and avoiding the need to wait for a hearing.
- Write a dire need letter on your behalf. If you are facing a major hardship such as losing your home as you wait on a hearing, an attorney can argue for your case to be expedited.
A lawyer can represent you at your hearing.
If your case goes to the hearing stage, your lawyer can make sure you are fully prepared for it and can present the strongest case possible to the administrative law judge who will make a decision on your claim.
A hearing is similar to a trial. Evidence is presented, and witnesses testify. In particular, experts will speak at the hearing and give opinions as to whether you meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability. It will be important to have an attorney on hand who can challenge experts who assert that you do not meet this definition and clarify for the administrative law judge why you are unable to work due to your condition.
A lawyer can help you to seek other benefits.
A lawyer can simply be there for you.
At Frank M. Eidson, P.A., we treat our clients like family. We take a personal interest in you and your case and fight hard for you. Our goal is to help you get through a tough time and ultimately secure the benefits you are due.
To learn more, contact us today by phone or through our online form. We serve clients in Orlando, Winter Park and throughout Florida. We can review your case for free, and we won’t charge for our services unless you obtain benefits.
