If you have become disabled and are no longer able to work, you can file for disability, but there are a few things you should know before you do this. Obviously, you need to have paid into the Social Security program to receive benefits, and you also need to have worked a certain amount of time to receive benefits. How much time will depend upon your age. If you are ready to apply for disability benefits, you should consider consulting with local disability lawyers. The following are three reasons to consider doing this.
If the process of filing seems overwhelming
The paperwork involved in a disability claim can be daunting for many people. And this is not just the forms that need to be filled out, but also supporting documentation for your disability. This is an area that people filing on their own routinely fail to do properly. The Social Security Disability office will not grant you benefits unless your disability is clearly documented. This will usually include medical records and sometimes a statement from your doctor. An attorney can look at your disability and tell you what documentation you need to include with your application.
If you are unsure that your disability qualifies for benefits
If you have even the least doubt whether your disability will qualify you for benefits, you should consult with an attorney. What you consider a disability may be much different that how the rules are written. These rules are very specific. Not only must your disability be recognized as such, but you must also demonstrate that this disability prevents you from earning a living. Of course, a disability can also be temporary because the long-term outlook for recovery is good. In this case, you still may qualify for temporary disability. Your injury doesn't have to be permanent.
If you have been denied benefits
If you have already applied for disability and your claim was denied, you are entitled to an appeal. At this point, if you want to have the best chance at having your appeal granted, you should hire an attorney. An attorney can review your application, along with any supporting documentation, and then look at the reason your application was denied. Often an attorney can spot what the issue was and may be able to help you with your appeal.
The Social Security Disability office routinely denies applications for benefits. The important thing to be aware of is that many of these people have a qualifying disability, even though their applications rejected. They simply did not fill out the forms properly, or in many cases, they failed to document their disability. It is best to have an attorney from the beginning of your application process, but if you do the work yourself and are denied benefits, make sure to consult with an attorney before you appeal the decision.
Share