Let’s face it – the majority of disability claimants are initially denied their benefits by Social Security Administration (SSA). Needless to say, the claim process could take several weeks or months, including many steps along the way to bring an outcome.
Ideally, you should consult a disability attorney in Bay Area, San Francisco, or elsewhere to file an SSDI or SSI claim to maximize your chances of approval. If your claim has been denied, you can appeal for reconsideration and an attorney can assist with legal proceedings at each step.
If you are applying for social security disability and wondering how an attorney can help, this guide can be helpful for you. Continue reading to know more.
SSI and SSDI – What’s the Difference?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is given to a worker who has acquired sufficient work credits whereas Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits are provided to low-income individuals who have earned adequate work credits.
SSI and SSDI are two separate governmental programs. For both, you need to provide medical evidence to prove your disability. However, which program you can apply for depends on your income, how many work credits you have earned, and other factors.
A qualified disability lawyer can advise you on these in detail and narrow down the best options to support your claim.
Why Hire a Disability Attorney?
If your disability benefits application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Keep in mind that the reconsideration process for SSDI or SSI claims can be extensive and complicated. It is wise to approach a reliable disability attorney to navigate the process of filing and what happens afterward.
Case Evaluation
Some medical conditions may make it tough to understand your level of certainty if you qualify for disability benefits. The best way is to receive a quick preliminary evaluation from an attorney. A lawyer will consider a few things, such as your ability to work, the severity of your condition, and more to receive the benefits you deserve.
Assist with Social Security Claim
If you decide to apply for social security benefits, fill out an application and send it to SSA. It must include detailed information about your medical history and income. While you can file the claim on your own, hiring a disability attorney can help avoid potential mistakes.
Representation in Court
In some situations, your disability application can be denied due to certain reasons. If this happens, you still have the option to request a social security disability hearing. During this process, ALJ reviews your claim and asks questions to decide whether they overrule the decision that was made previously.
It is beneficial to have a lawyer on your side for paperwork and legal representation to receive maximum benefits.
Conclusion:
From initial application to hearing and beyond, a disability lawyer can help you understand how to present your case in the most favorable manner. A legal professional will gather relevant medical evidence, draft a detailed summary for the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and prepare for a hearing.
At the next stages of appeal, an attorney can help you create legal arguments to showcase that social security wrongly denied your case. A legal practitioner can guide you through the process of filing an application, requesting reconsideration, hearing with ALJ, filing an appeal at Appeals Council, and filing a civil action in Federal District Court.
So, if you are dealing with social security dispute, hiring a disability attorney can be beneficial. Along with understanding SSI and SSDI claims, several other accidents can occur in the workplace. If you believe you deserve benefits for work injuries or illness, consult a work accident attorney in Santa Rosa, California, or other locations to deal with an array of cases and have a good success rate.
