People with disability, defined as mental or physical impairment which limits one’s performance in major life activities, are often victims of social and professional discrimination. Some are even discriminated against at work even if they have the ability and are well-adept to the job.
In countries like the United States, discrimination against people with disability is really an issue that’s why there are federal laws protecting their welfare.
With the passage of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities are well-protected and given equal opportunities in public transportation, employment and accommodations. Among the rights of a disabled worker is the Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI, a form of social security net which gives benefits to Americans who are unable to work because of their disability.
Not all disabilities are covered by the SSDI that’s why one of the best options available is to appeal for social security disability benefits. However, your disability does not guarantee you immediate benefits. In fact, an estimated 65% of social security applications are denied on first appeal. It is highly-recommended that you hire an experienced social security lawyer who will help you increase your chances in winning your appeal.
A social security disability lawyer is an expert in offering legal advice to people claiming social security disability benefits and cases. In fact, these disability lawyers do wonders in expediting your disability claims. They will help you understand better the legalities of your case and gives you assistance in claiming your benefits as quickly as possible.
In the United States, various law firms offer social security disability assistance to claimants. Here are some important factors to consider in hiring a good social security attorney:
Understand the need for a security disability attorney
People pursuing disability claims recognize that in doing so, they are facing a tough battle with the federal government. There are a lot of important things to consider in filing a social security claim. Social security benefits are divided into two programs, the supplemental security income (SSI) and the social security disability insurance (SSDI). The former are intended for disabled people who are over 65 and have limited resources. The latter deals with employees with disability who worked longer and recently qualified for benefits.
A security disability lawyer helps you identify which specific program to apply for and helps you get through the overall application process. This includes gathering of important evidence and putting them together to form your application.
A social security lawyer will help you understand the legalities of these programs. An appeal made by a professional special security attorney assures at least 600% more chances of claiming your past due benefits. Disability lawyers also provide representation in court during appeals and denials to speed up claims.
You may have the option to go to court for your claims unrepresented. However, there’s a real slim chance of winning disability claims and benefits. Special social security advocates and attorneys prepare their cases with winning as their utmost goal. Choose a social security attorney who works best with your personality and whom you feel comfortable enough to discuss your problems and help resolve your case.
Research law firms and do background checks with your chosen disability lawyer
A good social security disability lawyer saves you time and effort in pursuing your claims with the social security system. Their mastery and years of experience accounts for their expertise and fees that they command per case. Special security disability attorneys see to it that claimants are entitled for full benefits once the appeal is made. Law firms set-up special toll-free hotlines and websites so you can freely choose which social security lawyer you prefer.
It is best to select an attorney who truly specializes in disability claims. Their experiences and capabilities will help you achieve your social security disability claim as painless as possible. Their years of expertise and number or cases they won and represented in court also proves heavily in their favor.
Keep in mind that trust should be established early on your professional relationship. Look for someone reliable and trustworthy and avoid someone who’s inaccessible for your concerns most of the time.
Check fees and other charges when hiring a security disability attorney
Filing for disability claims involves culling a lot of medical records and doing paperwork to be presented during court hearings. Special security attorneys, aside from doing the legal study, help you with paper work and handle the costs of getting your medical records to the security system.
Consultations with disability lawyers are free, depending on the law firm that you were able to contact. If the SSD or SSI case is won, a security disability attorney will receive a maximum fee of $6000 or equivalent to a client’s 25 percent back pay. These fees are given after disbursements at the social security department are made.
Choose special security disability advocates who have your welfare in mind. Create a binding fee agreement between two parties so you will be assured of equal compensation once the SSD or SSI decisions were handed down by the court. Payment varies depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.
Avoid social security lawyers who charge more than what they should. Look for an attorney who doesn’t charge exorbitantly and adds more payments based on the time spent on your case. It still best to look for special security disability attorneys who work on a contingent basis or collects fees once the case is won.
Over-all, claiming social security benefits proves to be a tedious process. It requires time, effort and determination to win and recognize the rights that should be yours. Never be daunted with your disabilities as there are a lot of disability lawyers who are willing to give you a hand should the need arise.