Reasons You Should Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney

Synopsis

About 8.8 million Americans depend on Social Security Disability support, but the wait to be approved can be too long for some Michiganders, and applicants sometimes won’t receive their decision until it is too late.
The Social Security Administration has seen a considerable increase in the amount of initial and reconsideration disability claims since 2016. Those denied Social Security Disability benefits are waiting on average 543 days for the agency to process their appeal.
Applicants who have someone advocating for them from the start of the application process such as an attorney, have a better chance of being eligible to receive the maximum disability benefits and may be notified sooner.
Attorneys can help gather the right information to determine eligibility by reviewing an applicant’s work history, income and resources, and locate the medical information necessary in preparation for filing the claim, and also assist in appealing the denial of benefits.

Michigan Social Security Disability

Along with 1.1 million other Americans, Michigan remains a top 10 state for the most residents waiting for a Social Security Disability approval or an appeal hearing after being denied. But having an attorney can significantly increase the odds of success for approval without the months of frustration, waiting, and higher possibility of denial due to one error in the application. Here are four reasons why you should hire an attorney to help file your initial claim for disability benefits in Michigan.

They Will Organize Your Claim Documents and Help You Understand Eligibility

To qualify for disability benefits, your condition must have limited your ability to do necessary activities such as lifting, walking or remembering for at least 12 months. A physician must have also determined that you are unable to work as a result of your disability. At this time, an attorney can help organize your claim and gather the right medical documentation in support of your symptoms, or the injuries and related ailments. Paperwork may include a list of the medications you take, type of surgeries and therapies or treatments you have undergone related to your disability, and information provided by your treating physician about your diagnosis.

They Will Gather Your Work History and Determine Disability Classification

An attorney will have the role of gathering information regarding your past relevant work and classifying that to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) requirements for benefits. This is a crucial factor in deciding an allowance for disability.

Two disability programs that pay benefits to disabled people: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability under the Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) program.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This is a cash assistance program for disabled adults and children with limited income, as well as a person over 65 without disabilities. If you have never worked, you may be eligible for these benefits if you have limited income and resources.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):This benefit is payable under Title II of the Social Security Act and designed to support people who are disabled and have worked and paid into Social Security for the requisite period to receive SSDI benefits. The average monthly payment to disabled workers was $1,234.74 in March 2019, according to SSA reports. Funds are paid for by workers and companies through their taxes; however, there are certain limitations and sensitive exclusions.

A determination must be made as to whether you have eligibility for one or both of those programs. If you have a very serious illness and you meet other qualifications for benefits, then you may be able to receive benefits sooner under the Compassionate Allowances List Program (CAL).

They Will Help You Apply Using the Correct Documents

When ready, the next step is to apply for SSI, SSDI – or both. Experienced attorneys and their staff will be available to help you fill out the required paperwork and submit the correct forms that the SSA has requested.

Once the application has been completed, the average wait time to receive a determination is between 4-6 months, but since 2016’s backlog – much longer. Benefits can be applied for online, in person or by phone with the help of an attorney.

They Will Provide Constant Support

Sometimes applicants will need to wait an extended time for their approval determination, and they may feel natural angst and discouragement during this process. Whether it be an attorney or their legal staff, someone will always be available to be in constant contact with the agency regarding any information that they need or answer any questions that they have on your behalf.

The process of applying, being denied, or waiting on a benefit decision can be challenging to cope with. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, our staff works closely with various agencies to ensure all the information is timely submitted for your case and keeps a close eye on your application while it is pending. If the SSA has decided to deny your claim, you must request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 65 days from the date of the denial. If you are appealing a decision, you can expect to wait anywhere from six months to two years for a hearing date. Avoid unnecessary stress by hiring an experienced social security disability attorney to immediately file the appeal for you.

To Receive Disability Benefits, Contact a Michigan Social Security Disability Attorney Today

Whether you are wondering if you qualify for benefits, are struggling to understand the documentation needed to file a claim or have already been denied and are appealing the SSA’s decision, we can help. We have a long history of winning cases and obtaining significant financial compensation for our clients.

If you live in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Traverse City or anywhere in between and you have a social security disability question, call the attorneys at Lee Steinberg’s office at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733). You can also fill out the Disability Case Evaluation Form and get started with a free consultation.

Also read: How to Apply for Michigan Social Security Disability Benefits

Video Transcript

Why do I need an attorney to help me file an initial claim for benefits, for social security disability benefits? So there are four reasons why you should hire an attorney to help you file your initial claim for disability benefits.

Number one, an attorney will help you organize the claim and gather your medical documentation in support of your symptoms or your ailments that you’re claiming.

Number two, the attorney will have the role of gathering information regarding your past relevant work and classifying that to the Social Security Administration. And believe it or not, that is actually a very, very important key factor in making a determination regarding allowance for disability.

Number three, the attorney or their staff would be available to help you fill out any requisite paperwork and any forms that the Social Security Administration is requiring of you.

And number four is that the attorney or their staff , again, will always be available to be in constant contact with the agency regarding any information that they need or any questions that they have.

And if you consult an attorney and you have somebody advocating for you through the initial application process, your chances, again, of winning or being awarded at the initial application will be greatly maximized at that point. If you or a loved one have any questions regarding social security disability benefits, give us a call. We will be more than happy to assist you and answer any questions that you may have.