How a Social Security Lawyer Can Improve Your Chances of Approval

Navigating your Social Security benefits can be complicated and overwhelming. There are seemingly endless amounts of documents and evidence you must provide. And even if you do everything right, there’s no guarantee you’ll be approved.

This is why more people are hiring disability lawyers. With a keen understanding of laws and procedures, they can not only guide you through the process but also greatly improve your chances of approval.

SSDI Vs. SSI: The Key Differences

First, let’s discuss an important distinction you should know about: SSDI vs. SSI.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program offers financial support to individuals who are injured or ill and have been disabled for over 12 months, or expect to be disabled for at least that long. To qualify, you must have earned “credits” by working at least five of the last ten years while contributing to the Social Security system.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program is for individuals who lack sufficient work credits and have assets below the poverty level. If you have income from a spouse or household members, or assets over a few thousand dollars (excluding your home or primary vehicle), you will likely be denied Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Because of these strict criteria, few people qualify for SSI.

This post will explore how a Social Security disability lawyer can improve your chances of SSDI approval.

Securing Your Benefits

Why hire a Social Security disability lawyer? Isn’t that a waste of money for something you can do yourself?

It’s not. Let’s look at why.

Preparing Applications

The SSDI application is lengthy and complicated. Applicants often must travel to a Social Security office for an in-person interview. Many applicants get rejected at this early stage due to inaccurate or incomplete paperwork, not showing up for appointments, or other seemingly small mistakes.

An attorney can help you navigate the paperwork to avoid getting rejected, as well as counsel you before the in-person interview. 

Securing Evidence

Once you make it past the initial application process, you’ll be asked to submit evidence supporting your claim. This is a federal requirement. 

Evidence includes:

• Medical evidence from hospitals, clinics, or other health facilities that document the nature, severity, and length of your impairment.
• Documentation of pain or other symptoms, including medication or treatments you’ve used for relief.

Your lawyer has an in-depth understanding of the types of documentation that Social Security accepts, so you have a better chance of approval.

Appeals

If you’re rejected at any stage of the application process, you’re entitled to an appeal. The system relies on people not appealing, as it can take eight to ten months and requires a hearing before a judge.

A disability lawyer will make sure all your evidence has been collected and organized to provide you with a well-prepared case. 

Through every stage of the process, a good lawyer will help you get the disability payments you deserve.

Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyers

An experienced SSDI attorney can increase your chances of being approved for Social Security benefits. Lipsey & Clifford, Attorneys at Law, have lawyers experienced in Social Security disability cases.